Supporting Future Leaders
In honor of our founder, Ward J. Anderson, the Great Lakes Ice Cream + Fast Food Association proudly sponsors the Ward J. Anderson Scholarship Program. Each year, scholarships are awarded to student employees of our member businesses, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and potential. Eligible applications are carefully reviewed and scored by a committee of three Board members, ensuring that deserving students receive the support they need to pursue their education and achieve their goals.
Industry Scholars
The Ward J. Anderson Scholarship helps support the education and growth of student employees within our industry. Each recipient is recognized for their dedication, hard work, and potential, providing encouragement and resources to help them succeed in school and beyond.
2026 Winners
In honor of the association’s founder Ward J. Anderson, the Great Lakes Ice Cream + Fast Food Association sponsors the Ward J. Anderson Scholarship Program. Scholarships are awarded annually to student employees of its members. Eligible applications are read and scored by a committee of three Board members.
$1,500
Awarded to Kedzie
Sponsored By Frosty Treat, Jenson, MI
$1,000
Awarded to Teairra
Sponsored By Feather N Fin, Swartz Creek, MI
Since 1990
A total of $206,000 in scholarship monies has been awarded to student employees of its members. These scholarships represent a significant investment in supporting the educational pursuits of students who contribute to the success of members.
The Dick Warren Scholarship
Dick was known in the ice cream world as the owner of Four Seas Ice Cream in Centerville, MA. He was a teacher and guidance counselor for 15 years at Barnstable High School where he taught English and Public Speaking.
In 1960 he purchased Four Seas Ice Cream in Centerville MA. Dick had a special affection for the youngsters who worked at Four Seas. He was affectionately known as “Chief” by his employees, who became part of his extended family. He hosted an annual ski weekend for employees during the off season and traveled around the country visiting his employees at their colleges to reinforce the tight-knit culture and exemplary student workforce for which Four Seas is known.
The Dick Warren Scholarship will be awarded annually at the Great Lakes Ice Cream + Fast Food Annual Convention commencing in 2024, honoring his contribution to the ice cream industry.
Champions of Scholarship Trophy “The Andy”
The Ward “Andy” Anderson Champions of the GLIC+FFA Scholarship trophy was introduced to the Association membership at the Founders Banquet Dinner at the 2008 Convention and Trade Show.
The idea of a recurring auction item to support the scholarship program was thought about by Association members for a few years and with thanks to Suppler member, Frosty Products. “The Andy” was conceived, custom built, and donated to the Association by Frosty Products. Construction of the trophy is with a large custom ceramic bowl filled with ice cream sitting on top a three-foot-tall walnut base. There are twenty-four brass plates for inscriptions to honor each year’s Champion for the next twenty-four years.
At the first year’s live auction, conducted by Mel White of Mel White Appraisers/Auctioneers, Rick Senica of Taylor Freezer of Michigan and Lynda Utterback of The National Dipper magazine bid a combined bid of $3,100 to take the honor of the first brass plate engraved and placed on the trophy. Each year the highest bidder receives their name, their company, and year inscribed on a brass plate on the trophy.
Since its inception, “The Andy” trophy has raised $36,789 in scholarship monies.
