May 2025

The Joe Perdue Scholarship, awarded by The Club Foundation, is designed to support students actively pursuing managerial careers within the private club industry. Scholarship recipients are selected based on the merit of their applications and the availability of funds. Final decisions are made by The Club Foundation Allocation Committee (CFAC) and approved by the Board of Governors. Awards are sent directly to the registrar of the recipient’s college or university.

Eligibility and Application

• The Joe Perdue Scholarship provides an important opportunity for emerging leaders to advance their education and build a foundation for a successful career in club management.
• The scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in an accredited, four-year college or university as a rising sophomore or higher. Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in private club management and must be enrolled full-time for the upcoming academic year.

Selection Criteria

• To qualify, candidates must have completed at least one year of college coursework and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or 4.5 on a 6.0 scale). Applicants must provide clear evidence of their career aspirations in the private club industry through their application materials.

The Student Chapter Grant Program

The Student Chapter Grant Program, overseen by The Club Foundation, assigns a standard expiration date to each scholarship award, typically set two to three years from the original award date. Recognizing that unforeseen circumstances can sometimes delay the use of funds, the Foundation offers recipients the opportunity to request an extension if needed.

How to Request an Extension

• Awardees who experience unavoidable delays must submit a formal extension request before the original expiration date. Requests made after the deadline may not be considered. To apply for an extension, recipients must:
• Complete the Scholarship Extension Request Form, including their name, club affiliation, name of the scholarship awarded, date of award, and the requested new expiration date.
• Provide a narrative detailing the reasons for the extension request, including an explanation of the delay and plans for using the funds.
• Submit the completed request for review.
• Applicants should allow up to two weeks after submission for a decision regarding the extension.

Need Assistance?

For questions or help with the extension process, recipients can contact Ava Spece by calling 703-739-9500. The Club Foundation remains committed to supporting students and professionals as they pursue their educational and career goals, even when challenges arise.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming 2025 National Student Education Conference (NSEC), scheduled for November 8–10 in Baltimore, MD!

NSEC offers a unique opportunity for students pursuing careers in club management to engage in tailored educational sessions, network with industry professionals, and gain insights into the club industry. The NSEC curriculum focuses on providing valuable life skills and industry-specific knowledge to help attendees prepare for successful careers in club management.

While specific details regarding registration, agenda, and venue are forthcoming, interested participants are encouraged to stay updated through the CMAA's official channels. This conference promises to be an enriching experience for students aiming to deepen their understanding of the club industry and connect with peers and professionals in the field.

Graduating soon? Congratulations! Don’t forget to order your CMAA graduation stole. This stole is a great way to showcase your CMAA membership and pride during your graduation ceremony.

Deadline: Order no later than 10 business days prior to graduation.

Claim your stole

A strong student chapter ensures leadership transitions smoothly, maintaining momentum year after year. A well-crafted succession plan helps pass the torch from upperclassmen to underclassmen, keeping the chapter active and engaged.

Why It's Important

1. Continuity: A succession plan ensures the chapter stays active when seniors graduate.
2. Skill Development: Underclassmen gain valuable leadership experience early.
3. Engagement: Consistent leadership fosters ongoing member involvement.
4. Future Leaders: It builds a strong pipeline of leaders for years to come.

Steps to Create a Succession Plan

1. Identify Future Leaders Early: Look for underclassmen who show leadership potential and engagement.
2. Create a Mentorship System: Pair seniors with underclassmen, allowing for knowledge sharing and guidance.
3. Allow Shadowing Opportunities: Have underclassmen shadow current board members to learn about leadership roles.
4. Encourage Committee Involvement: Get underclassmen involved in committees to gain experience before assuming leadership roles.
5. Develop a Transition Timeline: Start the transition process at least one semester before graduation to ensure ample training time.
6. Document Key Processes: Create a resource library with event plans, responsibilities, and important contacts to guide future leaders.

By establishing a clear succession plan, your student chapter will continue to thrive, with new leaders ready to take on the next challenge!

Are you getting ready to walk across the stage? We want to celebrate you! 🎓

We’re inviting all graduating student members to send in your graduation photos to be featured on our social media and other communications. Whether it's a cap-and-gown moment, a fun celebration shot, or a candid snap from your big day, we’d love to highlight your achievements and share your success with our community.

How to Participate:

• Send your photo(s) to goodnews@cmaa.org
• Include your name, school, degree, and a short message or favorite memory of being a CMAA Student Member