05 Jan Honoring the Baking Leaders of Tomorrow | AIB’s 191st Graduating Class

Over the past 100 years BEMA has been committed to connecting and educating the baking workforce.  On December 15th AIB (American Institute of Baking International) held a graduation ceremony for the 191st graduating class. Kerwin Brown, President & CEO, BEMA attended the ceremony, presented the commencement speech as well as the BEMA Excellence in Laboratory Leadership award.

The ceremony opened with Brian Strouts, Vice President, Baking and Food Technical Services welcoming attendees inclusive of graduates, program instructors, family, friends, and colleagues in the baking industry.  He shared with the audience the Baker’s Creed.  A document that reflects the pride and responsibility the bakers along with the community in the baking industry follows.

Debbie Rogers, one of the program’s instructors spoke about her experience with the class noting their unique characteristics.   She noted they were known for their hard work and for being social around food.  “Many nights they shared food from their respective countries, they got to know each other and of course, study.” The class of almost 30 was from all over the world representing, US, Mexico, Korea, Japan, Columbia, Guatemala,” said Rogers.

BEMA’s Kerwin Brown, presented the Commencement address to the class.  Brown said, “I was honored to have the opportunity to share a few words of encouragement and a few lessons learned in leadership…my message was centered around a few key words…Be an example, believe in yourself, stay thirsty for knowledge and lean into tough situations as you lead in your company. ”

Brown also presented the BEMA Excellence in Laboratory Leadership award.  Two class members were selected by the BS&T teaching staff and voted upon by a secret ballot.  The recipients of this award demonstrated the following characteristics during their program,

• Demonstrates consistency, fairness, trust and truthfulness with fellow students, staff and instructors
• Performs in a superior manner, continually strives to produce outstanding results while enhancing the learning experience.
• Understands and appreciates  fellow students from different cultures and experiences
• Maintains a fair, straightforward, honorable and open learning environment
• Displays professional esteem and courtesy to all fellow students, staff and instructors, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

The recipients of BEMA’s Excellence in Laboratory Leadership Award are Mark Kelly of Flower’s Foods and Jairo Josue Barrios Ruiz, Grupo Bimbo.   Congratulations to the recipients as well as the entire class for completing the challenging program.

191st AIB graduating class members earning exceptional grades.

AIB 191st graduation