LaBrecque Scholarship to memorialize alumnus’ supportive spirit

Phil LaBrecque was a leader in the private club industry for more than thirty years, who cared about people and made a difference in their lives by encouraging and inspiring them. In that spirit of helping others, the LaBrecque family has created the Phil LaBrecque Memorial Scholarship at the Dedman School of Hospitality.

The scholarship will serve as an ongoing tribute to LaBrecque, who earned a bachelor’s in hospitality management and a minor in marketing at Florida State University in 1970. Following his death in April, the LaBrecque family made a commitment to establish an endowment for the scholarship with a $50,000 charitable gift.

LaBrecque managed restaurants throughout the Southeast until 1976, when he joined ClubCorp of America. He went on to manage golf clubs for ClubCorp, The Ritz-Carlton and other exclusive privately owned clubs in Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Sarasota and Tampa. LaBrecque was a longtime member of the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) and enjoyed working on club development and restoration projects.

Much of his personal time was spent with family and friends. He enjoyed playing golf, reading and cheering on the Florida State Seminoles.

“Phil was a well-respected industry leader, who is remembered fondly by colleagues and by many staff members, whom he mentored and supported toward achieving their personal goals,” said Jim Riscigno (’66), CEO of Club Specialists International. “His family created the Phil LaBrecque Memorial Scholarship in memory of his supportive nature and his love of the club industry.”

The scholarship will be awarded annually to an undergraduate degree seeking student in need of financial support at the Dedman School of Hospitality. Preference will be given to a student who is participating in the Florida State University student chapter of the Club Managers Association of America.

“We are thankful to the LaBrecque family for honoring Phil’s generosity of spirit by supporting our students in the CMAA,” said Don Farr, director of the Dedman School. “Not only will this scholarship gift keep Phil’s memory alive, but it will help us to continue giving our students the personal attention for which we are known.”

If you would like to contribute to the Phil LaBrecque Memorial Scholarship, please contact development officer Sarah Collins at scollins@dedman.fsu.edu.