3 Niagara University students earn scholarships from Tourism Cares

Niagara University announces three of its students have been awarded academic scholarships from Tourism Cares, the tourism industry's premier charitable organization for preservation, conservation, restoration and education.

Nicholas Barth, '14, Brianna Fries, '12, and Mary Gibson, '12, were among the 62 travel, tourism and hospitality students across the U.S. and Canada to receive merit-based awards, which are determined by a committee comprised of international travel, tourism and hospitality educators and professionals. The scholarships, funded by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), the International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN) and the National Tour Association (NTA), range from $1,000 to $5,000 apiece.

"We and the fund donors take great pride in providing financial assistance and encouragement to these students as they pursue their educational and professional goals in travel and tourism," said Bruce Beckham, executive director at Tourism Cares.

Gibson was presented with the ASTA Holland America Line Undergraduate Scholarship, Barth the ASTA Stan and Leone Pollard Scholarship, and Fries the NTA New York Scholarship.

In addition to the monetary awards, the academic scholarship recipients are also invited to attend the Tourism Cares Experience the Industry Student Program at the annual NTA Convention, held Dec. 5 - 9, in Las Vegas, Nev. The program gives students the opportunity to shadow professional mentors and participate in tourism industry workshops.

"I congratulate all of these students for earning a Tourism Cares scholarship - they are the future of our industry," said Lisa Simon, CTP, NTA president. "There are few better ways to make a difference than by supporting the education for our travel and tourism students. NTA has a heritage in offering scholarships and grants, and we are proud to be a part of this scholarship program."

For nearly 30 years, Tourism Cares (and its predecessor, the National Tourism Foundation), along with ASTA and IATAN, have provided nearly 800 students with scholarships and other awards valued at nearly $1.1 million.

"Awarding Tourism Cares Academic Scholarships is one way we can ensure that the future of our industry will be in good hands," added Catherine Greteman, president of Star Destinations and NTA Chairman. "By igniting the passion for travel in these students with a solid educational background, we are grooming the tourism leaders of tomorrow. Congratulations to the 62 winners of the 2011 Tourism Cares scholarships. You have a bright future and a world of opportunity."