Marriott Golf, a golf operator, announced that Laurie Bland has received the Marriott Golf Minority Scholarship, which is awarded to an outstanding student enrolled in the Golf Course Operations Program at Lake City Community College (LCCC) in Lake City, Fla. Laurie is the first individual majoring in Golf Course Operations to receive the Marriott Golf Minority Scholarship.
Currently a senior at LCCC, Laurie is expected to graduate in May 2008 with a degree in Golf Course Operations and a Certificate in Turf Equipment Management. As part of the scholarship requirement, Laurie completed a summer internship at Marriott Golf’s famed Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, where she gained a wealth of valuable experience by fulfilling the duties of an assistant superintendent in training on the Blue Monster Course. Laurie also participated in the successful Alonzo Mourning Charity Golf Tournament where she served as the Grounds Event Coordinator and was responsible for scheduling, course set-up and supervising staff.
Laurie is a member of The Florida Turf Grass Association, The Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association, and The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
“I am truly honored to be receiving the Marriott Golf Minority Scholarship,” Laurie said. “It is very rewarding to be recognized for all of my efforts, and I look forward to continuing my education and experience in the field to have a successful career within the golf industry.”
The Marriott Golf Minority Scholarship is open to any minority or female student enrolled in the Golf Course Operations Program at LCCC. The only other requirement is that each candidate must have completed an internship at any one of Marriott Golf’s properties. The scholarship is $2,000 and is distributed to the recipient in the amount of $1,000 per semester. The LCCC Foundation reviews and awards the scholarship on behalf of Marriott Golf.