Three students who are studying exhibitions and events management will receive scholarships to help them continue their studies and advance their careers, according to the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), which yesterday announced the recipients of its 2016 Helen Brett Scholarship awards.
Named for trade show industry pioneer Helen Brett, the scholarship was established by Brett's grandson, Robert Kolinek, who now serves as president of Helen Brett Enterprises, the trade show production and management company that she founded in 1945. It is designed to encourage college students to explore careers in trade show and event management by encouraging their pursuit with financial support.
This year's scholarship recipients -- chosen on a competitive basis based on field of study, recommendations, and educational achievement -- are:
• Sarah Chung, who recently graduated from Richland College with honors with an associate's degree in applied science in travel, exposition, and meeting management and a certificate in hospitality and tourism. Chung plans to continue her studies at the University of Las Vegas.
• Jordan Lacey, who is a senior honors student in the Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management program at Johnson and Wales University. She recently wrote and published her senior honors thesis, "The Glass Ceiling for Minorities in the Hospitality Industry," and has held internships at The Big Apple Circus, Beyond the Stars Dance Convention, YouNow, and The U.S. Open. She is also the founder of her own nonprofit organization, Light the Candle.
• Mackenzie Thompson, a second-year student in the Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management program at Johnson and Wales University, on its Providence campus. In addition to being an IAEE member, she is a member of Women in Sports and Events (WISE) and also serves as vice president of The Johnson and Wales University MPI Student Chapter.
"It is incredibly rewarding to honor my grandmother's legacy by offering this opportunity to future industry leaders to advance their career," Kolinek said.
The 2016 Helen Brett Scholars will be recognized during IAEE's "Expo! Expo!" annual meeting and exhibition, taking place Dec. 6-8 in Anaheim, CA.
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