Niagara University's CMAA student chapter celebrates a decade of success as best in country

Niagara University's student chapter of the Club Management Association of America is the best in the nation – for the 10th straight year.

The Niagara University chapter defeated more than 40 other colleges and universities from across the U.S. to be named Student Chapter of the Year. This prestigious award was given during the association’s 92nd World Conference on Club Management and Club Business Expo, Feb. 24-28 in Nashville.

The Student Chapter of the Year Award is based on a series of factors, including the number and variety of educational programs offered, member employment and internships in clubs, membership growth, its relationship with the state chapter of CMAA, and member attendance at events. The Niagara student chapter has won the award every year since 2008.

Additionally, three Niagara chapter officers were recognized for their commitment to the club industry with the coveted Joe Purdue Scholarship. Honored with three of the eight awards were student chapter President Zachary Recckio, a senior from Port Byron; Vice President Emily Lovejoy, a senior from Elma; and treasurer Terry Scouras, a senior from Lancaster.

Students who join Niagara's CMAA student chapter are required to complete a rigorous schedule of educational, networking and professional development events, and work at a CMAA-affiliated club each summer between academic semesters.

“The continual recognition by CMAA repeatedly proves Niagara University’s strength of programming, the commitment of its student members, and the widely recognized success of its alumni for the past 10 years in the profession of club management. NU CMAA sets the standard of excellence for student chapters and continues to improve upon their own longstanding traditions,” said Rachel Zilka, academic co-adviser of the chapter.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to work with such a talented group of young professionals, and are proud of their accomplishments,” added co-adviser Brandon Sears.

The Club Management Association of America is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs. With nearly 6,700 members across all classifications, its manager members run more than 2,500 country, golf, city, athletic, faculty, yacht, town and military clubs. The objectives of the association are to promote and advance friendly relations among persons connected with the management of clubs and other associations of similar character; to encourage the education and advancement of its members; and to assist club officers and members, through their managers, to secure the utmost in efficient and successful operations.

Niagara University's College of Hospitality and Tourism Management offers undergraduate degree programs in hotel and restaurant management, sport and recreation management, and tourism and event management, as well as a graduate program in sport management. To learn more, call 716-286-8279 or visit www.niagara.edu/hospitality.