Class Is Still in Session: How CREMER Employees Are Growing Through Continuing Education

Featured image showing the CREMER North America logo, the blog title ‘Class Is Still in Session: How CREMER Employees Are Growing Through Continuing Education,’ and portraits of seven employees featured in the article.

At CREMER North America, learning doesn’t stop when the workday ends. For some employees, the classroom has simply changed. 

Whether they are pursuing an MBA, an accounting certificate, a cybersecurity degree, or leadership development opportunities, our employees are choosing to invest in themselves while bringing new knowledge back to their teams, customers, and the business. 

Through CREMER North America’s Tuition Reimbursement Program, employees have the opportunity to continue their education while receiving support along the way. More than financial assistance, the program represents commitment to employee growth and development. 

Because when employees grow, CREMER North America grows with them. 

More Than a Degree

There is no single path to professional development. 

For some employees, continuing education means preparing for future leadership opportunities. For others, it means strengthening technical expertise, developing new skills, or gaining a deeper understanding of the work they do every day. 

Every course, assignment, and late-night study session represents a commitment to growth—both personally and professionally. 

Across CREMER North America, employees are challenging themselves to expand their skills, embrace new opportunities, and find new ways to contribute to the organization. 

Samantha Del Vecchio-DeSalvo, Buyer, is actively pursuing her MBA at Northern Kentucky University with a focus on supply chain and project management. Through her program, she is gaining a broader understanding of business operations and how different areas of the organization connect—knowledge she can apply directly to her role. 

Quote graphic featuring Samantha Del Vecchio-DeSalvo, Buyer at CREMER North America, sharing her experience pursuing an MBA: “I dreamed of being able to do anything I wanted in business. An MBA has been the perfect next step!”

Samantha’s journey highlights how education can open new doors and give employees the confidence to pursue opportunities they once only imagined. 

Lauren England, Accounts Payable Analyst, is pursuing an accounting degree at Cincinnati State to strengthen her financial knowledge and connect her coursework directly to her role. 

Through her studies, Lauren is building a stronger foundation in accounting concepts, financial processes, and business practices that support her current responsibilities. 

Quote graphic featuring Lauren England, Accounts Payable Analyst at CREMER North America, sharing how education support helps her succeed in her courses: “Knowing that the company supports my education allows me to focus more on learning and succeeding in my courses.”

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Continuing education requires dedication. 

Balancing work responsibilities, coursework, deadlines, and personal commitments takes planning, perseverance, and a willingness to keep moving forward. The journey may not always be easy, but each completed assignment represents progress. 

For Ainsley Tinsman, HR Generalist, beginning her MBA at Northern Kentucky University with a concentration in Human Resources Management represents an opportunity to expand her knowledge and strengthen how she supports employees and the business. 

Returning to school has brought Ainsley a renewed excitement for learning, but she also knows that pursuing an MBA while working requires dedication, organization, and balance. As she describes the experience as “busy, challenging, and caffeinated.” 

The reality is that growth often happens outside of your comfort zone. Balancing work, school, and personal responsibilities requires commitment, but it also creates opportunities to build confidence and prepare for what comes next. 

For DreDon Thompson, IT Operations Administrator, pursuing a cybersecurity degree at Northern Kentucky University is about preparing for the future of technology. 

As cybersecurity continues to evolve, DreDon’s education is helping him strengthen his expertise and continue supporting CREMER North America’s technology and security needs. 

Quote graphic featuring DreDon Thompson, IT Operations Administrator at CREMER North America, sharing how his cybersecurity studies help prepare for future challenges: “With the increase of AI and white-collar crimes, we need to be ready and secured for any threats.”

By continuing to build his knowledge, DreDon is staying prepared for the changing technology landscape while strengthening his own professional development. 

Bringing the Classroom Back to CREMER North America

What employees learn in the classroom does not stay there. New perspectives, skills, and ideas continue to shape the way they contribute at CREMER North America. 

Here are some ways our employees are already finding ways to apply what they are learning:

  • Samantha Del Vecchio-DeSalvo, Buyer: Through her MBA coursework, Samantha applied operations management concepts to create a supplier categorization framework within CREMER North America’s ERP system, increasing spend visibility and highlighting risks and opportunities.
  • Lauren England, Accounts Payable Analyst: Lauren’s accounting studies continue strengthening her understanding of financial processes, reporting, and business practices. 
  • DreDon Thompson, IT Operations Administrator: DreDon’s cybersecurity studies support CREMER North America’s ongoing focus on technology and security while preparing him for evolving challenges. 
  • Remi Bannick, Quality Assurance & Lab Manager: Through his Executive MBA at Miami University, Remi is broadening his understanding of business operations, leadership, and strategy while finding new ways to apply his learning to his role. 
  • Kathryn Burkett, Senior Accounts Receivable Analyst: Kathryn’s leadership and accounting education are helping her build skills that support her current role and future opportunities. 
  • Ainsley Tinsman, HR Generalist: Ainsley’s MBA coursework connects directly to her work in Human Resources, including employee relations, leadership, organizational behavior, and business strategy. 
  • Eric Peters, Maintenance Supervisor: Eric’s Engineering Technology program with a focus on Machine Learning and Design Techniques through DeVry University is helping him expand his technical knowledge and strengthen the skills he uses in his role. By continuing his education, Eric is investing in his craft while preparing for future opportunities in engineering, leadership, and continued professional growth. 
Quote graphic featuring Eric Peters, Maintenance Technician at CREMER North America, sharing how continuing education supports his career growth: “You never stop learning new things. Anything that betters my craft will help both my career and personal growth.”

