Chaz Kaszuba, a freshman at Bloomsburg University, is quickly becoming known as “the cookie guy” on campus. This international business major has a passion for baking that goes far beyond the occasional hobby, with roots dating back to his childhood.
Inspired by his Noni (grandmother) and mother, Chaz began baking from scratch at an early age. “They grew up with baking; everything is very traditionally made,” he explains. Chaz took it upon himself to preserve her legacy by remembering her recipes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chaz’s baking hobby transformed into a small business. He began selling cakes to neighbors and friends, eventually expanding to wedding cakes. To date, he’s created 27 wedding cakes, along with numerous prom proposals and other special occasion treats.
Despite his love for baking, Chaz faces an interesting challenge—he’s allergic to apples. This hasn’t stopped him from pursuing his passion, though. He simply avoids apple-based recipes and focuses on other delicious creations.
But Chaz’s talents extend far beyond the kitchen. In high school, he became deeply involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society after organizing a bake sale for a classmate diagnosed with leukemia. “We raised tens of thousands of dollars,” Chaz recalls. “When we gave the check to the parents, I saw how happy and grateful they truly were, and how I impacted their lives.”
This experience inspired Chaz to launch a broader campaign with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Working with friends and involving his entire school, Chaz helped manage fundraising efforts across his area. By the end of the campaign season, the combined teams had raised over half a million dollars for the cause.
In addition to being a multi-sport athlete, participating in football, track, and swimming. He also founded an international travel club, which grew to include 26 members, and organized trips to Spain and Portugal.
Now at Bloomsburg, Chaz has found a unique way to connect with his peers—by handing out homemade cookies. “I wanted to get my name out there; I wanted people to at least know who I was,” he says. This gesture has already led to new friendships and his reputation as the campus baker. Including a memorable interaction that Chaz considers a “core memory” of his college experience.
“Two of my closest friends here on campus knocked on my door and asked, ‘Is this the room of the cookie guy?'” Chaz recounts with a smile. “That title was given to me early on.”
Beyond baking, Chaz is deeply involved in campus life. He serves as the freshman class president and is a member of the executive board. His leadership skills, honed through his baking business and charity work, have proven invaluable in these roles.
What truly sets Chaz apart, however, is his mission to be a positive force on campus. “I want people to be able to feel safe talking to me,” he emphasizes. “If there’s anything going on, I want people to know that there is someone here that they can talk to.” Chaz sees his room as a safe space and strives to be “a friend for everyone,” hoping to ensure that his fellow students have the support they need for a great college experience.
