2024 IMEF Scholarship Winners

The International Milling Education Foundation (IMEF) awarded four scholarships during the IMEF Breakfast on April 17 at the 128th IAOM Conference and Expo in Salt Lake City, UT.

Grain Millers/Christian F. Kongsore Scholarship

In 2014, Grain Millers, Inc. established a scholarship to honor one of its founders, Christian F. Kongsore, who valued education.

The Kongsore Scholarship was created to recognize and support top students in the milling science program at Kansas State University (K-State), his alma mater.

Two $5,000 Grain Millers’-Christian F. Kongsore scholarships were awarded to two K-State students.

Monica Hammeke received her second Kongsore Scholarship. Hammeke is a junior at K-State, pursuing degrees in milling science and management, as well as bakery science and management, with a focus on chemistry.

Raised in Ellinwood, KS, Hammeke’s background in farming sparked her interest in the milling industry, where she sees an opportunity to add value to agricultural products. Through internships, research projects, and leadership roles in the Milling Science Club, she is gaining practical experience and aims to improve product quality and safety in large-scale commercial milling operations post-graduation.

Grace Young is currently a sophomore majoring in milling science-operations and brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her studies and extracurricular activities. With a background in FFA and 4-H, Young has earned accolades such as the FFA American Degree.

She interned with Grain Craft in Blackfoot, ID in 2023 and interned at Grain Millers in St. Ansgar, IA this summer. Her leadership roles in the Milling Science Club and involvement in various organizations demonstrate her commitment to the industry and her desire to contribute positively to its future.

Distinguished Professors’ Scholarship

The IMEF Distinguished Professors’ Scholarship was awarded to two K-State students:

Katherine Stevens is a sophomore in the Grain Science department. Her passion for baking, science, and problem-solving led her to switch majors to milling and baking, a decision she describes as the best for her academic and career future.

Stevens serves on the flour sales team for the Milling Science Club and works in the extrusion lab.
After graduation, she would like to contribute to providing nutrient-dense, affordable food to combat food insecurity, aspiring to work as a quality inspector or researcher in the milling or baking industry.

Camden Kirmer is a junior at K-State, majoring in milling science and management with a minor in agriculture business. With a structured schedule and a solid GPA, he balances his studies with involvement in organizations like the Milling Science Club and the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center Wheat Club.
Kirmer has completed internships with Grain Craft, Amber Wave, and Bühler, gaining hands-on experience in mill operations and leadership roles.

IMEF Scholarship Program
The IMEF Scholarship program was established to support the education of milling science students. IMEF is the philanthropic partner of IAOM. IMEF solicits, manages, and distributes funds for educational programs related to the grain milling industry.