MGM MIRAGE Minority Scholarship Provides Support for Talented Students

For the last several years, the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration and MGM MIRAGE have partnered to provide minority students with scholarship opportunities.

Omari Head, a recent UNLV graduate and past recipient of the MGM MIRAGE Minority Scholarship is now working at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago, Ill.

“Receiving this scholarship presented the opportunity for me to focus more on school. I didn't have to work full time, but I did work part-time as front desk agent at Bellagio,” said Head.

He was also able to be involved with student activities, especially diversity programs that impacted the campus. He found that his work experience with MGM MIRAGE mirrored that importance.

“As an employee, I was able to be an ambassador for other students who are from underrepresented demographics and share the work experience and scholarship opportunities that the MGM MIRAGE has. Working for this company really convinced me that MGM MIRAGE is a company that firmly believes in diversity,” said Head.

Jacqueline Aviles, a current student and scholarship recipient, says that the award is helping her complete college. “T he MGM MIRAGE Minority Scholarship allows me to focus more on school by taking away the stress of financial responsibilities. It also motivates me to study harder and get good grades,” she said.

Aviles will graduate in December 2008, and plans to pursue a career in event planning. Her current work experience at the Mirage for the “LOVE” Cirque du Soleil show and her coursework at UNLV are preparing her for a career in the hospitality industry.

Dean Stuart Mann says that the affiliation with one of the largest entertainment companies in the world is a valuable one for the Hotel College. “I am grateful to MGM MIRAGE for their support of this program. Our partnership with them allows us to interest minority students in the many exciting opportunities in the hospitality industries and prepare them to become future industry leaders.”

- Michelle Mouton