St. Charles woman receives hospitality scholarship for the second time

CHICAGO -- The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association Educational Foundation today announced the recipients of its scholarships for the 2016-17 academic year.

Lindsey Wehking of St. Charles was 1 of 23 recipients to receive scholarships this year. Wehking is the recipient of the Hyatt Scholarship. She is a junior at DePaul University studying Communications and Hospitality Leadership. This is Wehking's second year as a scholarship recipient. Her long-term goals are to travel as much as she can and be able to work in as many positions as possible; she believes this will enable her to grow in the hotel business. Wehking was awarded this scholarship as a result of her extraordinary enthusiasm in her educational and professional life and her passion for the hospitality industry.

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

For the 2016-17 academic year, the foundation 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 is the nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational arm of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association. Incorporated in 1992, the foundation 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.