IHLAEF Scholarships Recipients
2009 J. Patrick Leahy Connoisseur Scholarship
At sixteen I would not have guessed that I would choose hospitality as my career, but I quickly fell in love with serving others. There are so many opportunities for growth within the hotel industry, especially in Food and Beverage. I am constantly learning new skills and improving ones I already have. I am very honored to receive the 2009 J. Patrick Leahy Connoisseur Scholarship from the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Foundation. I am very passionate about Food and Beverage and this award will help me to achieve my career goals.
C. M. - Lexington College, Class of 2010
2009 The Hostmark Hospitality Group, Robert J. Cataldo Scholarship
I love what I do and who I work for. The hospitality industry is all about people. Each day, someone new walks into your life and in some way you can affect theirs, as they have affected yours," Itezelle states. "I am so thrilled the IHLAEF gave me a chance to further [my] education! I can't thank them enough for it! When I graduate, I know that I'll continue to give back to the industry that gives so much to me." ~ B.A. in Hospitality Management, Lexington College, IL, Class of 2010.
I.A. -Lexington College, Class of 2010
2008 J. Patrick Leahy Connoisseur Scholarship
I love that there is never a dull moment in hospitality, and there are always new challenges to solve. But, the aspect of this industry that has me hooked is the people. I love seeing that smile on a customer’s face, when you have made their day or experience worth while. And, I am so thankful that the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association has provided me the J. Patrick Leahy Connoisseur Scholarship, so I can keep working towards my goal of getting a degree in Hospitality Business.
S. S. - Michigan State University
2008 The Hostmark Hospitality Group, Robert J. Cataldo Scholarship
I'm thrilled to b
e the recipient of the Robert Cataldo Scholarship from the IHLAEF. The scholarship will allow me to focus on academics at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration this next year and complement the experience I gained this past summer during my internship at the Sutton Place Hotel in Chicago.
J. D. M. - Cornell University