Dr. Carolin Lusby has been working with Conservation International on a project and grant to protect primary rainforests in the Amazon through the establishment of small scale ecotourism development in the Kayapo Indigenous Territories. These forests are under enormous threats of illegal mining, ranching and logging. She also has two presentations at the 15th World Leisure Congress from 8/28 - 9/1 in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Quilombo culture and community based tourism and attributes of a cruise vacation.

By Lazaro Gonzalez Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management surprised its incoming freshman class with a $500 scholarship for each student. The scholarship announcement came during the school’s annual pinning ceremony for freshman, held on August 19. The Lee Brian Schrager Aim Higher Scholarship, named in honor of the founder and director of the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival, is funded by proceeds from the annual gourmet gathering. “We’re extremely lucky and proud to be able to do this for our students,” said Michael Cheng, interim dean of the Chaplin School. “It would not be possible without the support of the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Many FIU students come from low-income families. We hope to provide some financial relief and motivate them toward a timely graduation.” To date, the festival has raised more than $28 million for the Chaplin School. “Providing scholarship support like this to the school is the foundation on which the festival was created,” said Schrager, who also serves as Senior Vice President of Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “These incoming students are the future leaders of the hospitality industry, and we are pleased to be able to support them as they embark on their interactive educational journey.” The Chaplin School plans to award the scholarship to all future incoming freshmen. The students will receive the $500 after completing their first 30 credits.

It was the final round of the 2016 Chopped Teen Tournament. The only thing that stood between Eliana de Las Casas and the grand prize was a basket. When she opened it, it was filled with mangoes, graham crackers, cream cheese and gelatin. It was the basket of de Las Casas’ dreams – literally. “The night before the finale, I had a dream that those exact ingredients were in my basket, and I made mango float – a Filipino dessert – that my Nana taught me how to make,” de Las Casas said. As the clock ticked down, de Las Casas plated her mango float and presented it to the judges. While she may have dreamed about the challenge, she never could have imagined what came next. She was named the Chopped Teen Grand Champion. Read more.

El Dorado Resorts appoints Gregg Carano '85 as Senior Vice President, General Manager of the Eldorado Resort Casino Reno, Silver Legacy Resort Casino and Circus Circus Reno (collectively the “Reno Tri-Properties”) Gregg Carano '85 most recently served as Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage for Eldorado Resorts, Inc. and General Manager of Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort in West Virginia. Gregg Carano assumes the role from current Senior Vice President, General Manager of the Reno Tri-Properties, Gene Carano, who will continue to serve as Senior Vice President of Regional Operations, Nevada and Colorado. Read full release.