CME is proud to announce that Hotel and Food Administration co-op student, Michelle Chan, has been selected as the recipient of the 2012 Stephen Phillips Passion for Hospitality Bursary Award. The award is presented on behalf of the Hotel Association of Canada Board of Directors and the Bursary Selection Committee to a hospitality student who best represents the qualities that Stephen Phillips brought to the industry. Michelle is commended for her dedication to her chosen career as well as for demonstrating leadership and passion for helping those around her.

Michelle is currently completing a one year co-op placement with Coast Hotels & Resorts, where she works with various hotels and headquarters in Vancouver, Jasper and Edmonton. Although Michelle is located on the west coast, she still makes an effort to stay involved with the community as well as with CME. This summer Michelle volunteered with Parks Canada to build trails in Jasper and to assist with the Environmental Fair. She has also remained a member of the Hotel Association of Canada .

Since May 2012, Michelle has completed three courses for the University through distance education. One in particular stood out for Michelle, “My favourite course was an independent study with CBaSE which resulted in "Impact without Impact", a Sustainable Events Guide geared towards the University of Guelph community. This resource should soon be available from multiple sources, including the University of Guelph Sustainability Office. I thoroughly enjoyed working with CBaSE and discovered that they provide amazing opportunities!”

Michelle plans to absorb and learn as much as possible for the remainder of her academic career. She is currently applying for an exchange through the Centre for International Programs, and she hopes to begin 2014 in a new country, particularly Australia. Michelle also plans to stay involved with the University upon her return next year.

Michelle is one of many driven individuals in CME and she suggests that students, “Strive to seek opportunities, find and keep in touch with an inspiring mentor and surround yourself with a supportive group of family and friends. At the basic level, eat well, nap often and discover continuously. These tips are echoed in the HTM motto, ‘EAT. SLEEP. TRAVEL.’”