Jennifer Massie Wins 2014 Tourism Cares Scholarship Award

Jennifer Massie, a senior at the Chaplin School, was named as the winner of the 2014 ASTA Stan and Leone Pollard Scholarship, part of the Tourism Cares Academic Scholarship Program, in May 2014. The award committee recognized Jennifer as an exemplary representative for the future of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.

Tourism Cares awards up to 50 academic scholarships annually ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, for a total of up to $70,000. The scholarships benefit high school, undergraduate, or graduate students in travel, tourism, or hospitality related programs of study at accredited schools within the U.S. and Canada.

“I chose a career in the hospitality industry because I have a passion for connecting with others and to please people by delivering outstanding service,” Massie said. “With the support offered by this scholarship, I have the opportunity to improve my skills set to shape me into a professional who helps others have an inspirational travel experience that encourages personal growth and knowledge about the world .”

In addition to the her cash award, Jennifer will attend the Tourism Cares Student Mentoring Program at the NTA/UMA Travel Exchange in New Orleans in January 2015. She will also have the opportunity to attend a travel, tourism, and hospitality conference and be mentored by professional tour operators, tour suppliers, and destination marketing executives.

“I’ve been able to observe Jennifer’s strong determination for academic excellence as well as a distinct passion for travel and tourism. She is driven and very motivated, with a kind, thoughtful, and outgoing personality that I think will take her very far,” remarked Dr. Nancy Del Risco, Jennifer’s travel and tourism professor.

Jennifer transferred to FIU from the University of Central Florida in 2013. She is enrolled in the Chaplin School’s 4+1 Program, which gives students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.) in five years. She expects to earn her B.S. degree in Spring 2015 and soon after, begin her graduate studies in hospitality management.

Jennifer’s organizational affiliations: