Supporting cheese research and education.

Daphne Zepos Teaching Endowment

The Daphne Zepos Teaching Endowment exists to fund research in the cheese industry and to promote cheese education.

We were established as a memorial fund to celebrate the legacy of Daphne Zepos, an insightful and dynamic advocate for the cause of traditional cheese here in the U.S. and around the world.

Two annual scholarships are given to food industry professionals to travel and further their learning—and their ability to educate others—about cheese.

 THE SCHOLARSHIPS

Application season is closed and will reopen this Spring!

PLEASE NOTE: As of May 1, 2024, changes have been made to the DZTA application.

DZRA Application Deadline: May 1

DZTA Application Deadline: May 31

Say hello to the 2024 Daphne Zepos Teaching Award recipient Dr. Carmen Licon! She will be using the $6800 scholarship to visit vocational training programs for cheesemakers and other food professionals in Italy and France in order to build a model for the USA. Stay tuned for more about Carmen!

SHARING IS CARING

GIVE TO DZTE

DZTE supports cheese research and education through generous community donations. Learn about all the ways to support our vision and give to DZTE.

GIVE TO DZTE

COME TOGETHER OVER CHEESE

UPCOMING EVENTS

From cheese sales to gear and parties, our events contribute to the DZTE capital endowment. Check out events happening in your area.

See Events

 

2023 DZRA RECIPIENT

Alexandra Jones

Alexandra will use the $2500 award to focus on the environmental impact of cheesemaking. She hopes to shed light on the various practices being implemented to mitigate negative environmental impacts and share options for a more sustainable future. Alexandra has a background as a cheesemonger and writer. She will present her findings in 2024!

READ ALEXANDRA’S VISION

 2023 DZTA RECIPIENT

Alex Armstrong

Alex used his $5500 scholarship to study the world of sensory analysis and its practical applications in France, Switzerland, England, and Sweden. He continues his work of building tangible and verbal tools for professionals to improve cheese through sensory analysis. Follow Alex at #alexarmstrongDZTA

WATCh alex's encore presentation here

"While I don't deal with the cheesemaking part, I am the one that sort of broadens the horizons, does taste education, history of cheese...these are the institutions that will come in here and protect the cheesemaker."

— Daphne Zepos, Founder

ALL RECIPIENTS & VISIONS

Featured
Carmen Licon | 2024
Carmen Licon | 2024

Carmen will be using the $6800 scholarship to visit vocational training programs for cheesemakers and other food professionals in Italy and France in order to build a model for the USA. Follow Carmen at #carmenliconDZTA.

Read More →
Alex Armstrong | 2023
Alex Armstrong | 2023

Alex will be using the $5500 scholarship to study and learn about sensory analysis from experts in the field in England, Italy, and Switzlerand.

Follow Alex at #alexarmostrongDZTA

Read More →
Alexandra Jones | 2023
Alexandra Jones | 2023

Alexandra will be using the $2500 scholarship to research how unprecedented climate shifts have impacted cheesemakers - directly and indirectly - how they are adapting, and how they are working to mitigate their climate impact.

Follow Alexandra at #alexandrajonesDZRA

Read More →
Trevor Warmedahl | 2022
Trevor Warmedahl | 2022

Trevor will be using the $5500 scholarship to study the wide variety of coagulants and rennets used in Italy, Spain, and Eastern Europe. He will be visiting dairies small and large to learn about the ways coagulants are used and selected for different styles of cheese.

Follow Trevor at #trevorwarmedahlDZTA and his new venture at Sour Milk School.

Read More →