ISPA Foundation Names Mary Tabacchi Scholarship Award Recipient

Kendra Kobler has been named the recipient of the 2013 ISPA Foundation Mary Tabacchi Scholarship. Kobler, from Essex Fells, NJ, will be a senior at Cornell University this fall. Kobler is majoring in Hotel Administration and plans to pursue a career in spa development and management.

The scholarship was created in 2006 and named in honor of Mary Tabacchi, Ph.D., RD, Associate Professor, Hospitality Facilities and Operations at Cornell University. Dr. Tabacchi is a beloved spa industry veteran and pioneer in spa education.

Tabacchi commented on Kobler being named the recipient, “I am delighted that Kendra has been awarded the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship from ISPA. I can think of no one more qualified or committed to the spa industry and its future than Kendra. Kendra combines an analytical and business background with her passion for health, wellness and spa. This award is well deserved as Kendra will represent ISPA well and is sure to become an outstanding leader of the highest caliber.”

Kobler will receive 5,000 USD to offset her education expenses, a complimentary registration, travel stipend and hotel accommodations to attend the 2013 ISPA Conference & Expo, a one-year ISPA Student Membership valued at 130 USD and will be assigned a one-year mentor to help navigate her career aspirations.

Kobler stated, “Shortly after enrolling in Mary Tabacchi’s Spa Development class I was hooked on spa, an industry which strives to provide such high quality customer service and comfort to people while emphasizing their wellness. I am honored to receive the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship from ISPA, named for someone who has inspired me to pursue a career in spa development and management.”

Prior recipients include Michelle Bashore, Arizona State University, now working for Kohler Waters Spa-Burr Ridge; Alison Harrigan, Cornell University, currently working as a real estate sales associate in Breckenridge, Colo.; Kate Sornson, University of Houston, now working for Trellis, the Spa at the Houstonian; Jessica Barnett, Florida Gulf Coast University, now working for Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa; and Carmen Nash, currently enrolled at Florida Gulf Coast University.