Indiana University of Pennsylvania Academy of Culinary Arts student Nicolas Ramirez has been selected for the 2026 Michael S. Hanni Memorial Scholarship.
Nicolas Ramirez with Mysti Dinger, assistant director, Student Support Services and IUP navigator
The Michael S. Hanni Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 after the untimely death of Michael S. Hanni. Hanni graduated from the IUP Academy of Culinary Arts program, the Hospitality Management program at IUP, and received his master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from IUP.
Each year, the scholarship is awarded to a student from one of those programs. The Hanni family fundraises for the scholarship through annual events such as Movin It for Michael 5K Walk/Run or 1-Mile Walk.
Ramirez, from Phoenixville, is the son of Pamela Cannon and John Cannon. He is a 2025 graduate of Phoenixville Area High School. He is a student ambassador for the Academy and a residential student worker.
The Academy of Culinary Arts, located in Punxsutawney, is fully accredited by the American Culinary Federation, the maximum accreditation possible for culinary programs in the United States. Graduates of either the Culinary Arts program or the Baking and Pastry Arts program who successfully complete the culinary arts or the baking and pastry arts program receive an associate in applied science (AAS) degree.
Since its founding in 1989, more than 4,200 students have studied at the IUP Academy of Culinary Arts. Graduates of this program continue to be in high demand, working in four-star resorts and facilities and being featured in national publications and in nationally televised cooking competitions. The Baking and Pastry Arts program became a stand-alone program in 2019 to allow for additional growth in this program.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. IUP’s Impact 150 comprehensive campaign is designed to honor a legacy of educational excellence while looking toward a future of innovation, public service, and leadership in healthcare education, including the first college of osteopathic medicine at a public university in the commonwealth.