Congratulations to our 2024-2025 Malnati Scholar Dollar Recipients!
As part of our Tradition of Generosity established in 1971, each year we award our most deserving team members with scholarship money to assist in their higher education. We are proud to invest in both the personal and professional growth of all of our team members. The individuals who receive this scholarship display a strong work ethic in their stores, high academic achievement in the classroom, and are involved outside of work and school in their communities. Their Store and District Managers all spoke highly on their behalf and why they fit the mold of our Malnati DNA and are therefore excellent candidates for the Malnati Scholar Dollars program.
Please join us in congratulating the following 10 individuals who are this year’s recipients! Read up on what the next four years have in store for each of them, including where they are attending school and what they are majoring in. Additionally, hear the impact that working for Lou’s has had on each of them.
Sarah Bird
“I am honored to be chosen, and I will continue to represent the values of Lou Malnati’s throughout the next four years. I am very grateful to Lou Malnati’s for all the support and generosity they have shown me as an employee. I have worked for Lou Malnati’s for two years and my job has allowed me to make connections while also teaching me teamwork and communication. I am very grateful to have received this scholarship and been given the opportunity to continue learning. This will help me succeed in the future and make an impact that Lou Malnati’s will be proud of.”
Sarah is attending Arizona State University and plans to major in Mathematics (Statistics)
Hayden Gaston
“I started working at Lou Malnati’s when I was 16 years old and am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve received since then. I’ve built amazing friendships with my fellow coworkers, and I have gotten to work under great managers like Gilberto Garduno who has demonstrated to me the importance of patience and hard work in the industry. Receiving this scholarship means so much to me. It will it help me pursue my education at Miami University and it demonstrates to me how much Lou Malnati’s cares for its employees and their futures.”
Hayden is attending Miami University and plans to major in Finance & Analytics
Jocelyn Gonzalez
“Being a Phone Worker for Lou’s as my first job was truly the best job I could have ever asked for. I have been taught several management skills, communication skills, and how to be a great leader due to my managers and coworkers. These past two years I have been able to learn more about who I am as an employee and coworker. I am forever grateful to Lou Malnati’s for letting me grow these past few years, since I have learned future working skills and had the opportunity of meeting some of the best people that I will now have for the rest of my life. Again, thank you to Lou Malnati’s for giving me this year’s Malnati Scholar Dollars Program Scholarship.”
Jocelyn is attending Illinois State University and plans to major in Bilingual Elementary Education
Stephanie Haist
“Working at Lou Malnati’s has allowed me to grow so much in their family and community. I’ve learned so many things along the way and have loved seeing the Malnati traditions at work making people feel welcomed and loved. I’m honored to have received this scholarship and so thankful to the Malnati family for helping me to continue growing in my education and career goals and hopefully carry some amazing lessons I’ve learned working for the company with me along the way.”
Stephanie is attending Cornerstone University and plans to major in Social Work
Zoe Hurmi
“Lou Malnati’s was my first ever job. I got the job when I was 15 and I was working with a workers permit. Lou’s is my second home. I absolutely love coming into work everyday because I work with my best friends. This scholarship means the absolute world to me. My family and I have been working on making sure I had enough to go to a four-year college, and this scholarship is helping make it possible. Two things I’ll miss while I’m away are not working at Lou Malnati’s for majority of the year and my cat. I will forever love my C-Ville Lou-ser.”
Zoe is attending Western Illinois University and plans to major in Business Management
Gabriela Pytel
“Work isn’t just about the tasks we complete, but the memories we make and the bonds we build along the way. Lastly: This scholarship is important to me as it allows me to focus on my personal growth while inspiring me to continue to strive for success. Once again, I want to express my deepest gratitude for this incredible opportunity. I am truly honored to be a recipient of the Malnati Scholar Dollars Program.”
Gabriela is attending the University of Illinois Chicago and plans to major in Decision Sciences
Ricardo Sanchez Jr.
“Lou’s was my first job I had, in the six years I have been here, Lou’s helped me be able to learn and develop different skills that are important to have which I am grateful for. Meeting and working with everyone at the Carol Stream location is something that I will always cherish, the support they give me in pursuing a career in education, a career I always wanted, is astounding. This scholarship is something that will also help me be able to work on pursuing that dream.”
Ricardo is attending Elmhurst University and plans to major in Education
Ava Taviani
“I started working at Lou Malnati’s about three years ago. I have loved working there because of the positive and fun work environment. I have the ability to work with co-workers and achieve the tasks needed for the restaurant. I also get the opportunity to strengthen my interpersonal skills, by communicating with customers over the phone and in person. This scholarship will assist me in the financial aspect of furthering my education. With the help from Lou Malnati’s, I can focus on receiving my degree and starting my future career.”
Ava is attending Illinois State University in the fall and plans to major in Elementary Education
Sylvia Witkowski
“From the managers to the kitchen staff, to my fellow phone workers, I’ve found a lifelong family here at Lous. Although you don’t hear it too often nowadays, I can say with full confidence that I look forward to coming to “work” every day and I’m beyond proud to be a part of such an amazing crew. This scholarship will go towards my education, allowing me to pursue my passion of becoming a second grade teacher and raising a new generation of inspirational kids”
Sylvia is attending the University of Illinois and plans to major in Elementary Education
Alyssa Yi
“As it nears my 2-year anniversary working at Lou Malnatis I’ve come to realize all the learning lessons I’ve made through this job. Not only did I meet my best friend Sylvia, but I’ve met some amazing people in the kitchen such as Ruperto and Beto. After slipping on my first day, they were the ones to help me up. The small community I’ve made within this tucked away Mount Prospect Lou’s is irreplaceable. I’ll miss my weekly Sunday shifts with Lou Crew, the lobby packed like sardines in a can on Saturdays, and having salad talks with the best managers: Aaron and Marcela. This scholarship reminds me of the work I put into Lou’s, and how rewarding it is to commit to something meaningful – whether that be a part time job or not. Thank you for the memorable 2 years, making lifelong connections, and most importantly teaching me Lou’s has the best kind of pizza!”
Alyssa is attending the University of Colorado-Boulder and plans to major in Environmental Engineering
Congratulations again to these 10 well-deserving recipients of the 2024 Malnati Scholar Dollars! We appreciate all you have done for Lou Malnati’s and know you will go on to do great things in your future endeavors.
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