Hotel-administration student Alison Harrigan was awarded the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship by the International SPA Association Foundation, the foundation announced in mid June.

Harrigan will receive $2,500 to offset her spa-education expenses.

"Alison Harrigan embodies everything the scholarship selection committee was looking for—she is a leader within her hotel administration program, is involved in several school organizations and has a passion for the spa industry," said ISPA Foundation president Edwin Neill III. "We look forward to watching her thrive in the spa industry."

The scholarship was named in honor of industry pioneer and Cornell University Associate Professor Mary H. Tabacchi, Ph.D., R.D., and is awarded each year to an undergraduate student who has completed at least one year of college and is seeking a spa-related degree with a demonstrated interest in spa management.

When asked what the spa lifestyle meant to her, Harrigan stated, "It means a variety of things, but for me it's the opportunity to change something about yourself at that very moment. It also means finding a balance in your life which will lead you to success, and on the way there, happiness."

The ISPA Foundation was created in 1999 to serve the educational and research needs of the spa industry through endowments, curriculum development and scholarships.

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