2025 - 2026 IHLAEF Scholarship Recipients
Jeremy Goodrich
I’m deeply honored to receive the Arnie & Pat Karr Celebration Scholarship. This generous support allows me to continue pursuing my education at DePaul and further develop as a future leader in the hospitality industry. Starting in hotels at 15, I’ve built my career on a passion for creating memorable guest experiences, and this award motivates me to continue growing, innovating, and ultimately making a lasting impact in the hotel industry.
Scholarship gifted by: The Arnie & Pat Karr Celebration Scholarship Fund
Maggie Stacey
Receiving this scholarship has not only helped ease the financial burden of college, but it has also reinforced my confidence in pursuing my goals and aspirations. I am truly grateful to those who make these opportunities possible for students like me. With their support, I am motivated to continue working toward a future career in Hotel and Event Sales, with hopes of building my path in cities like Chicago or St. Louis.
Scholarship gifted by: Marriott Business Council Chicagoland Scholarship
Rebecca Embury
I am grateful for this scholarship because it gives me some financial freedom to focus more on my studies and enjoy my senior year. I plan to use my education to further my career in the Hotel and Hospitality industry. I want to join a Hotel Banquet's Pastry Team or Events Team and make guests' dreams a reality through cakes, pastries, plans, and decorations. I want to help make memories that last
lifetimes.
Scholarship gifted by: Sonesta Hotels of Chicago Scholarship
Giselle Zamora
Receiving this scholarship will not only help me continue my education, but also remind me of the potential I have in the hospitality industry. It motivates me to keep moving forward with the hope that one day I can give back and support others the way I've been supported.
Scholarship gifted by: Constellation Scholarship
Giulia Morata
It feels amazing to be recognized by an industry I love so much and am working
hard to be a part of. Receiving the Sage Hospitality Scholarship gives me even more
motivation to continue pursuing a meaningful career in hospitality.
Scholarship gifted by: Sage Hospitality Scholarship
Deena Brown
Being awarded this scholarship means so much to me because it is going towards my college education and I won't have to worry as much about how I will pay for college. My plans for the hospitality industry are to graduate college with my Bachelors of Science in Hospitality Management and then go to culinary school to learn more about my passion. I hope to become a Private Chef!
Scholarship gifted by: Kimpton Hotels of Chicago-Monaco and Gray
Previous IHLAEF Scholarship Recipients
Shiva Basnet
This funding is a major milestone on the road to fulfilling my ambitions, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. Your backing gives me the will to fulfill my dream of introducing Chicagoans to the varied and delicious cuisine of Nepal. My dream is to build a Nepalese restaurant that serves real Nepalese cuisine and provides customers with genuine, welcoming service that reflects the country's warm hospitality. With its delicious cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant will be more than just a restaurant—it will be a cultural center where people from all over the world can come together to celebrate Nepalese cuisine and hospitality.
Sibgha Malik
Receiving this scholarship means the absolute world to me. Attending Kendall College at National Louis University is extremely important to me because I know that my skills can be refined and perfected to be the best possible hospitality professional. Not only did you make an amazing donation, you made a direct investment in my future, and I cannot say thank you enough.
Andrew Mangold
"I cannot express enough gratitude to those who are making this possible for me. This assistance toward my education will provide me with more opportunities today, tomorrow, and everyday, for the remainder of the school year, as some stress is relieved with this great financial assistance. Thank you so much; I feel beyond blessed."
Clara Nesvacil
I am honored and thankful to receive these funds to pursue my education for the hospitality industry. I plan on continuing to work at the front desk of the local hotel near Illinois State University until I graduate, and I plan on entering hotel management in Los Angeles, California after I obtain my degree.
Mollie McNulty
I am so grateful to IHLAEF for making this scholarship possible. Funds like these allow me to pursue opportunities educationally and professionally that I am passionate about without always worrying about my financial stability. This scholarship will make it possible for me to spend my final year at DePaul focusing on making connections in the industry and engaging with the members of my school community who are also interested in a career in hospitality. 
Veronica Chom
I did not think that I could achieve my dreams without these funds, but now I have the possibility to continue with my dream. I plan to open my restaurant making sure that I can work both front and back of the house to achieve true success within my staff and customers.
Anna Gruvberger, Cornell University: "The generosity of IHLA has touched my life in numerous ways, and I cannot thank The Foundation enough for helping me find a spot at Cornell University and in the hospitality industry. I look forward to representing IHLA throughout my future in the best ways possible. Thank you!" Scholarship gifted by: The Pat Karr Scholarship Fund
Alexander Orloff, Northwestern Illinois University – "Having the support of an association like Illinois Hotel and Lodging while I finish my school makes me look forward to joining this industry and hopefully making a difference in it thanks to this scholarship. Thank you Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association" Scholarship gifted by: Illinois Hotel & Lodging Education Foundation
Katie Draffkorn, Purdue University – "Receiving this scholarship means the absolute world to me. Attending Purdue University is extremely important to me because I know that my skills can be refined and perfected in order for me to be the best possible hospitality professional possible. Not only did you make an amazing donation, you made a direct investment in my future, and I cannot say thank you enough." Scholarship gifted by: Sonesta Hotels
Liang Liang Li, DePaul University - Receiving the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Educational Foundation funds for my Bachelor's in Hospitality is more than financial aid; it affirms my potential in this dynamic sector. It fuels my journey towards transforming service standards and contributing to the global hospitality industry. This investment seeds a voyage beyond classroom learning, underlining the importance of human interactions and experiences at the heart of hospitality. Scholarship gifted by: Kimpton Hotels of Chicago. Sibgha Malik, National Louis University –“Receiving the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Educational Foundation funds for my Bachelor's in Hospitality is more than financial aid; it affirms my potential in this dynamic sector. It fuels my journey towards transforming service standards and contributing to the global hospitality industry. This investment seeds a voyage beyond classroom learning, underlining the importance of human interactions and experiences at the heart of hospitality.” Scholarship gifted by: Marriott Business Council
