Breann Goulette and Mario Tapiz Awarded 2020 Glen Hay Falconer Foundation Siebel Brewing Scholarships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2020 – From an outstanding group of talented applicants, Breann Goulette of Plank Town Brewing Company (Springfield, OR) and Marco Tapiz of Fort Point Beer Company (San Francisco, CA) have been named recipients of the 2020 Glen Hay Falconer Foundation Siebel Brewing Scholarships.  Our scholarship program encompasses over half of the United States geography and the scholarships drew candidates from throughout that region.  This year, both scholarships are for the WBA Concise Course in Brewing Technology that takes place this November in Chicago.  The Concise Course in Brewing Technology is a two-week intensive program that covers every topic critical to successful brewery operations.

Breann Goulette began her brewing career at Plank Town Brewing Company working her way up from a cellaring position to her current role as Assistant Brewer.  Along the way, Bre has worked in sales, marketing, and events coordination, earnestly investing her time and energy into every endeavor.  One thing that really impressed the Selection Committee is “her intellectual curiosity in the history and cultural evolution of brewing which plants the seeds for creativity and innovation in brewing.  Bre is at the perfect juncture in her journey for the Concise Course as the formal education will connect the dots from all the experiences inside the brewhouse and empower her genuine interest in the fundamentals of brewing science.  And Bre’s spirit of collaboration and sense of community will unlock a new set of colleagues that will be mutually beneficial for decades to come.”  Other attributes that resonated with the Selection Committee were Bre’s volunteer engagements, environmental sustainability conscience, and her view that the brewery is place to develop new friendships, renew old bonds, share perspectives where everyone comes away better informed.  Summarized by a Selection Committee member: “Bre demonstrates the dedicated work ethic, artistic passion, and spirit of collaboration that are the foundation for success and underscoring these attributes with education will make her even more successful and impactful in our brewing community.”

Marco Tapiz grew early roots as a homebrewer which he continues today even while mastering new tasks each and every day in his demanding role at Fort Point Beer Company in San Francisco.  “Those homebrewing roots are really deep for Marco as he still regularly brews and participates in competitions.  It is emblematic of his love of the craft”, comments a Selection Committee member.  Adds another: “That homebrewing passion underscores Marco’s desire to constantly improve and invest in himself and for Fort Point.  From his references and essays it is clear that around the brewery, Marco demonstrates not only his joy of brewing but also his selflessness and common purpose.”  Meticulous, enthusiastic, unshakeable work ethic, congenial and generous are all terms that were used to describe Marco.  One thing in particular that stands out is “Marco’s desire to create community, embracing people of all backgrounds and walks of life by bringing them together through a common interest in great craft beer.  Marco said it himself when he wrote ‘Craft beer is all about community’ and those are not just words for Marco, it is his way of life.”  Simply put by another Selection Committee member “Marco resonates the spirit of Glen Hay Falconer and the foundation’s core philosophies through his community spirit, passion and dedication.”

The Foundation thanks the incredible Selection Committee for its dedication and energy.  The 2020 Selection Committee consisted of Jamie Floyd (Ninkasi Brewing), John Hannafan (Siebel Institute), John Maier (Rogue Ales), Lisa Morrison (Belmont Station Bottle Shop & Biercafé), Shaun O’Sullivan (21^st Amendment Brewery), and Chris Studach (Cascade Brewers Society).  Wrote a Selection Committee member and representing them all: “This year’s applicants were difficult to choose from, as a run-off had to be performed for the Selection Committee due to the number being so very close.  In the end, we believe we have made two excellent choices and both exemplify what the essence of what the Falconer Scholarship represents.  A toast to all applicants, and cheers to Breann and Marco!”

To date, the Foundation has granted a total of 47 brewing education scholarships and currently offers three scholarships annually.

For more information on the Glen Hay Falconer Foundation, our brewing scholarship program, and related activities, visit www.glenfalconerfoundation.org and follow us on Facebook.