The International Spa Association (ISPA) Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2017 Mary Tabacchi Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a junior, senior, or graduate student enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s or master’s program pursuing a career in spa management, leadership, or entrepreneurship. The ISPA Foundation will present the 11th annual award at the 27th annual ISPA Conference & Expo at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, October 16 to18. The recipient will be awarded $5,000 to offset his or her education expenses, a complimentary registration, travel stipend and hotel accommodations to attend the 2017 ISPA Conference and Expo (Las Vegas), a one-year ISPA student membership, and a year-long mentorship to help navigate their career aspirations.
The scholarship, created in 2006, was named in honor of Mary Tabacchi, Ph.D., RD, a beloved spa industry veteran and pioneer in spa education. Tabacchi began teaching at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration in 1972, where she continues to teach today. She has a doctorate in biochemical nutrition and biostatistics, in addition to numerous published books on nutrition, spas, and related subjects. “This award was created 11 years ago, to encourage and inspire those joining the spa industry,” says president Lynne McNees. “We are pleased it continues to give back to our community and nurture future leaders.” The deadline to apply is April 28. To learn more about eligibility requirements and to access the scholarship application, visit experienceispa.com/about/ispa-foundation.