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.
