Alumni Spotlight

Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Anne Murray | 2007 | Hospitality Management
Lauren Murray | 2006 | Hospitality Management

Lauren and Anne Murray have made their dreams come true. Lauren graduated from the College of ACES in 2006 with a food science and human nutrition degree and a minor in business administration. She was one of two food science students selected to attend the 2006 Salute to Excellence Gala sponsored by the National Restaurant Association during their annual Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show held in Chicago. As a senior, Lauren completed her professional internship as a management intern with Hawthorne Suites.

Anne earned her bachelor’s degree in 2007 in food science and human nutrition with a concentration in hospitality management. She was president of the Culinary Club for three years, and her senior internship was with Wendy Krispin Caterer in Dallas, Texas. As Ms. Krispin’s assistant, Anne completed proposals and organized events for clients such as Michael Kors, Giorgio Armani, and Bill Barrett.

Anne dreamed of owning her own gourmet restaurant and the sisters joked about combining Lauren’s business sense and attention to detail with Anne’s love for cooking. These two innovative women realized their dream when they opened L.A. Gourmet Catering in Champaign in 2006. L.A. Gourmet, a combination of their names, specializes in American gourmet food.

Owning their own business, Anne and Lauren are extremely busy, but they still find time to give back to the college. Since graduating, Lauren and Anne have volunteered their time to the college’s Hospitality Management Program as guest chefs. They have mentored seniors as they prepare their capstone meal project, spending two full days working with the students through the process of planning the menu to prepping and serving the meals.

Lauren and Anne are members of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and the U of I Alumni Association. Their charitable contributions include work with the Humane Society, Junior Women's Club, Farm Bureau, and Carle Foundation.

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