Greater Nashville Hospitality Education Foundation Scholarship Program
Greater Nashville Hospitality Education Foundation began its scholarship program to recognize students who are furthering their education in the hospitality and tourism industry and who are excelling in study, work, and related school activities. GNHEF’s mission is to equip the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals with the skills they need to succeed in the industry.
The purpose of the GNHEF scholarships is to present academic awards to students who are recognized by their faculty for academic achievement and for their contributions to the hospitality and tourism program at their school. The scholarships are given to the school in the name of the student to be used for tuition, books, and other related expenses of their education.
2020 GNHEF Scholarship Recipients A special thanks to Music City Concierge Association and the Nashville Originals for their scholarship contributions.
$4,500 GNHEF, MCCA & Nashville Originals Scholarship Jasmine Saunders Tennessee State University “From the time that I can remember I knew that I had a sincere love for people from all different walks of life. I love making people feel as if they matter. Someone paying attention to them and treating them with respect can change the course of a person’s day, and that person can spread positivity and love to someone else. ”
$4,500 GNHEF, MCCA & Nashville Originals Scholarship Drew Swope Tennessee State University “I believe that my generation has the tools to make radical changes in the world and I believe African Americans will play a large role in that. But for that to happen we need the experiences to expand our mind, the need the tools, resources, and capital of previous generations as well as the confidence that we can accomplish so much with unity. I know I have a role to play in making those changes and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
$3,500 GNHEF & MCCA Scholarship Staja Conley Tennessee State University “The traits I possess to be successful in this industry are great people skills, paying attention to detail, Leadership and Teamwork, Enthusiasm, and a positive attitude.”
$1,000 Nashville Originals Scholarship Jordan Balton Lipscomb University “Currently, the world looks a bit different than it did just a year ago. With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, the hospitality and tourism industry has taken a hit, but it is not just bad news. The current situation provides a huge learning opportunity for the industry and for me. By not being able to congregate in person, the industry has been thrown into the digital world. New, creative minds have had to come up with ways to keep people engaged with the industry, and one day, I plan to be one of those voices.”
$1,000 Nashville Originals Scholarship Adah Burdick Lipscomb University “Over the past year, through my experiences at Bonnaroo, changing my major, switching schools, joining the hospitality program, etc. that I have gained some fantastic skills that would aid me tremendously in the hospitality world. I have gained communication skills through meeting new people, business communications class, as well as, working in the catering department on campus. I have great organizational skills which have only developed more over the past year.”
$1,000 Nashville Originals Scholarship Allison Hotard Middle Tennessee State University “My THM coursework has provided me with practical experience like planning a cornhole tournament to raise money for a scholarship fund, designing and implementing a restaurant concept, engaging with guest speakers, touring a local hotel, and conducting face-to-face interviews with leaders within the local hospitality industry. However, the highlight was the cross-cultural opportunity to study abroad in March in Mendoza, Argentina during their annual grape harvest festival. This trip broadened my perspectives to the global possibilities of the tourism and hospitality industry while gaining an understanding of a different culture, their customs, and the impact of tourism on its economy.”
$1,000 Nashville Originals Scholarship Holly Olson Lipscomb University “Working in the hotel has shown me how many different sides there are to the hospitality and tourism industry, from a restaurant to a sky-high hotel. There are so many awesome jobs packed into the industry, I would love to dip my toes in every aspect. If someone doesn't hold the want to serve people, there is no place for them in the industry. Industry workers thrive off the satisfaction that they can bring to a guest through doing their job."