At CREMER North America, learning does not stay inside the classroom. It comes back to the workplace through new ideas, stronger skills, and employees who are motivated to make a difference. 

You’re Never Too Late to Learn

Every educational journey starts differently, but each one proves that the right time to begin is whenever you are ready. 

Some employees continue their education shortly after completing their first degree, while others return to school later in their careers. Some pursue advanced degrees, while others focus on certificates or specialized training. 

The path may look different, but each step represents a commitment to becoming better prepared for what comes next. 

For Samantha, continuing her education has reinforced an important lesson about lifelong learning. “It’s never too late. Education can never be taken away from you.”  

Samantha’s experience is a reminder that learning has no timeline. Whether someone is starting a new program, returning after years away, or building on existing skills, every step forward creates new opportunities. 

Remi shares a similar perspective. 

Quote graphic featuring Remi Bannick, Director of Quality Assurance at CREMER North America, sharing his perspective on lifelong learning: “Stay curious, ask why, and learn new things because ignorance is a choice in our times.”

A Culture That Invests in Growth

Behind every completed assignment and every exam passed is something equally important: support. 

At CREMER North America, tuition reimbursement represents more than financial assistance. It reflects a culture that encourages employees to pursue their goals while knowing they have support along the way. 

Managers, leaders, and coworkers all play an important role in helping employees balance education with their professional responsibilities. 

For Kathryn Burkett, Senior Accounts Receivable Analyst, continuing her education has been an opportunity to pursue goals that support both her personal and professional development. After completing the Business Women’s Leadership Certificate at Xavier University, Kathryn is now pursuing an Accounting Certificate at Cincinnati State. 

Quote graphic featuring Kathryn Burkett, Senior Accounts Receivable Analyst at CREMER North America, sharing how education support contributes to her growth: “CREMER’s support for my education means the opportunity to invest in my personal and professional growth.”

Kathryn’s journey highlights the impact of a workplace that supports employees not only in their current roles, but also in the goals they hope to achieve. 

Quote graphic featuring Ainsley Tinsman, HR Generalist at CREMER North America, sharing how employee support reflects CREMER’s investment in growth: “It really shows that if you invest in yourself, CREMER will invest in you.”

How CREMER North America’s Tuition Reimbursement Program Works

Looking to continue your education or build new skills? 

CREMER North America’s Tuition Reimbursement Program helps employees invest in their professional growth by providing financial support for approved degree programs, certifications, and job-related courses. Eligible employees can receive reimbursement for tuition and other qualifying educational expenses, with annual reimbursement limits of up to $5,250 for undergraduate studies and $10,000 for graduate studies. 

Who Is Eligible? 

To participate in the program, employees must: 

  • Be a full-time regular employee with at least six months of service
  • Obtain approval before enrolling in a course or program
  • Successfully complete approved coursework while meeting the required grade standards

How It Works 

  1. Apply for Approval: Before registering for a course or program, employees must submit an Education/Tuition Reimbursement Request form to their HR Business Partner for review and approval.
  2. Complete Approved Coursework: Once approval is received, employees can enroll and complete their approved course(s). Employees must successfully complete the coursework and meet the required grade standards to qualify for reimbursement.
  3. Submit Documentation: After completing the course, employees must provide documentation including tuition invoices, proof of payment, applicable receipts, and official grade reports.
  4. Receive Reimbursement: Approved reimbursements are paid through payroll, typically within two pay periods after all required documentation is received and verified.

The Tuition Reimbursement Program reflects CREMER North America’s commitment to continuous learning, career development, and preparing employees for future opportunities within the organization. 


Investing In What’s Next

Learning never stops at CREMER North America. By investing in our employees’ growth, we’re building a stronger future together. Interested in joining our team? Visit our careers page to explore current opportunities. 

About the Company:
CREMER North America serves manufacturers of home care, cosmetic, industrial, pet nutrition, pet care, and food and beverage products by providing world-class oleochemical supplies, contract manufacturing, logistical, and storage solutions. We do not manufacture any of the products featured in this article. Instead, we support brands with sustainable oleochemical supply that matches your formulation requirements and quality standards.
For more information about CREMER North America, visit cremerna.com. CREMER North America is a subsidiary of CREMER Holding Company. Learn more about CREMER Holding Company at cremer.de.

Contact:
Laura Mann, Marketing & Communications Specialist | 1-513-557-4235 | lmann@cremerna.com

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