Hospitality Scholarship Furthers Restaurant Manager's Legacy

Students in Pennsylvania College of Technology's School of Hospitality will benefit from a new scholarship fund honoring the recently retired manager of the school's Le Jeune Chef Restaurant.

The Peter Hellermann Scholarship will generate an award of $500 for each spring semester at Penn College until the fund reaches endowed (permanent) status, at which time it is anticipated that the fund will generate at least $1,000 in scholarship awards annually.

The selection criteria for the Peter Hellermann Scholarship calls for recipients to be selected from applicants who are full-time students in any major in the School of Hospitality, and who demonstrate the spirit of hospitality with passion and enthusiasm for service. The award will be used to defray the costs of tuition, books, tools, instructional supplies and other eligible educational expenses.

A large portion of the initial funding for the scholarship comes from a Sept. 10 dinner at Le Jeune Chef Restaurant that served as a tribute to Hellermann.

"I am pleasantly surprised at how many friends of Penn College helped us to create this great scholarship fund to benefit our students in the School of Hospitality in my honor," said Hellermann, whose last day at Penn College was Sept. 18.

"I am overwhelmed to see the greatness and kindness of the people in this area to help these young students in our industry to further their education and knowledge," he said. "A thanks from my heart to all you donors."

"In addition to being a great general manager of Le Jeune Chef, Peter has been a huge supporter of students and the educational process," said Frederick W. Becker, dean of the School of Hospitality. "It's only fitting to have a scholarship in his name to continue supporting hospitality students."

Hellermann grew up in the hospitality industry, first working in his family's Hotel Hellermann in Bigge, Germany. His career has spanned five decades and two continents. He has worked in some of the finest hotels and restaurants in Germany, Switzerland, France, England and the United States.

Before joining the Penn College staff in January 1998, Hellermann spent 30 years in Denver, where he managed country club restaurants and owned and operated two continental restaurants. He and his wife, Kathy, are returning to Colorado, where they will enjoy the company of their family and travel the world.

The first award from the Peter Hellermann Scholarship will be made for the Spring 2008 semester. Eligible students may file applications by Dec. 1. Applications may be filed online . A printable application is also available at that Web site.

Anyone interested in making a gift to the Peter Hellermann Scholarship fund may do so by mail to the Penn College Institutional Advancement Office, One College Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701-5799; or online .

For more information about Penn College, visit on the Web , call toll-free (800) 367-9222 or e-mail .