Archive: Around Town

Albany, NY, June 2, 2008 - Mirna Rackov, a junior at Niagara University's College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Niagara Falls, is the recipient of a student scholarship award from the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association's Fred and Gertrude England Hospitality Education Foundation.

The mission of the Fred and Gertrude England Hospitality Education Foundation is to assist in the educational development of hospitality students by offering individual scholarships to member employees or their dependents. The New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association officially incorporated its scholarship fund into an Education Foundation in 1999.

Rackov started her career in the hospitality industry at age 14 at the Federal House Bed & Breakfast in Lansing. She now works as a Front Desk Clerk at the Hampton Inn of Ithaca. Recently she has accomplished her long-term goal and was accepted to Niagara University’s Lake Como work abroad program in Italy. She currently resides in Lansing, NY.

“Our Education Foundation is delighted to have such a large number of qualified applicants this year. The New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association has done an excellent job in getting the word out about exciting careers in the hospitality industry,” said Cynthia Hollowood, Chairman of the Education Foundation and General Manager of the Holiday Inn at Saratoga Springs.  “Through the expansion of the high school Lodging Management Program and our continued nurturing of relationships with college hospitality programs throughout the state, we have been able to generate increased interest to the next generation of our workforce. This year’s three recipients are a clear representation of the type of candidate our industry strives for. They are most deserving of our sponsorship and support.”

“Whenever a scholarship is awarded I am first appreciative for those, who through whatever means, made the scholarship possible,” said K. William Gunther, Managing Director of the R.I.T. Inn and Conference Center in Rochester and Chairman of the NYSH&TA Board of Directors. “I congratulate all the winners, the future leaders so critical to our industry’s future.”

All award recipients were thought to be exceptional representatives of the future of the hospitality industry. Presentation of these scholarships will take place at the 2008 Saratoga Summer Fundraiser “Day at the Races” on Monday, July 28th, at the Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY.  


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