The Warren L. Arseneaux Honorary Scholarship, established in 2007 by the CMAA International Wine Society, honors Mr. Warren L. Arseneaux, CCM, as instrumental to the founding of the CMAA International Wine Society, as a Past President of CMAA and for his years of dedicated service to CMAA and the International Wine Society. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide tuition for a CMAA International Wine Society member who has a passion and love for wine, and is interested in continuing his or her professional development, to attend the BMI Wine and Food Experience at the Culinary Institute of America’s Greystone Campus, or other education opportunity as approved by the IWS Board of Managers.  

Mr. Warren L. Arseneaux’s path began at the Louisiana State University where a summer job in 1965 at the Valencia Club (a youth club) would influence and direct him toward a career path in club management. He graduated in 1969 from the University of New Orleans with a BS degree in Mathematics and continued his employment with the Valencia Club where he also tutored kids in math and chemistry. He moved from assistant manager to general manager of the club in 1977. Mr. Arseneaux became involved both on a chapter (Pelican Chapter) and national level with the Club Managers Association of America. He continued employment with the club until 1983 when he and a friend partnered in a retail wine and gourmet food business. In 1985, transition landed him at the helm of the Louisiana Club. In 1987, Mr. Arseneaux took a position as general manager at the Victoria Country Club in Texas. During his tenure there, he earned his CCM designation in 1990. He was very active with the Texas Lone Star Chapter by serving as chairman for various committees as well as chapter Board member from 1990-1993. His next position in 1994 took him to Greenville, SC with the Poinsett Club, where he stayed until 2006. Mr. Arseneaux then moved in 2006 to the Greenville Country Club from which he retired.

Through the years, Mr. Arseneaux’s professional involvement with CMAA grew and he served on many of the national committees. He was elected to the national Board of Directors and served from 1994 to 1997. In 1997, he earned entry into the prestigious CMAA Honor Society.  He served as CMAA national secretary-treasurer in 1998; vice president in 1999 and then president of CMAA in 2000. As a visionary in the industry, he was a driving force behind the formation of the International Wine Society and became its chairman in 1988. He served on the Board from 1988 to 1992, was the originator of the Wine Auction which benefits The Club Foundation and served as chairman of the auction in 1991 and 1992. As a strong supporter of The Club Foundation, Mr. Arseneaux was also instrumental in the founding of their auction and raffle. A long list of other professional affiliations over the course of his 42-year career include: American Wine Society; Les Amis du Vin; Les Amis D’Escoffier Le Chapitre de Houston; Chaine des Rotisseurs; vice president of the International Food Service Executive Association’s New Orleans Chapter, 1986; and Rotary International. In addition, he was an active volunteer with such organizations as the United Cerebral Palsy Association of New Orleans, 1985 to 1987; Cerebral Palsy Sports Association Chairman, 1985 to 1987; Youth Life Campaign; and Bluebonnet Youth Ranch. Since 2000, Mr. Arseneaux has had continuing involvement with raising funds for charities and agencies who deal with at-risk children. At present, he is chairman of a project for five agencies and they expect to raise $250,000. Warren has been supported through the years by his wife Claudia and their three children.

Mr. Arseneaux is respected and loved by his peers. He is truly a friend to many and a role model to all.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

The CMAA International Wine Society will award one (1) scholarship annually, based on the availability of funds and merit of application. In order to help recipients expand upon their knowledge of wine, the scholarship will cover the registration fee associated with the BMI Wine and Food Experience at the Culinary Institute of America’s Greystone Campus, or other education opportunity as approved by the IWS Board of Managers. Scholarship awards will be granted based on recommendations made by the CMAA IWS Scholarship Committee and approved by the CMAA IWS Board of Managers.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

Any CMAA International Wine Society member who is dedicated to professional development in the area of knowledge of wine is invited to apply.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To apply for the Warren L. Arseneaux Honorary Scholarship, you must complete the following:

1. Complete an application form and return the application to the CMAA International Wine Society by Friday, November 2, 2007.
2. Enclose a copy of your current resume.
3. Enclose two letters of recommendation from peers within your chapter.
4. Write an essay (between 500-1000 words) addressing the following components:
1. Describe in detail your career objectives and goals.
2. Detail the reasons you wish to pursue your professional development in the area of wine and food.
3. Describe your specific interests within the private club management field.

Please Note:  All applications, essays and other required attachments must be typed and must meet all of the requirements listed above to be considered.

RESTRICTIONS

• The scholarship only applies to the BMI Wine and Food Experience if not yet taken and is not transferable to other educational programs, unless specifically approved by the IWS Board of Managers.
• The scholarship must be used within two (2) years of receipt.
• All monies granted for the scholarship will be made directly to CMAA on behalf of the recipient.

Return to:
CMAA International Wine Society
Attn:  Chairman, Warren L. Arseneaux Honorary Scholarship
c/o Club Managers Association of America
1733 King Street
Alexandria, VA   22314

Warren L. Arseneaux Honorary Scholorship Application