The FIU community experienced a sudden loss on November 30, 2016 with the passing of Chaplin School alumnus, Cameron G. Scholderer.
Cameron had a real creative flair behind the bar and became a sought-after mixologist in the South Florida community. After graduating from FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, Cameron’s passion for innovation in the beverage industry continued to grow. His talent and dedication were quickly recognized, and he soon went on to become a beverage manager at some of the most prestigious bars and hotels in Miami, including the Mondrian South Beach – even appearing on the popular NBC 6 show, South Florida Today, to promote the hotel’s New Year’s Eve party. He was a rising star in Miami’s hospitality industry and well-known among his peers.
During his time at FIU, Cameron worked as an Inventory Intern for the Food Network and Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival. He learned a great deal about the industry through the festival, and his hard work and natural leadership abilities made a strong impression on Associate Dean Mohammad Qureshi, who was working as the Inventory Manager for the festival at that time.
“Cameron was a hardworking, intelligent and dedicated intern,” said Dean Qureshi. “He exhibited emotional intelligence and remained calm and collected under stressful situations. He will be missed forever.”
Cameron’s mom, Sally Scholderer, understood better than most how passionate her son was about his career and the impact he had on those around him.
“Cameron made the best out of every situation,” said Scholderer. “He believed in what he was doing and worked very hard, but yet was a mentor to other kids coming up in the industry – and he always did it very selflessly. He really left an imprint on everyone he met.”
Sally and her husband, George Scholderer, have established the Cameron G. Scholderer Fund, an endowment that will provide scholarships for students following in Cameron’s footsteps and pursuing a career in beverage management at the Chaplin School. Recipients of the scholarship will carry on the legacy of Cameron’s commitment to mentorship by becoming mentors themselves to each new recipient of the award, passing along Cameron’s story of hard work and determination.
To donate to the fund, visit The Chaplin School’s FIU Foundation page and select the Cameron G. Scholderer Fund in the designation dropdown box.
