Choice Hotels Canada has announced the 2024 recipient of the Mark Pearce Memorial Scholarship is Elliott Rivard.
Rivard is currently enrolled at TELUQ University working towards earning his post-secondary Tourism Management Certificate as well as the Hotel/Motel Administration certificate at Northern Lights College. Additionally, he has spent the last two years working as the Night Auditor at the Quality Suites in Victoriaville, Quebec.
The scholarship was created in memory of Mark Pearce, who was senior vice president, international division, for Choice Hotels International and former head of the Canadian office. Pearce embodied the spirit of hospitality and always went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt “Welcome, Wanted and Respected,” says Choice Hotels. The $2,500 legacy scholarship is designated for post-secondary education in the hospitality and tourism industries.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity to further develop my hospitality skills,” says Rivard. “Pursuing a career in hospitality and tourism excites me because it combines my passion for human connection, cultural exploration and service excellence…. In this field of work, every interaction is an opportunity to create memorable experiences for people from all over the world and I love the idea of being part of someone’s journey,” he continues. “The hospitality industry offers a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. This fuels my desire for personal growth, challenges me to think creatively and pushes me to improve.”
The Mark Pearce Memorial Scholarship is intended to help support careers in the hospitality and tourism industry and elevate the next generation of industry leaders with a focus on hotel or restaurant management. Jointly funded by Choice Hotels Canada and the Choice Canada Franchise Advisory Board (CCFAB), applications are open to franchise owners, hotel-level associates, Choice Hotels Canada head office staff, as well as their dependent children.
“We are proud to support the future generation of hospitality leaders,” says Brian Leon, CEO of Choice Hotels Canada. “Elliott embodies Mark Pearce’s passion for hospitality, and we are delighted to award him with this scholarship.”
Groupe Robin has announced plans for its fifth hotel project—a $20-million dual-branded property in Granby, Que. Featuring both a Holiday Inn Express & Suites and a Candlewood Suites, the development aims to meet…
Collingwood’s historic Dorchester Hotel has joined Opal Hospitality's portfolio according to the company. For 127 years, the stately brick building at 172 Hurontario Street has stood as a landmark in the heart of…
In September 2024, Canada welcomed 1.8 million overnight visitors, marking a slight decline of 3 per cent compared to September 2023, according to a new report from Destination Canada.
Union Hotel, developed by the Silver Hotel Group, is set to open its doors in January 2025. Located at 60 York Street, the hotel is a bold reimagining of the former Strathcona Hotel, which operated from 1933 until 2023.
