SCHOLARSHIPS

Developing the Leaders of Tomorrow

The ISPA Foundation believes we are making a difference in providing a healing hand in today's stressful world. We are also building a foundation toward developing professionals who will make the world a healthier place to live.

The Mary Tabacchi Scholarship - Application period will begin in early 2011

Central to our investment in the future is the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship. With the help of the ISPA Foundation, through a wealth of donations, students interested in pursuing a career in spa management will be able to achieve their dreams. It is our hope that students touched by these scholarships will not only provide comfort and care to people who need it but serve as inspirations to others to join the spa profession.

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.

Download Donation Form

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).

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 visiting 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.