When Kennedy Thompson transferred to Framingham State University, she was looking for more than a new college. She was looking for a community. 

“I applied to four different schools when I was transferring, and Framingham State really stuck out because it was so inviting,” Thompson says. She adds, “Making friends here came so naturally.” 

Before coming to Framingham State, Thompson studied Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management at another school, but struggled to find her community.  After taking a tour of Framingham State, everything changed. 

"I instantly loved the school - they made sure you felt connected and truly part of the community," she explains. Now a Hospitality and Tourism major, Thompson quickly found the sense of belonging she had been missing. She also found opportunities to get involved, joining the Student Government Association as a senator and serving on Framingham State Activities Board as the Off-Campus Events Coordinator.  

Now, she has another reason to feel at home at FSU: Thompson has been named one of 20 students from 18 colleges and universities nationwide selected for the U.S. Foods Scholars Class of 2026. 

The prestigious program provides Thompson with $20,000 toward her education, along with professional development and networking opportunities through U.S. Foods. The scholarship is designed to support students pursuing careers in foodservice and hospitality and help prepare the next generation of talent for the industry. 

For Thompson, the recognition is especially meaningful because she has been interested in the program for several years and has applied in the past. 

“I was actually at work when I got the email saying I’d won the scholarship,” she says. “I just kept saying ‘Oh my gosh!’ repeatedly. I was so happy. It honestly made my whole day.” 

This time, Thompson had an important advocate in her corner: Hospitality Professor Linda Millard, who wrote her letter of recommendation. Millard highlighted Thompson’s research and writing abilities, her enthusiasm for hospitality, and her willingness to engage deeply with the subject. 

“She provides insights that delve deep into every topic provided for discussion or debate,” Millard wrote. “Above all, Kennedy consistently demonstrates a genuine interest in the field of hospitality.” 

That curiosity and enthusiasm are helping Thompson envision what comes next. “I’ve always loved event management and coordination. I get excited by the energy of bringing people together and making everything run smoothly,” she explains. “It’s so rewarding to help create unforgettable experiences and memories for people and their loved ones.” 

She hopes to build a career in hospitality, with interests that include event coordination and real estate. 

The U.S. Foods Scholars program, established in 2017, has awarded more than $2.8 million in scholarships to more than 140 students. For Thompson, the award is both an investment in her education and an opportunity to connect with professionals in the industry she hopes to join. 

At Framingham State, she has found the connections she was looking for and is building the skills, experience, and confidence to turn her interests into a career. “I really wanted to develop skills like effective communication, event planning, leadership, and organization - and to get real experience along the way,” Thompson says. “FSU has given me the chance to do all that and more.” 

To learn more about the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program

https://www.framingham.edu/academics/undergraduate/hospitality-tourism-management