Sources: Lynette Conklin, lynettec@k-state.edu;
and Alisha Ernst, aernst@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Beth Bohn, 785-532-2535, bbohn@k-state.edu

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

K-STATE STUDENTS EARN $5,000 SCHOLARSHIPS FROM NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

MANHATTAN -- Dedication to their fields of study is earning two students from Kansas State University's department of hospitality management and dietetics $5,000 scholarships from national professional associations.

Lynette Conklin, senior in dietetics and public health nutrition, Argonia, is receiving the Clark E. DeHaven Scholarship from the National Association of College and University Foodservices; and Alisha Ernst, senior in hotel and restaurant management and in human resource management, Prairie Village, is receiving the Roy B. Evans Scholarship from the Professional Convention Management Association.

The DeHaven Scholarship provides financial support to students who demonstrate a commitment to a career in food service. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited program that will lead to an undergraduate degree in a food service or related field of study.

"I would eventually like to be a food service director for a public school system, university or hospital," Conklin said.

Conklin plans to graduate in May 2011. Her senior year will include completing her dietetics degree-required practice hours at K-State's dining services in the fall, and at the Hays Medical Center, Hays, in the spring. She is currently participating in a summer food service management internship at the University of Missouri in Columbia through a program offered by the National Association of College and University Foodservices.

Conklin is the daughter of Paul and Pat Conklin, Argonia, and a 2006 graduate of Argonia High School. She is a member of K-State's Student Dietetic Association and Kappa Omicron Nu honor society.

The Evans scholarship, awarded to up to five students a year, is open to student members of the Professional Convention Management Association who have at least 25 hours of volunteer or work experience in the hospitality industry. Students also must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and write an essay about their background in the hospitality industry or about the industry's current trends.

"My essay focused on my experiences in hospitality since I started at K-State," Ernst said. "It discussed my work as a hotel front-desk agent, working for K-State housing and dining services and both my internships in the conference planning industry. It also touched on my study-abroad semester at the International College of Management in Sydney, Australia."

Ernst plans to graduate in May 2011 and said she is flexible about her future career plans.

"I love getting to work with people. I am most interested in event planning right now," she said. "My dream job would allow me to do some traveling and have extensive potential for growth and development. Beyond that I do not really want to narrow my choices."

Ernst is a member of K-State's Hospitality Management Society and University Honors Program. She is the daughter of Paul Ernst, Kansas City, Mo., and Lori Ernst, Council Bluffs, Iowa. She also is a 2007 graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School.