NMSU Student Wins National Scholarship

Date:  March 31, 1997
Editor: D'Lyn Ford  (505) 646-6528, dlford@nmsu.edu

LAS CRUCES -- Doug Parten, a New Mexico State University student majoring in hospitality and tourism services, was one of only three students nationwide to receive the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Scholarship.

The $1,000 scholarship was awarded recently based on each student's overall interest in the hospitality industry and career goals.

"I think it's great. Being one of three in the nation, I think it's really going to get my name out there," Parten said. "It says a lot about the faculty, staff and everyone who's helped me."

Being an older, returning student with a family helped shape his leadership skills and career path, he said. It was the combination of his life's experiences and what he learned from campus courses that helped him compete on a national level.

Deborah Breiter, assistant professor in hospitality and tourism services at NMSU agreed. "I think he was chosen because of the great experiences he's already had working with special events," she said. "He's a family man and has managed to hold a very high grade point average while working and being active in the community."

Parten, a Las Cruces native, currently works as crew chief in charge of production services/special events for NMSU's Pan American Center. He is planning to graduate in May 1998 with a degree in hospitality and tourism services. He already holds an associate's degree in facilities maintenance technology.

"He's a great student -- obviously dedicated to succeeding in this business," Breiter said.