In a remarkable achievement for Delaware State University, three students have been awarded $8,000 in scholarships each, advancing them closer to their dream of earning degrees in tourism and hospitality. This recognition comes from the Destinations International Foundation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Scholarship program, an initiative to encourage diversity in the travel and tourism field.
Only nine recipients across the country, DSU’s Celine Trombu of Wilmington, Hannah Weiss of Townsend, and Kaniyah Williams Bailey from Washinton. D.C. has grown as a leader in their field.
This scholarship, which is to help cover the financial aspects of the 2024-2025 academic school year, is also serving as motivation to help these students stay committed to transforming the hospitality and tourism industry.
Destination International, a major name in global travel, has always worked towards a more inclusive industry that showcases a wide range of voices and experiences. With its Social initiative, the organization focuses on bringing in more students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that the future of tourism reflects the wide variety of people it serves.
Bille Sullivan, chairman of the bureau’s board of directors and a member of the Delaware Hotel Lodging Association, emphasizes the importance of the scholarships, stating, “This scholarship fund serves a very important purpose, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our tourism industry. It was an honor to ensure these three students were able to attend the national convention and be recognized.”
The success of these scholarships is built on the generosity of numerous donors, who have collectively contributed over $225,000 over the past three years. This financial support is essential for helping develop future industry leaders.
The Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Delaware Hotel and Lodging Association contributed $3,000 to help three DSU students attend the Destinations International Annual Convention in Tampa, Florida. At the convention, the recipients received their scholarships and were recognized for their potential to make a significant impact in the industry.
The accomplishments of Trombi, Weiss, and Williams Bailey highlight a growing trend in the hospitality and tourism field towards inclusivity and recognizing underrepresented groups. As the scholars advance in their education, they embody the hopes of Delaware State University and the vision for a more diverse and equitable industry.
