Niagara University students awarded $6,000 scholarships from NYS Hospitality & Tourism Association

When the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association's Education Foundation announced its student scholarship winners earlier this week, the select group of recipients included a Niagara University junior and another student on her way to Monteagle Ridge.

Nicolas Zachary Barth, a student in NU's College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Megan Erickson, a graduate of Schenectady County Community College who will join Nicolas at NU in the fall, were awarded $6,000 scholarships for their exceptional representation of the future of the hospitality industry.

"This really speaks to the quality and reputation of the programs that we are offering at Niagara University," said Gary Praetzel, Ph.D., dean of the university's College of Hospitality and Tourism Management. "Not only are our current students being recognized for their extraordinary efforts on behalf of the industry, but others who have shown to be outstanding representatives for tourism and hospitality are seeking out Niagara as a destination to further their studies as well."

Barth spends his summers working at Darien Lake Theme Park and Resort while Erickson is presently employed at the Hilton Garden Inn Albany Medical Center.

"Being able to serve and help others as a future career is an absolute dream come true," said Erickson. "Winning this scholarship through NYSH&TA's Education Foundation has made it financially possible for me to continue following my dreams by pursuing my bachelor's degree at Niagara University."

The mission of the Education Foundation is to assist in the educational development of hospitality students by offering individual scholarships to NYSH&TA member employees or their dependents.

"Our Education Foundation was delighted and encouraged to receive such a large number of qualified applicants this year. NYSH&TA continues to do a great job attracting applicants through building new relationships with college hospitality programs throughout the state," said Victor Nelson, chairman of the Education Foundation. "This year's recipients are clearly the type of candidates our industry needs managing hotels in the coming years."

Presentation of these scholarships will take place July 25 at the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs.