Scholar
: Bethany Szczepanski
Major: Tourism, Hospitality and Recreation Management
Year Awarded: 2016
Bethany Says: “Receiving the Burt Anderson Award honors the hard work that I started at CSUN and will continue in my future pursuits. I would like to thank the College of Health and Human Development and the RTM professors and staff members who acknowledged my hard work by bestowing me with this award. My education at CSUN changed the way I think about the world and I worked hard to make the most out of my experience as a student.”
Career Aspiration: Bethany grew up in a small town in Illinois. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. After working in several industries, including theater, film and the food industry, she decided she wanted to return to school. She had always loved spending time outdoors and visiting national parks so she decided to pursue her master’s degree at CSUN in tourism, hospitality and recreation management to help her achieve her dream of becoming a National Park Service park ranger. Bethany graduated in May 2016 and is currently an education technician with the National Park Service.
About the Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to a graduate student in the Department of Recreation and Tourism Management who can show evidence of involvement in activities of professional concern. The student must possess academic areas of achievement and be involved in professional and/or community service organizations. The student must also have worked either in a paid or voluntary role in the profession of recreation.
Scholar: Inna Gore
Year Awarded: 2016
Major: Tourism, Hospitality and Recreation Management
Inna Says: “I am truly touched and appreciative [to have been] selected as a recipient for this scholarship. This award allows me to continue to pursue my future career and educational goals.”
Career Aspiration: Inna grew up in Russia and at the young age of 10 years old, had to deal with the loss of her parents. She came to the United States in search of freedom and happiness and committed to doing her best in school and in her career. In May 2012, she graduated from Los Angeles Pierce College in addiction studies. While she was a full-time student at Pierce and worked full-time at the Tarzana Treatment Center (a drug and alcohol treatment center) helping individuals in recovery from substance abuse. Inna also passed the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE) exam and became and certified Alcohol and Drug Addiction counselor. In 2013, she transferred to CSUN in order to pursue higher education and expand her knowledge in the field of healthy lifestyles and recreation activities. Inna graduated from CSUN in May 2016 and said her major has allowed her to educate individuals in recovery on the benefits of healthy attitudes and the impact that meaningful leisure and outdoor recreation can have on improving their lives.
About the Scholarship: The late Dr. Byrne Fernelius was a founding faculty member of the department and held the position of Department Chair for Recreation and Leisure Studies (now Recreation and Tourism Management) for approximately 20 years. He always encouraged students in the recreation profession and community service area to be exemplary scholars. This scholarship is awarded to students who can show evidence of involvement in activities of professional concern and/or community service and has worked in the recreation field either as a volunteer or in a paid role.
Scholar: Kelli Wymore
Year Awarded: 2016
Major: Tourism, Hospitality & Recreation Management
Kelli Says: “I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for this scholarship. It is one thing to feel like I’ve worked hard during my time at CSUN, it’s another to be recognized for it through this amazing achievement. Thank you.”
Career Aspiration: Kelli grew up in southern California and has always loved traveling, playing music, reading, being creative and spending time outdoors. For the past eight years she has been working in the hospitality industry and was thrilled when she found the Recreation & Tourism Management department at CSUN. Kelli recently graduated from CSUN and is working on a guest ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, speaking with guests about the area and sites to see. Within the next year, she will be going to 11 different countries on a mission trip. She hopes to return to Jackson Hole for a winter season and will then pursue being a tour guide/cruise director. It is Kelli’s long-term goal to eventually own her own restaurant or recreation business (or both).
About the Scholarship: Dr. Lola Sadlo was a founding faculty member in the Recreation and Tourism Management Department who was interested in crafts and dance. She wanted students to get creatively involved in the community and have high academic standards in academics. This award is given to one student for proven creativity in a RTM program and/or project, on or off the CSUN campus.
Scholar: Jenna Heim
Major: Tourism, Hospitality, and Recreation Management
Year Awarded: 2016
Jenna Says: “I am very humbled to receive the Tal Morash Scholarship.”
Career Aspiration: Jenna studied recreation therapy for two years at Brigham Young University in Utah before she decided to move back to her home state where the weather permits for outdoor recreation year-round. She would like to run camps for children with cancer and/or other medical conditions in the future. She grew up attending Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, a camp for children with cancer and their siblings. The camp shaped her into who she is today. Jenna has a desire to give back and share the hope and empowerment that she experienced growing up and to make an impact on others.
About the Scholarship: Tal Morash was a faculty member in the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department for many years (now Recreation and Tourism Management). He also founded the Outdoor Adventures program in the department. This scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student who can show evidence of involvement in activities of professional concern in outdoor recreation. The student must also have volunteered or worked in the field and can show evidence of involvement with community service organizations.
