Drexel University’s Center for Hospitality and Sport Management announced that Parthena (Gina) Vorgiatzidis, a MS student of hospitality is the recipient of the 2016 Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) Scholarship for students pursuing a career in the gaming and casino industry.
Vorgiatzidis is currently a graduate student Drexel University’s online MS in Hospitality Management program with a casino management concentration and is currently employed with Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas.
“I am truly honored to have been selected as this year’s recipient of the AGEM Scholarship,” said Vorgiatzidis. “Words cannot express my gratitude towards AGEM for their commitment to the students of Drexel University who are pursuing their dream careers in the casino world. We, as students, are the future of the gaming industry so the support of such a great association is incredible. I am extremely passionate about this ever evolving industry so this scholarship will contribute toward building a strong foundation that will allow me to grow as a gaming professional.”
The $10,000 scholarship is sponsored by the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM), an international trade association representing manufacturers of electronic gaming devices, systems and components for the gaming industry. The scholarship will provide financial support in the form of a scholarship for the 2016-2017 academic year. A selection committee consisting of faculty and staff chose Vorgiatzidis as the scholarship winner based upon academic performance, her demonstrated excellence in casino gaming studies and an expressed interest in a career in casino gaming. An essay was also required.
“The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) is proud of its focus on a variety of educational initiatives and there is no finer example than the AGEM Scholarship at Drexel,” said AGEM Executive Director Marcus Prater. “We are pleased to partner with institutions that show a unique enthusiasm for our unique industry, and we congratulate Ms. Vorgiatzidis on this special honor and encourage her to continue building on an already-impressive list of accomplishments.”
“This generous gift sends a strong statement about the membership of AGEM and their commitment to the future of the gaming industry and educational gaming programs,” said Bob Ambrose, instructor of Gaming and Hospitality at the Center for Hospitality and Sport Management. “It is an honor to partner with AGEM and its members. Students like Ms. Vorgiatzidis who are committed to a career in the casino gaming industry benefit tremendously.”
