ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Club Foundation announces the Lead Like Lambert Scholarship Fund. This fund supports undergraduate hospitality students at and alumni of the University of Massachusetts (UMASS), Amherst, who are pursuing further education and experience in the club industry as a dynamic, meaningful, and rewarding career path.
The Lead Like Lambert Scholarship Fund was established in 2026 through the generosity of donors to The Club Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), and in cooperation with UMASS Amherst, to honor the life, leadership, and legacy of Matt Lambert, CCM, CAM, ECM.
A proud graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Matt devoted more than 25 years to the club industry and was widely respected as a leader, mentor, and advocate for the profession. Throughout his career, he generously shared his knowledge, developed emerging professionals, and created opportunities for others to grow and succeed.
Established in partnership with the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the Lead Like Lambert Scholarship Fund carries that commitment forward by investing in the education and professional development of future club management leaders.
“Matt believed strongly in people and creating opportunities for our next generation of leaders,” said LuAnn Giovannelli, CCM, CAM, CMAA Fellow, Chair of The Club Foundation Board of Governors. “Those of us who were fortunate enough to know Matt and the Board are honored to help push his legacy forward through this new fund.”
Visit The Club Foundation to support this scholarship.
About The Club Foundation
The Club Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established by CMAA in 1988. The Foundation seeks to fund the life cycle of a club manager’s career, providing financial support for five key areas: students, faculty, club managers, CMAA Chapters, and the club industry at large. It supports the advancement of club management professionals, funding industry education programs through scholarships and grants. Donations to The Club Foundation are essential to the continued success of the club industry and support club management professionals at every stage of their careers. Since 1988, The Club Foundation has awarded more than $8.5 million in scholarships and grants to provide individuals with professional development opportunities, education and research, and essential training. Learn more at [WEBSITE NEEDED].
About CMAA
Founded in 1927, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 8,700 members throughout the US and internationally. Our members contribute to the success of more than 2,600 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town, and yacht clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to provide the resources needed for efficient and successful club operations. Under the covenants of professionalism, education, leadership, and community, CMAA continues to extend its reach as the leader in the club management practice. CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with 38 professional chapters and 45 current and prospective student chapters. Learn more at cmaa.org.
Media Contact:
Melissa Low, CAE
goodnews@cmaa.org
