-The Banfi Foundation, the philanthropic arm of leading U.S. wine importer Banfi Vintners and the Castello Banfi vineyard estate in Tuscany, has granted an International Experience scholarship to the University of Denver.
The School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management (HRTM) of the University’s Daniels College of Business is the first in the country to require overseas experience as mandatory for graduation. “This experience will not only help our students anticipate the needs and exceed the expectations of international travelers, it will give them a distinct advantage in the competitive hospitality industry,” said Dr. Peter Rainsford, director of the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management. “This generous contribution from the Banfi Foundation provides this valuable international experience to those with financial need.”
Banfi’s donation will allow 60 students over a three-year period to spend an academic quarter abroad while paying no more than if they’d spent that time on campus. Students will take courses at the renowned Glion Hotel School in Switzerland and participate in excursions to restaurants and hotels in France and Germany.
An active supporter of higher education, the Banfi Foundation underwrites a chair of hospitality at Cornell University and a chair of economics at Colgate University, in addition to annual grants to schools including; the Culinary Institute of America, Johnson & Wales, Truman State University of Missouri, University of Nevada – Las Vegas, and Ireland’s Shannon Hotel School, among others. The Banfi Foundation has also made it possible for Denver’s HRTM students to participate in scholastic seminars in Italy for the past three years.
Castello Banfi, Italy’s most honored vineyard estate in the Brunello region of Tuscany, was founded by U.S. wine merchants John and Harry Mariani of Banfi Vintners in 1978 and been named the unprecedented four-time “International Winery of the Year” and nine-time “Italian Winery of The Year” at VinItaly’s annual International Enological Concourse in Verona.