In Tribute to His
Late Father, Adam Stewart Steps into Executive Chairman Position with Programs
Celebrating Founder’s Devotion to Education and Sustainability
In one of his first initiatives as
Sandals Resorts International’s Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart has announced
the creation of The
Gordon “Butch” Stewart Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship, fostering the power of education to develop the next generation of
Caribbean tourism leaders in honor of the Honorable Gordon “Butch”
Stewart O.J, C.D, Hon. LLD.
“My father fiercely believed in the
power of possibility; he understood and celebrated the ability of people to
rise above their potential and accomplish great things,” said Adam
Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International. “This
scholarship’s core mission is to ensure a strong future for the Caribbean hotel
industry by fueling the talent pipeline with opportunity – a true
reflection of my father’s passion for the region and its potential. That’s why I am delighted to honor his memory
and the example he set by empowering our team members to dream big and dream
bright.”
Funded through contributions raised by
the Sandals
Foundation, the brand’s
non-profit philanthropic arm aimed at making a difference in the lives of the
Caribbean people, the eponymous scholarship is available to full-time team
members who will be evaluated based on their financial needs, personal
attributes, and success in their current role. Working alongside the esteemed
Sandals Corporate University (SCU) and in partnership with local colleges and
universities, recipient(s) of the scholarship will be eligible to receive
funding for up to a four-year college program in hospitality and tourism.
Applications will be accessible through the SCU starting June 1, 2021.
“When we launched the Sandals Foundation in 2009, we did so to put a formal face to the philanthropic efforts my father championed since he opened the doors of Sandals Montego Bay in 1981. It’s my honor now to ‘formalize’ this scholarship in his name, cementing his passion for mentorship and his profound desire to elevate the promise of the Caribbean,” said Stewart.
In addition to the scholarship
program, those wishing to help honor the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart and his
love of the region he called home, can do so by donating to support the marine
conservation efforts of the Sandals Foundation. Through the creation and
management of coral nurseries and marine sanctuaries, and by partnering with
local community groups for mangrove restoration and turtle conservation, the
Sandals Foundation has helped to restore and sustain the delicate marine
ecosystems the world has come to know and love. Additionally, the Foundation has continued its
commitment to work alongside local schools and educators to integrate marine
education in their curriculum, spearhead hands-on field trips to protected
areas, and engage residents in coastal communities on proper solid waste
management programs to ensure the presence of environmental stewards for years
to come.
According to Heidi Clarke, Executive
Director of the Sandals Foundation, “The late Chairman was most at home when on
the water. He had an unshakeable love for the Caribbean
Sea and over the years, greatly contributed to marine conservation throughout
the region,” said Clarke. “Mr. Stewart has impacted so many people across
the globe, and his legacy will live on as we continue to strengthen our
partnerships and communities to be positive change makers.”
Sandals Resorts International and the
Sandals Foundation will continue to do their part in furthering Gordon
“Butch” Stewart’s passion for philanthropy by educating the region’s
people, providing the necessary tools and funds to further professional goals,
and implementing initiatives to protect the islands he loved so much.
For more information and to donate to
The Gordon “Butch” Stewart Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship or to
Marine Conservation efforts, please visit www.sandalsfoundation.org.
Caption: The late Gordon “Butch” Stewart presenting
a team member with an opportunity to further her potential toward an even
brighter future.