Hospitality students honored with first Schrager awards


FIU got another reason to “Feel the Pride” when Shena Corrado, David Rodriguez and Christian Poole were recognized for their Excellence in Special Event Management, Excellence in Wine & Culinary and Excellence in Overall Leadership, respectively during the 2010 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

School of Hospitality and Tourism Management students Shena Corrado, David Rodriguez and Christian Poole became the first FIU students to receive Lee Brian Schrager Excellence in Leadership Awards on April 16 at the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center at Biscayne Bay campus.

The award is named after Lee Schrager, founder and director of the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival, an annual fundraiser that benefits the school. The three students were recognized for their work with the festival this year.

“I am honored that FIU has chosen my name to be associated with their Excellence in Leadership Award scholarship,” Schrager said. “Students at the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management play an integral role in the festival each year and these awards are a great opportunity to recognize and reward them for the exceptional work that they do.”

Lee Schrager, Shena Corrado, Christian Poole and David Rodriguez after the ceremony at BBC.

In 2010 Corrado, a master of science in hospitality management candidate, assisted with the placement process of approximately 900 student volunteers.

Read about Shena Corrado’s work during “SoBe.”

Rodriguez, an undergrad focusing on beverage management, helped coordinate the logistics of setup, transportation and consumer education for the multiple servings of beer and wine poured from FIU’s tent during the festival.

Poole assisted with the culinary coordination for chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Chris Lilly and Kenny Callaghan at the Perrier-Jouët BubbleQ, as well as for the culinary demonstrations in Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village throughout the weekend. He is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the school.

Each student received a $5,000 scholarship toward their studies at FIU.

The 2011 SoBe is scheduled for next Feb. 24-27.

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