Choice Hotels Canada has announced that Emmanuelle Roch is the 2022 recipient of the annual Mark Pearce Memorial Scholarship.

Roch is a front desk supervisor at the Quality Inn & Suites in Val-d’Or, Québec. She is continuing to invest in her professional career and is currently working towards a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Human Resources Management and a minor in Health, Safety and Labor Relations at UQAT: Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

Roch is a native of Abitibi-Témiscamingue and worked in a number of hotels in the region while she was completing a three-year Hotel Management program at Céjep de Saint-Hyacinthe. She aspires to work in the industry after university, ultimately in resort development and management.

“My family has always been active in the community, and I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer at many local events over the years,” said Roch, before continuing: “Community involvement and my experience working at various hotels has taught me the value of customer service. My dream is, after completing my education, to return to my beautiful home and acquire or perhaps even build a resort hotel.”

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. Mark embodied the spirit of hospitality and always went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt ‘Welcome, Wanted and Respected’. The $2,500 legacy scholarships are designated for post-secondary education in the hospitality and tourism industries.

Brian Leon, CEO of Choice Hotels Canada, observed that: “Honouring the legacy of someone who was so passionate about hospitality while investing in young people entering or furthering their careers in the industry is very important to us as a company.”

Leon continued: “Emmanuelle stood out to us as someone who has realized her passion by successfully working in various hotel properties and has now decided to continue her education to meet her long-term career goals. We are pleased to support her on that journey.”

Alexandre Audet, general manager of the Quality Inn & Suites Val-d’Or, said that: “It’s inspiring to have a young person so determined and engaged being part of my team. We wish her success in her studies and we are confident she will realize her dreams in the industry.”

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.

Go to www.choicehotels.com for more.