Fund Championed by The Tree Farm
Alexandria, VA – The Club Foundation announces the University of South Carolina Scholarship Fund. This fund supports undergraduate hospitality students at and alumni of the University of South Carolina (USC) who are pursuing further education and experience in the club industry as a dynamic, meaningful, and rewarding career path.
This scholarship fund grew out of the values and vision of The Tree Farm, a golf club located just outside of Aiken, SC. Recognizing the need to develop exceptional professionals in the club industry, The Tree Farm leadership and community established the fund.
General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of The Tree Farm, Eric Dietz, CCM, CCE, PGA, explains “We are thrilled to support the University of South Carolina and are grateful for the support of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. The Tree Farm is a better place because of this relationship and the students that have made The Tree Farm an employer of choice. Go Gamecocks!”
Dietz played a key role in championing the fund and translating the club’s values into a lasting, fully endowed scholarship. Donors with strong ties to and an affinity for the University of South Carolina played a critical role in growing the fund, ensuring long-term impact for future generations of club management professionals.
To date, more than $184,000 has been raised to sustain the scholarship.
“Experiential learning is one of the hallmarks of an education at the USC School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. We’re grateful for the support of partners like The Tree Farm and the opportunities they offer our students,” notes Michael Sagas, Ed.D, Dean of the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina.
President of The Club Foundation and CMAA Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE, shares, “Investing in students today strengthens the future of the club management profession. We are deeply grateful to the generous donors whose commitment to developing talent ensures that the next generation of club managers is prepared to lead our industry forward.”
As the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) enters its next 100 years, The Club Foundation is building on its legacy and deepening its impact by championing the club professional’s journey and celebrating the contributions of club professionals across the country.
Learn more about the USC Scholarship and its eligibility requirements at clubfoundation.org/scholarship-usc.html.
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 clubfoundation.org.
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.
About The University of South Carolina’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
The University of South Carolina’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management prepares future leaders to shape the experiences that define how people travel, dine, gather, and celebrate. Located in a state known for Southern hospitality and world-class tourism destinations, the school combines innovative academics, hands-on learning, and professional engagement to prepare students for leadership roles around the globe. Through an experiential curriculum grounded in business management, research and community impact, students develop the skills to solve complex challenges, lead responsibly, and create exceptional guest experiences across hospitality and tourism. The school also offers a concentration in private club management, preparing students for leadership roles in the evolving club and leisure sector. Learn more at sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/hrsm/.
Media Contacts:
CMAA
Vice President, Communications & Advocacy
Melissa Low, CAE
703-739-9500
goodnews@cmaa.org
USC
HRSM Communications and Marketing Team
College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
hrsmcomm@mailbox.sc.edu
