Tourism Department Receives $650,000 in Awards
IUPUI's Tourism, Conventions and Event Management (TCEM) Department has received three awards totaling $650,000 from the Efroymson Fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation to fund a new lecture series, provide study abroad opportunities for its students and extend support for an annual cultural tourism conference that features a $25,000 prize.
The first award for $100,000 will be used to establish the Efroymson Lectures on International Art, Culture and Heritage, to be held each fall for four years, beginning in 2008, said Sotiris Hji-Avgoustis, professor and chair of the department. The lecture series, which will be open to the public, is designed to enhance students' and Indiana residents' knowledge and understanding of international culture, including heritage, art, history, practices and offerings.
"The tourism industry knows no boundaries,"Hji-Avgoustis said. "If we are to prepare our students for successful careers, it is imperative that the department foster an understanding of international cultures among our students, faculty and community. A basic knowledge and appreciation of cultures and people from around the world is the most important factor contributing to the success of many of our graduates, including those who work in local hospitality, plan international meetings, and for those who assist others in planning international travel."
Cultural understanding is also needed in industries beyond hospitality, he noted. As new residents and international businesses locate in Indiana, "they must be met not only with Hoosier hospitality, but also with a culturally sensitive environment that embraces and welcomes others," Hji-Avgoustis said.
With the second award for $250,000, the department will better serve its students by providing and assisting student participation in study abroad opportunities.
At least one student will receive an award annually for a semester of study in Germany or Slovenia, with destinations possibly changing as IUPUI study abroad partnerships evolve. The award, approximately $5,000, would include all expenses other than tuition and book fees for the recipient.
Three students enrolled in TCEM's cruiseline management course who otherwise would not be able to participate in an optional course cruise under faculty supervision due to lack of funds will receive $1,000 awards. The study abroad and cruise management opportunities are important for students who, upon graduation send people to destinations outside the United States, arrange travel for people of many cultures, arrange international meetings or conventions, and/or employ individuals from around the world, Hji-Avgoustis said.
The third award for $300,000 extends the Efroymson Fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation support for several initiatives, including an annual cultural and heritage tourism conference hosted by TCEM. In 2004, the Efroymson Fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation recognized the importance of cultural tourism in Indiana by pledging annual resources to TCEM to fund the following in 2006, 2007 and 2008: A $25,000 tourism award, annual cultural tourism conference, scholarships, and faculty research. The new award provides funding for these initiatives for five additional years, through 2013.
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