Shaner Hotels, which manages the Courtyard by Marriott Newark–University of Delaware (UD) in Newark, Delaware, has established a $100,000 endowed scholarship at the university’s department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management (HRIM).

The scholarship honors David Hollowell, former executive VP and treasurer of UD, who has been a champion of the HRIM program and a strong advocate for bringing a teaching hotel to the campus. Anticipated awards of $5,000 will be presented to one or two students each year.

“We are thrilled to provide this opportunity to educate the next generation of hospitality professionals,” says Lance T. Shaner, chairman/CEO of Shaner Hotels. “When we came to this beautiful community five years ago, there was a vision to give students who share our passion the opportunity to participate in the day-to-day operations of a worldclass hotel, where they’re exposed to the latest technology and best new ideas in customer service.

“It’s a beautiful example of what happens when you have a mutually supportive partnership that becomes successful, both academically and economically,” Shaner says.

“I can't think of a better way to recognize the success of this program than the creation of a scholarship that will provide the financial support necessary for promising students to benefit from our outstanding faculty and facilities,” says David Hollowell, who retired at the end of 2007.