The Guy Fieri Foundation recently launched a scholarship program to help fund the education of hospitality management students at UNLV's William F. Harrah College of Hospitality. The $20,000 annual scholarship was established to create opportunities for two students pursuing careers in the food and beverage industry.
“UNLV's Harrah College of Hospitality helped shape my journey, and now we’re serving up opportunities for passionate students to turn their culinary dreams into reality,” said Fieri. “With these scholarships we want to empower the next generation of culinary trailblazers with the best education from the best professionals in the business.”
Though not a traditional culinary school, the Harrah College of Hospitality gives students the option of concentrating their degree in restaurant management. Students can gain additional culinary experience by serving on the college’s professional catering team.
Scholarship recipients Delaney Cloma (senior) and Joseph Snyder (freshman) – both members of the college’s catering team – have their sights set on careers in the food and beverage industry.
Cloma says the scholarship not only helps offset expenses but also gives her a sense of empowerment as she pursues her degree.
“One thing this scholarship has given me is more confidence,” said Cloma. “Sometimes when I think I’m afraid to invest in myself, it’s great to know there’s someone out there who thinks I’m a worthy investment.”
All scholarship applicants, including Snyder and Cloma, participated in a unique application process. In addition to satisfying specific GPA and financial-need requirements, they were charged with demonstrating their professional vision in a personal video.
“In my video, I demonstrated my love for food and beverage by sort of traveling through significant points in my life,” said Snyder. “Whether as a toddler in my grandma’s kitchen, or as a little kid helping out with Thanksgiving dinner, I talked about how all of these moments and places showed me how much I truly love food and cooking.”
The scholarship reflects Fieri’s lifelong passion for hospitality education and his commitment to giving back to UNLV. Fieri has served as a guest speaker during classes and scholarship events, a university keynote speaker, and a philanthropic supporter of the college’s academic building, Hospitality Hall. To honor his dedication to students, both the college and the university have recognized Fieri as the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year (2011 and 2021, respectively).
“Guy is a great friend to UNLV,” said Tony Henthorne, acting dean of the Harrah College of Hospitality. “He takes time to interact with our students and teach them about the business. And with this scholarship, he’s giving students more flexibility to really focus on learning and building their careers.”
As for her future career, Cloma plans to harness her affinity for analytics to streamline operations in the culinary space. Snyder’s goal is to work as a food and beverage director at a prestigious country club.
