For 25 years, students from EARTH University in Costa Rica have journeyed to Kalamazoo, Mich., for an internship sponsored by Kalsec, a leading supplier of innovative spice and herb flavor extracts, colors, antioxidants. 

Kalsec officials recently hosted a heartwarming reunion between several former interns and their host families to celebrate this 25-year achievement and to discuss ways to further enrich the program. 

“EARTH University is a most unique and special place. I first visited in 1992 and immediately fell in love with the students, faculty, administration and campus. It embodies the best that humanity has to offer in terms of fundamental values and our connection to each other and the planet,” says George Todd, Kalsec’s executive chairman of the board. “Over 40 countries are represented in the student body at EARTH with many coming from countries where our spices are grown and sourced. This is one way we can give back to the communities that have given so much to us.” 

“The Kalsec intern program provides an exceptional learning environment for our EARTH University students and is one of the most coveted among our third-years,” adds Arturo Condo, President, EARTH University. “The experience also includes immersion in U.S. culture through the wonderful hospitality of Kalsec host families. We are extremely appreciative of Kalsec’s ongoing generosity to the EARTH scholarship fund and to other key programs. Kalsec has been a cherished EARTH partner for over 25 years,”

EARTH University was founded on the premise that local leadership would be key to achieving peace and shared prosperity among rural communities struggling with poverty and limited futures. With this transformative premise in mind, EARTH set out to train and prepare future generations of values-driven leaders for rural areas. Over the past three decades, the University has consolidated an established platform for rural leadership education that has provided holistic undergraduate education in agricultural sciences to more than 2,000 students from more than 40 countries around the world, nearly 90% of whom come from rural areas. 

Kalsec captures the best nature offers by providing innovative spice and herb flavor extracts, colors, antioxidants and advanced hop products. Kalsec has remained family owned and provides localized support to our global customers. Trusted since 1958, Kalsec is committed to providing value to the food and beverage industry for the next 100 years. Headquartered in Kalamazoo, Mich., Kalsec has facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. 

For more information, visit www.kalsec.com.