Published on December 11, 2025
John and Susan Hokanson – cherished long-time donors to NAIT – have once again demonstrated their philanthropy by renewing and increasing the value of the Hokanson Family Bursary. With this $150,000 gift, up to 6 bursaries worth $5,000 each will be available to second-year students enrolled in the Culinary Arts program.
“John and Susan Hokanson’s generosity has shaped the very foundation of NAIT’s Culinary Arts program," says Dennis Sheppard, dean, JR Shaw School of Business.
"Their renewed commitment through these bursaries ensures that students can focus on honing their craft without the burden of financial stress. For decades, John and Susan’s vision and belief in our students have elevated culinary education, and this gift continues that legacy of excellence and opportunity.”
The Hokanson’s have invested in NAIT students through student awards since 1997. For John, their latest support shows a heartfelt commitment to helping young people pursue their culinary dreams – making education more affordable in a time of ever rising costs.
John and Susan’s impact on NAIT is enduring. Their giving led to the creation of the Chef in Residence program in 2009 and the Hokanson Centre for Culinary Arts which opened 20 years ago. NAIT’s award-winning on-campus restaurant, Ernest’s, is named in honour of John’s father, a food industry pioneer – symbolizing the family’s deep roots in culinary innovation.
Reflecting on their history of giving, John is proud to have helped create the Hokanson Centre for Culinary Arts. “I’ve seen how meaningful the Centre has been to the program, allowing students to train in a state-of-the-art facility. It is also very gratifying to be involved in the Chef in Residence program which brings accomplished chefs to campus to work with students - encouraging them to dream bigger and reach for higher goals.”
John continues, “when we see how well NAIT teams perform in international competitions and how the program prepares students for employment anywhere in world, we are proud to have a small part in that success.”
The Hokanson’s support has left a profound mark on NAIT’s Culinary Arts program that has shaped countless student journeys and will continue to have impact for generations of culinary professionals. NAIT extends its heartfelt gratitude to John and Susan for their unwavering generosity and commitment.
Hokanson’s continue decades of support with culinary arts bursary renewal
Their renewed commitment ensures that students can focus on honing their craft without the burden of financial stress
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