Mary Tabacchi Scholarship

This scholarship was created in 2006 and named in honor of Mary Tabacchi, Ph.D., RD, Associate Professor, Hospitality Facilities and Operations at Cornell University. Dr. Tabacchi is a spa industry veteran and pioneer in spa education.

The ISPA Foundation’s Mary Tabacchi Scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate student who has completed at least one-year of college and is seeking a spa-related degree with a demonstrated interest in spa management.  The recipient will receive $2,500 USD to offset their education expenses, as well as registration, airfare and hotel accommodations to attend the ISPA Conference & Expo. A gift form is located below if you would like to make a contribution.

Apply for the scholarship online - application period closed

Download Scholarship Application - application period closed                   

Download donation form

About Mary Tabacchi

Mary H. Tabacchi, Ph.D., R.D., is an associate professor with tenure at the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University. Dr. Tabacchi began teaching at Cornell University in 1972 as a isiting assistant professor in the division of nutritional sciences. Her Ph.D. is in Biochemical  Nutrition, Biostatistics. She is a well respected author and researcher, having published numerous papers and books on nutrition, spa and other related subjects, as well as extensive research on the spa industry. Her reach has expanded the globe, through research, education and consulting projects in Europe, Asia and North America. Dr. Tabacchi has served on the International SPA Association Board of Directors, past president of the ISPA Foundation and numerous spa and spa-related advisory boards and committees.

Eligibility

A selection committee will review applications based on the following requirements.

Student must be enrolled:

1. part- or full-time, in a two-or four-year spa-related program, with a demonstrated interest or emphasis in spa management;
2. with a minimum of one year completed at a postsecondary educational institution.

Applicants must:

1. have a minimum GPA (or international equivalent) of 2.75;
2. complete a scholarship application, which includes an essay section that describes their skills and qualifications, as well as personal and professional goals;
3. submit at least two references, one of which must be from their school advisor, indicating their enrollment status, year in school and emphasis in spa management;
4. submit original college transcripts that include evidence of courses taken and GPA (or international equivalent).

Contributors

The ISPA Foundation sincerely thanks the following companies and Individuals that have contributed to the scholarship fund:

Companies:
Canyon Ranch                    Kerstin Florian International
Destination Spa Group
ISPA
Jurlique

Individuals:
Sharilyn Abbajay               Jean Kolb                           Edwin Neill
Stefanie Ashley                 John & Karen Korpi          Jim Root
Henry Cashen                  Calvin Martin                       Ruth Stricker
Cathy Cluff                         Jeremy McCarthy               Deborah Waldvogel
Jonathan DeVierville       Lynne McNees                   Shenyn Wang
David Erlich                       Kate Mearns                       Jennifer Wayland-Smith
Orlando HIdalgo              Charles Mizelle                   Susan Wheeler
Ulrike Klein                       Howard Murad  

Gift Form (pdf)