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Long Beach
-- With an anticipated starting date of 2004, students
majoring in hospitality management at The University of Southern
Mississippi Gulf Coast will have an opportunity to reap the benefits
of a $10,000 education endowment.
The Magnolia
Chapter of Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International
(HSMAI) last September reached the $10,000 mark to complete the
HSMAI Magnolia Chapter Endowment to Southern MissGC.
"The tourism
industry is becoming more and more prominent in today's work force,"
said Southern Miss' president, Dr. Shelby F. Thames. "The HSMAI's
recognition is that investing in hospitality students at Southern
Miss will pay off for both the student and the industry. We appreciate
their investment in our institution and our students."
Recognizing
the importance of education in fostering professionalism in the
tourism industry, the Magnolia Chapter Scholarship was established
in 1992 with a donation of $1,000 having been made each following
year.
"What
a milestone," said Tina Seamans, incoming HSMAI president.
"When the Magnolia Chapter of HSMAI made the commitment 10
years ago to support Southern MissGC through the endowment, we knew
we would all benefit."
With an anticipated
starting date of 2004, the Magnolia Chapter will award an annual
scholarship based on the interest that the endowment earns to a
deserving student in hospitality management at Southern Miss Gulf
Coast.
"The annual
scholarship will provide another incentive for our hospitality management
majors interested in pursuing management and marketing careers in
the hospitality industry," said Dr. Joe Hutchinson, chair of
the Southern Miss Division of Health and Human Sciences and the
Department of Hospitality Management.
"It will
provide more awareness to students about professional organizations
such as HSMAI, where they can network with others and find out about
potential job opportunities, especially in the casino and tourism
industry."
The Southern
Miss Department of Hospitality Management offers a bachelor of science
degree in hospitality management that prepares students for careers
in hotel restaurant and tourism management. The degree can be completed
on both the Gulf Park and Hattiesburg campuses.
The hospitality
management program offers a wide range of courses that lead students
in their career path. Areas of industry emphasis include lodging,
food and beverage, tourism or convention and event management.
The industry
focus maintains a balance with general education and business management
courses – ranging from accounting to marketing. Some of the
courses are outside the traditional classroom setting.
Each semester
combines classroom lectures with case studies, computer assignments,
guest lectures and field trips.
In addition
to the HSMAI-Magnolia Chapter endowment, students majoring in hospitality
management may qualify for several other scholarships offered at
Gulf Park and Hattiesburg, or some exclusive to each campus.
For more information
on the hospitality management program for both the Gulf Park and
Hattiesburg campuses and its current scholarships, contact the Department
of Hospitality Management at (228) 214-3226.
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