AH&LA Extended Stay Council Scholarship
Renamed In Memory of Steve Hymans
WASHINGTON, dc, March 14, 2006. The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF), the not-for-profit affiliate of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), announced the renaming of the AH&LA Extended Stay Council Scholarship to the Steve Hymans Extended Stay Scholarship today at the AH&LA Extended Stay Lodging Conference in Atlanta, Ga. Hymans, vice chairman of the Council, passed away earlier this month due to complications from heart surgery. A memorial fund has been established to permanently endow the program. AH&LA and AH&LEF have contributed $10,000 to the fund.
A long-time AH&LA volunteer and 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Hymans spent his entire career working in the extended stay segment. Hymans was the vice president of the Southeast Region for Hyatt Hotels, overseeing its franchised AmeriSuites and Summerfield Suites brands since September 2005. Previously, he was senior vice president of operations for the Hawthorn Suites brand of US Franchise Systems, Inc. (USFS). Hymans joined USFS shortly after the company's inception in 1995 and oversaw all of Hawthorn Suite's operating and marketing functions including national sales, frequency marketing, franchise services, training and sales support. He came to USFS with an extensive background in the management of such extended-stay chains as Residence Inn and Summerfield Suites. A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Hymans attended Michigan State University's Hotel Restaurant Institutional Management Program.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Steve," said Doug Geoga, president, Global Hyatt Corporation. "He touched all of us who worked with him and our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time. The Steve Hymans Extended Stay Scholarship is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much of himself to AH&LA and the extended stay segment."
"Steve was a loyal employee, a talented hotelier, and a good friend to his coworkers, the franchise community, and the entire industry," said Mike Leven, president and CEO of USFS. "Above all, he was one of the kindest people I have ever known and will be sorely missed by all who came in
contact with him. He was dedicated to the advancement of people in the hotel industry and I can think of no better way to honor Steve Hymans' contribution."
Last year, the AH&LA Extended Stay Council created a scholarship program to help educate more undergraduate hospitality management students at various U.S. colleges and universities about the needs, interests, and concerns of the extended stay segment of the lodging industry. Students must have with previous work experience at a hotel-preferably at an extended stay property. Scholarship amounts range from $500 to $2,000. This memorial will permanently endow the program.
"This scholarship program was created to sustain the tremendous growth that the extended stay segment is experiencing, said AH&LA President/CEO Joseph A. McInerney, CHA. "It is only befitting that the scholarship be renamed in memory of Steve Hymans, one of the industry's most dedicated and experienced professionals."
To contribute to the Steve Hymans Extended Stay Scholarship, contact the Foundation at (202) 289-3100, or visit www.ahlef.org. For more information about the AH&LA Extended Stay Council, visit www.ahla.com.
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AH&LEF is the charitable fund-raising and endowed fund-management subsidiary of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Founded in 1953, AH&LEF is the premier organization for scholarships, professional certification, and instructional material as well as funding for hospitality industry research.
AH&LA is a 96-year-old association of lodging properties and companies throughout the United States. Members are represented by AH&LA at the national level as well as by our partner state associations, which provide many additional cost-saving benefits. With some 10,000 members in the United States and internationally, AH&LA represents more than 1.3 million guest rooms. As the voice of the industry ensuring a positive business climate for hoteliers, AH&LA provides advocacy on Capitol Hill, education, marketing, information, and bottom-line benefits.
Enica R. Thompson
Manager of Media Relations
American Hotel & Lodging Association
1201 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202.289.3153
Fax: 202.289.3128
www.ahla.com
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