The fifth Robert W. Hiller scholarship was awarded to Laura Kummer, Chicago, a student at the French Pastry School in Chicago. The scholarship fund was established by the Wisconsin Bakers Association to support and encourage people who have demonstrated a passion for a profession in baking/pastry arts. One $1,000 scholarship is awarded per academic year to the applicant(s) who best demonstrate this career commitment.

Kummer is entering baking after a 15-year career as a designer for architecture and interior design firms. She had spent much of her free time baking and explored avenues to opening a cookie business before deciding to attend the French Pastry School.

“It was time to challenge myself and begin a new career in the baking industry,” she said in her application essay. “I have both personal and professional goals as I enter in the pastry program and for my future career. I am a creative and artistic person and will be able to expand my creativity in a new discipline.”

The Robert W. Hiller Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 in honor of Robert (Bob) and the late Sandy Hiller’s life-long commitment to the retail baking industry. The program intends to provide a financial resource for the education of students who will be the future of the baking industry.