Hollywood, Florida, October 30, 2023 - HSMAI South Florida continued the awarding of its annual Dr. Peter Ricci Scholarship at the 2023 Annual GALA held at the Margaritaville Resort in Hollywood, Florida on October 30, 2023. Professor Greg Bohan, Instructor in the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), accompanied by Karima Lanfranco, Hospitality Management Professor and Program Coordinator at Lynn University took to the stage to present checks to three students:  Lauren Dwen (Lynn), Ariana Bukovac (FAU) and Aiden Lake (FAU).


This scholarship fund, created by HSMAI South Florida former president Carmen Ackerman, was designed to provide educational funds for students pursuing degrees at either undergraduate or graduate levels in hospitality, tourism, or culinary across South Florida’s various institutions of higher learning. Dr. Ricci was singled out for the naming of this scholarship honor based on his years of service to HSMAI, his passion for education and his experience in the hospitality industry.

Students can apply and receive funding based upon the merit of their application, their personal achievements, and their career goals. The career interests must align with HSMAI in the areas of hospitality sales, marketing, or revenue management including ancillary areas of eCommerce, digital marketing, travel product/service distribution, personal sales, and related niche segments.

About HSMAI South Florida Chapter
HSMAI South Florida  is a chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). HSMAI is the largest international association of travel sales and marketing professionals. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization with members worldwide. HSMAI is dedicated to enhancing sales,marketing and revenue management skills in the travel and hospitality industry through education. HSMAI has a dynamic network of 32 chapters and 5,000 members worldwide. The South Florida chapter has more than 157 members and is growing.