The California Hotel & Lodging Association Educational Foundation has announced the establishment of the Kevin Johnson Memorial Scholarship Program, established with a $25,000 contribution from Don Johnson, President & CEO of Vagabond Franchise System, Inc.  This program is intended specifically to benefit students enrolled in high schools which have active lodging management program. 

The CH&LA Education Foundation’s Board of Directors recently approved Rocio Baca the first recipient of a Kevin Johnson Memorial Scholarship.  Ms. Baca, who is graduating this June from San Diego’s Mt. San Miguel High School, has been accepted into the prestigious Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at San Diego State University, where she will commence studies later this year.

The purpose of this scholarship program is to recognize those high schools which have lodging management programs and to provide incentives to the scholarship recipients to continue with their education and seek employment in the lodging industry.  Each recipient receives a series of up to four one-year scholarships in the amount of $1,500 per year.    

The fund was established by Don Johnson in memory of his son, Kevin Johnson, who was involved in the hospitality industry as a baker and passed unexpectedly in 2004, from massive heart failure.  The scholarship program was funded by the generous contribution of $5,000 from Don Johnson.

 “The Kevin Johnson Memorial Scholarship is a very, very generous gesture”, stated Al Sessler, General Manager of Ocean Park Inn in San Diego and Chairperson of the CH&LA Education Foundation. “On behalf of the CH&LA Education Foundation, we are touched that Don chose to honor his son through this scholarship.”      

The California Hotel & Lodging Association is the only California state lodging association with an educational foundation. CH&LA’s Education Foundation provides funding and assistance to California institutions and individuals as well as for related activities which further research and knowledge in the field of hotel/motel management with respect to the lodging, hospitality, and food service industries.  CH&LA's Education Foundation is supported by the generous contributions of individuals and entities, including Accor North America and the Marriott Foundation. This scholarship will be the fourth scholarship program administered and funded by its Educational Foundation, along with the Working Professional Scholarship, the General Scholarship, and the Richard Schroeck Scholarship. 

For more information about the CH&LA Education Foundation or to make a contribution, please click here.