Three members of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management faculty were recently nominated as Top Scholars at FIU. Professors Miranda Kitterlin, Patrick Cassidy, and Aaron Welch were nominated in honor of their outstanding scholarly contributions to the academic community. Professor Kitterlin, who won Best Paper for her publication Festival Motivation and Loyalty Factor at the TMS Algarve 2013 Tourism & Management Studies International Conference, said, “It is a great honor to be recognized as an FIU Top Scholar, especially with so many other amazing researchers within our institution. However, the research endeavors for which I am being recognized would not have been possible without the support of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management's administration team and my research partner and colleague, Dr. Michelle Yoo.” Assistant professor Miranda Kitterlin, Ph.D. was nominated for her award-winning publication, Festival Motivation and Loyalty Factor, which won the Best Paper Award at the TMS Algarve 2013 Tourism & Management Studies International Conference. Assistant professor Aaron Welch, Ph.D. received the nomination for Young Faculty with Significant Funding as a result of his research. His grant was awarded by the National Institute of Food & Agriculture. Professor Patrick Cassidy, Ph.D. was nominated for being honored by the Society of Wine Educators with The Grand Award, which recognizes wine luminaries. Along with other distinguished nominees, the hospitality professors will be recognized by President Mark B. Rosenberg at a reception on March 28.