The Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation is proud to award the 2025 recipients for Mentor and Educators of Excellence. This year, we are awarding Corey Olson from Century High School with the 2025 Hospitality & Tourism Management (HTM) Educator of Excellence award, Jill Hanson from Long Prairie-Grey Eagle High School with the 2025 ProStart Educator of Excellence award, and Rick Guntzel from HSC Brokers with the 2025 ProStart Mentor of Excellence.

• Join us May 22 at the Sheraton Downtown Minneapolis Convention Center for the 2025 Scholarship Luncheon, which will honor these leaders in hospitality and more!

Corey Olson of Century High School in Rochester, MN has championed comprehensive hospitality education for his students. His teaching method incorporates Rochester's growth as a global medical hub anchored by the Mayo Clinic and the Destination Medical Center initiative, granting his students a way to apply what they have learned to their community. His innovative approach bridges theory and practice through unique partnerships with the Mayo Clinic Historic Properties, offering exclusive tours of sites like Mayowood mansion. He connects students with community leaders, restaurant owners, and DMC representatives, providing invaluable real-world exposure. His curriculum fosters deep learning, evidenced by students developing boutique hotel models. For these reasons, and many more, HMEF is proud to honor Corey as the 2025 HTM Educator of Excellence.

Jill Hanson of Long Prairie-Grey Eagle High School in Long Prairie, MN has dedicated her professional career to her small community just west of Little Falls. Through strong partnerships with the local Chamber of Commerce and Senior Center, her students have catered 20 school and community events this year, one as large as for 2,000 people, raising funds for student scholarships. Knowing that her school’s Family & Consumer Science program needed to be redesigned, Jill conducted a local needs assessment to develop a comprehensive culinary arts career pathway with three courses and a targeted work-based learning course, the first in the state to focus solely on food service, addressing the foodservice workforce shortage in her area. Her ProStart students graduate with professional portfolios, including ServSafe certification and significant industry experience, valued by local restaurants who offer higher wages for certified students. Recognized as the 2023 Minnesota Family and Consumer Science Teacher of the Year and a national runner-up, Jill has also secured over $65,000 in grants. We proudly celebrate Jill as the 2025 ProStart Educator of Excellence.

Rick Guntzel of HSC Brokers has been a dedicated and inspiring mentor for the Elk River ProStart Management Team for many years, selflessly sharing his time and expertise. His profound impact led the team to a 3rd place finish at the national ProStart Invitational in 2024. Rick tirelessly drives students to events, arranges insightful guest speakers and field trips, bridging the gap between classroom and industry. Leveraging his extensive network, he connects students with industry leaders, becoming a trusted "father figure" to many. His balanced guidance and restaurant expertise steer students toward excellence. The past success of Elk River's teams is directly attributable to Rick's dedication and belief in his students. Rick's heart for students and passion for the industry make him an exceptional mentor. We are honored to recognize Rick as this year's 2025 ProStart Mentor of Excellence.

The Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation proudly recognizes the outstanding contributions of Corey Olson, Jill Hanson, and Rick Guntzel as the 2025 Educators and Mentor of Excellence. Their dedication to fostering the next generation of hospitality and culinary professionals through innovative teaching, community engagement, and selfless mentorship exemplifies the highest standards of the industry and promises a bright future for Minnesota's workforce.