Pictured left to right: Cory Schaeffer, former classmate and friend of Michael; Jennifer Baldwin, scholarship recipient; Sophia Hanni, Michael's sister; and Becky and John Hanni, Michael's parents.
The Michael Hanni Memorial Scholarship fund was established after the passing of Michael Hanni in February 2021. Michael was a 2013 Culinary Arts alumnus. He also completed a bachelor of science degree in hospitality management and a master of arts in student affairs in higher education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Michael’s family and friends created the scholarship in his memory to help college students in need. Education was very important to Michael, and this was a way for his family and friends to honor his memory.
His educational career began at the IUP Academy of Culinary Arts, so it was important for the first award be given to a culinary or baking student.
The first recipient of the Michael Hanni Memorial Scholarship is Jennifer Baldwin, a Baking and Pastry student from Westford, Mass. Jennifer received a $2,500 scholarship to be used for her first year.