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First Marriott Scholar Graduates and Lands a Job!

Up to $500,000 Awarded Annually to Hospitality Students; 2011 Applications Accepted through March 1

First Marriott Scholar Graduates and Lands a Job!

Up to $500,000 Awarded Annually to Hospitality Students; 2011 Applications Accepted through March 1

Published 12-06-10

Submitted by Marriott International, Inc.

L to R - Brayan Melo, David DiFalco

Three years after forming a partnership with the Hispanic College Fund (HCF) and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation is proud to announce that Brayan Melo is the first Scholar to complete the Marriott Scholars Program. Brayan graduated from Buffalo State College in May 2010 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in hospitality administration. Beginning with his sophomore year through his senior year, Brayan was awarded more than $16,000 in scholarship money through HCF.

"I'm so honored to be the first Marriott Scholar to graduate," said Melo, an assistant rooms manager at the New York Marriott Downtown. "I'm also thankful to The Foundation and to my mentor, David DiFalco for investing in my education, professional development and future."

In partnership with the HCF and the UNCF, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation launched the Marriott Scholars program, which awards grants totaling up to $500,000 annually to students pursuing degrees in the areas of hospitality management, hotel management, culinary and food and beverage.

"I can't think of anyone more deserving than Brayan," said David DiFalco, director of event management at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge and Brayan's Marriott Scholars mentor. "I'm proud of him and his accomplishments. I'm certain he will be a future Marriott leader."

"This is a major milestone for the Marriott Scholars Program," said J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO of Marriott International, Inc. "I hope that Brayan will continue to serve as an example to others who may follow in his footsteps and pursue hospitality careers."

Applicants interested in applying for the Marriott Scholars program must apply through the HCF Web site or the UNCF Web site and meet the following eligibility requirements. Applications are being accepted through March 1, 2011. Candidates must be:

  • a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States

  • enrolled full-time in an accredited four-year college or university with a hospitality management program as an incoming college freshman, first year freshman or community college transfer;

  • pursuing or planning to pursue an undergraduate degree within the hospitality management, hotel management, culinary or food and beverage field; and

  • possess a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.

As a part of the program, Marriott International managers and executives from the hotels and corporate offices will provide career guidance, mentoring, development and internship opportunities to scholarship recipients.

Congratulations to the 2010 Marriott Scholars:

  • Stephen Breedon - Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

  • Kimberly Charles - Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI

  • Jasmine Hurt - Johnson & Wales University, Miami, FL

  • Tayler Moore - Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Tarnequa Smith - University of Memphis, Memphis, TN

  • Leslie Duran - Boston University, Boston, MA

  • Mario Gonzalez - Johnson & Wales University, Denver, CO

  • Santiago Lara-Cervantes - Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte, NC

  • Christina Mandel - Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

  • Maria Mercado - University of Nevada - Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV

  • Adrian Vivas - University of Houston - University Park, Houston, TX

Those interested can apply online at www.uncf.org/scholarships or www.hispanicfund.org.

About the UNCF
UNCF - the United Negro College Fund - is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 39 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 18 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. UNCF's Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) strengthens the overall capacity of its 39 member private HBCUs by focusing on six programmatic areas: enrollment and retention, fundraising, academic programming and faculty development, financial management, executive leadership and governance and campus facilities. Learn more at www.UNCF.org.

About the HCF
Founded in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals. For 15 years, the Hispanic College Fund has provided educational, scholarship, and mentoring programs to students throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, establishing a career pipeline of talented and career-driven Hispanics who are trained in the fields of business, science, technology, engineering and math. The Hispanic College Fund has an annual budget of $6 million with 20 full-time employees. In 2006, the Hispanic College Fund received the Brillante award for "Nonprofit of the Year" from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and in 2007 was recognized by USA Today as one of the nation's top 25 charities. In 2009, the organization was honored with Charity Navigator's highest rating for non-profit management and financial responsibility. For more information, please visit: www.hispanicfund.org.

About The Marriott Foundation
The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation was established in 1965 with the purpose of giving back to the community. Under the current direction of J.W. Marriott, Jr. and Richard E. Marriott, The Marriott Foundation is dedicated to helping youth secure a promising future, especially through education on the secondary and higher education levels, mentoring and youth leadership programs. Equally important are organizations that help provide relief from hunger and disasters; support people with disabilities; and create gainful employment opportunities for vulnerable youth and adults.

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Marriott International, Inc.

Marriott International, Inc.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 72 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012.

The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands, including Marriott Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.

There are approximately 325,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties. Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

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