Introducing Chocolate University’s Class of 2025
By Anna Mercer
Class is back in session—but this is no ordinary class. Chocolate University has been showing students how kinship transforms businesses for the better since 2010. A group of fifteen juniors and seniors have been selected as CU’s Class of 2025. Representing six local schools, these students are beginning to learn about the international chocolate industry, entrepreneurship, ethical business practices, and farmer-partner relationships. At the end of the program, these students will travel to Mababu, Tanzania, to meet with Askinosie Chocolate farmers and their families.

Madeleine B. – Central High School
Will B. – Springfield Catholic High School
Max B. – Central High School
Cadence G. – Springfield Catholic High School
Gentry G. – Central High School
Aven G. – Nixa High School
Hailey H. – Kickapoo High School
Sarah H. – Springfield Catholic High School
Chase H. – Kickapoo High School
Hayden H. – Republic High School
Eli K. – Central High School
Lance R. – Reeds Spring High School
Vanessa S. – Homeschool
Ella S. – Nixa High School
Sonali A. – Jackson Reed High School (Washington, D.C.)
Each of these students applied and interviewed for a spot in the CU 2025 cohort. CU Executive Director Melissa Gelner shares “Each group of student travelers brings a unique energy and perspective, and I am confident this cohort will continue to build on that legacy.”
The Class of 2025 is the program’s eighth group of students with participants now totaling over 100 since the program’s inception. Offered in partnership with Drury University, students build relationships and community as they prepare to travel to Tanzania. Program participants return home with an improved understanding of their place in the world and their unique potential to impact their local, regional, and global communities.
This invaluable experience would not be possible without the generous sponsorship of the program by individual and corporate community leaders: Askinosie Chocolate, Drury University, Kurt & Sherry Hellweg and the Hatch Foundation, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Brewer Science, Empowering Others, Maddux Neu Prater Eye Center, State Bank of Southwest Missouri, Mark & Teresa Carrol, Taylor & Jessica Curtis, Jason & Kristi Dale, Dr Ezekial Emanuel, Mike Hamra, Eric & Jana Hansen, Mac & Anne E McGregor, and Zach Smith.
