Wheaton man receives hospitality scholarship for the second time

The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association Educational Foundation today announced the recipients of its scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic year.

Matthew Zyburt of Wheaton was 1 of 23 recipients to receive scholarships this year. Zyburt is a junior at Purdue University studying Hospitality and Tourism Management. This is Zyburt's second year as a scholarship recipient. His short-term goal is to gain more experience in the hotel industry in order to determine what kind of positions suits him best. He hopes to have a long career in the hospitality industry. Zyburt was awarded this scholarship as a result of his extraordinary enthusiasm in his educational and professional life and his passion for the hospitality industry.

Designed to ignite confidence in Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association (IHLA) member employees and hospitality management students, IHLAEF is helping support the next generation of hospitality leaders and equipping them with resources to help advance their education.

For the 2016-2017 academic year, IHLAEF awarded almost $48,000 in scholarships to 23 students at 16 colleges in Illinois and across the country. The 23 students received scholarships based on outstanding academic achievement, a strong portfolio and a commitment to pursuing a career in the hospitality industry.

The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association Educational Foundation (IHLAEF) is the noNprofit, 501(c)(3) educational arm of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association (IHLA). Incorporated in 1992, IHLAEF has been a primary source of scholarship assistance for deserving Illinois college students pursuing hospitality management degrees throughout the country, awarding over $350,000 since its inception.

The foundation focuses on three major initiatives: educational programming, high school to career curriculum and workforce development, and scholarships.