Dimond Fellowship recipients announced

Metropolitan State University of Denver has announced the recipients of the 2016 Rita and Navin Dimond Hotel Management Fellowship for the spring semester.

The fellowship program, endowed through a gift from the Dimond family, was established to foster excellence and passion for providing distinguished hospitality in future industry leaders. Dimond fellows are provided professional development opportunities, including a paid internship with the executive teams at Stonebridge Companies hotels for one semester as part of their senior experience.

"Having the opportunity to participate in this fellowship taught me the ins and outs and best practices of the hotel industry," says Joe Boss, member of the inaugural 2014 class who now serves as the food and beverage and front desk supervisor at the Hilton Garden Inn in Cherry Creek, one of Stonebridge's 40-plus properties across the country. "The fellowship taught me how hotels function and everything that goes on behind the scenes. I don't think I would have the skills I have today if I hadn't been able to participate in the fellowship."

Members of the spring semester class include:

• LeAnn Tousley Gunnell, a mother of six who is pursuing her bachelor's degree in hospitality, tourism and events with a concentration on event management
• Elizabeth Settambrino, a student who anticipates graduating in May with a bachelor's degree in hospitality, tourism and events with a concentration on event management
• Amanda Dinan, who grew up in Michigan and was raised in the hospitality industry
• Bridget "Birdie" Meyers, a transfer student from Colorado State University who is pursuing a concentration in event management with the goal of a career in sales, marketing or management

"I am impressed with what our fellows have accomplished in such a short time," says Navin Dimond, founder and president of Stonebridge and a member of the MSU Denver Foundation Board. "I am confident that our latest class of students will continue to excel and be prepared to make a strong impact on the hospitality profession."

Contact Confluence Denver Development News Editor Margaret Jackson with tips and leads for future stories at margaret@confluence-denver.com.