The East Texas Restaurant Association is donating $12,000 in scholarship funds to Stephen F. Austin State University students enrolled in the hospitality administration program.
These funds will supplement two scholarships, which are annually awarded to SFA hospitality administration students.
“We value the support of the East Texas Restaurant Association. The impact these scholarships have on our students is huge,” said Dr. Chay Runnels, professor and hospitality administration coordinator. “When students receive an academic scholarship from key leaders in the restaurant industry, it validates their career pathway and sends a messages that hospitality is important.”
ETRA representatives will present the scholarship funds during a mixer from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Fredonia Brewery. This event is open to the public, especially restaurateurs and hospitality industry professionals.
Red Tulip Food Truck will provide food for the event, and guests will have the opportunity to meet ETRA members and learn more about the organization. SFA hospitality administration students and faculty members also will be in attendance.
“Through educational funding, extensive networking and local advocacy, ETRA seeks to fuel the community to make a better food and beverage industry and a better tomorrow,” according to the ETRA website. The ETRA is a partnering organization with SFA’s hospitality administration program.
For more information, contact Runnels at (936) 468-2060 or runnelsc@sfasu.edu.
By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
