Eight hospitality management students from the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus each received a $5,000 scholarship from the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation.

They include:

  • Christopher Bravo Lopez
  • George Cabrera
  • Brenda Franco Alcala
  • Ashley Garcia
  • Sebastian Jaimes-Miranda
  • Melanie Martinez-Chavez
  • Diego Rendon
  • Jacquelinee Sandoval

These talented students were honored at the 2025 Champions of Hospitality Awards Gala at the Palm Springs Convention Center, where more than 900 tourism and hospitality leaders gathered for the annual event – a signature celebration honoring the workforce that powers Greater Palm Springs’ number-one industry.

“We are incredibly proud of these eight outstanding students and grateful to the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation for its continued investment in their futures,” said Joseph Tormey, director of the hospitality management program at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus. “These scholarships not only ease financial barriers but also affirm our students’ potential as the next generation of leaders who will shape and strengthen the hospitality industry in Greater Palm Springs and beyond.”

The Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation is committed to economic mobility for residents of the Coachella Valley and advancing the tourism workforce, along with improving sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry. Foundation programs include college scholarships to local students pursuing degrees in hospitality, supporting industry mentorship and internship programs, and supporting projects that enhance the visitor experience or advance accessibility, sustainability, diversity, equity or inclusion in the community.

The Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation has awarded CSUSB Palm Desert Campus students more than $100,000 in scholarships over the past five years. In addition, they have provided funds for travel grants for study abroad and academic conference trips and have been a Platinum Sponsor for five of the hospitality management program’s galas.

Visit the CSUSB hospitality management program website for more information about the program.

About the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus: The CSUSB Palm Desert Campus is dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience in the Coachella Valley. With a focus on academic excellence and community engagement, the campus offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its students and the region.

For more information about the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, contact Mike Singer in the Office of Marketing and Communications at msinger@csusb.edu or (760) 341-2883, ext. 78107, or visit the PDC website at www.csusb.edu/pdc.