Tyler H. Hamm Culinary Scholarship Established
July 10, 2019A new scholarship will foster the development of aspiring culinary arts professionals enrolled at Central Piedmont Community College. The Tyler H. Hamm Culinary Scholarship, established to honor the memory of a former Central Piedmont student who died in a snowboarding accident, will be funded with an initial five-year commitment from Wray Ward, a marketing communications firm based in Charlotte. Tyler was the elder son of public relations lead and longtime Wray Ward employee Tracy Hamm.
"On behalf of our culinary arts program and our culinary students, the college thanks Wray Ward for this generous and thoughtful gift," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. "This scholarship will honor Tyler's memory and celebrate his passion for life, joy of cooking and career path in the culinary arts. We are grateful for and humbled by the Hamm family's decision to have Tyler honored in this way."
Beginning with the 2019-20 academic year in August, one Central Piedmont culinary student will receive the Tyler H. Hamm Culinary Scholarship. Recipients must have the following qualifications:
- Recent (within five years) high school graduate
- North Carolina resident
- Enrolled in the Central Piedmont Culinary Arts program
- At least a half-time student
"Tyler shared his father's kind heart and zest for life," said Jennifer Appleby, president and chief creative officer of Wray Ward. "His fearlessness on and off the slopes will serve as an inspiration to each of us to think bigger and more boldly, and Wray Ward is proud to be a small part of that legacy by helping other aspiring chefs follow their passion and chase their dream."
The Hamms will assist with the award selection process by interviewing candidates identified by the Central Piedmont Foundation's scholarship committee.
"Tyler lived life to the fullest and only knew one direction -- forward," Tracy Hamm said. "By supporting young culinary talent, this scholarship will celebrate our son's chosen career path, his love for cooking and his passion for life."
Wray Ward's commitment will help establish a scholarship endowment and provide expendable annual scholarship funds to be held and administered by the Central Piedmont Foundation. Donations from other individuals and entities will support the scholarship program on a continuing basis.
For more information about the Tyler H. Hamm Culinary Scholarship, contact the Central Piedmont Foundation at 704.330.6869 or visit cpccfoundation.org/donation. Learn more about culinary and hospitality programs on the college website or by calling 704.330.6723. Read more