Grace Dittman, a senior studying hospitality and tourism management from Groton, N.Y., and Zachary Farkas, a senior sports management major from Tonawanda, N.Y., were two of five students selected by the Club Management Association of America’s Club Foundation for its prestigious Joe Perdue Scholarship.
Dittman, who will graduate in December, is an active member of NU’s CMMA student chapter, and completed a food and beverage internship at the New York Athletic Club.
Farkas, who serves as the president of the NU CMAA student chapter, is currently a member of Niagara’s Division 1 golf team and plans to obtain his PGA certification after graduation. He has completed internships with the Park Country Club of Buffalo in both the golf shop and with its food and beverage team.
“The Club Foundation applauds these students for their hard work and dedication to furthering their hospitality education, with a focus toward pursuing a career in the club industry,” said Carrie Wosicki, director of development for The Club Foundation. “The Club Foundation is honored to provide these scholarships made possible through the generosity of our donors, the members of CMAA, its chapters, and strategic and business partners.”
The scholarship was established in 1988 to honor Joe Perdue, the club industry’s leading hospitality educator. Since then, the Club Foundation has awarded 194 student scholarships totaling more than $365,000. Many past recipients are now working in management positions at clubs and serve as leaders in the industry.
The Niagara University CMAA student chapter was granted charter by the Club Managers Association of America in 2007. Named the CMAA’s Student Chapter of the Year every year since 2008, the organization focuses its efforts on education, professional development, networking and placement.
ABOUT THE CLUB FOUNDATION
The Club Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established by CMAA in 1988. The Foundation seeks to fund the life cycle of a club manager’s career, providing financial support for five key areas: students, faculty, club managers, CMAA chapters and the club industry at large. It supports the advancement of club management professionals, funding industry education programs through scholarships and grants. Learn more at clubfoundation.org.
ABOUT CMAA
Founded in 1927, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 6,800 members throughout the US and internationally. Our members contribute to the success of more than 2,500 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town, and yacht clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to provide the resources needed for efficient and successful club operations. Under the covenants of professionalism, education, leadership, and community, CMAA continues to extend its reach as the leader in the club management practice. CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with 42 professional chapters and more than 40 student chapters and colonies. Learn more at cmaa.org.