Three Florida hospitality students receive 2026 Iris D. Larson Scholarship Awards
Three hospitality students across the state received the 2026 Iris D. Larson Scholarship Award on Thursday, September 10th during the Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism in West Palm Beach, FL.
Assistant Dean Alishia Piotrowski presented the awards to this year's recipients: Sienna Duran (Florida State University), Lindsey Morrell (Florida International University), and Destiny Ruiz (University of Central Florida).
Created by Bob and Iris Larson, the scholarship recognizes hospitality and tourism students who demonstrate a selfless spirit and lead through service. Each recipient received approximately $2,000 toward tuition and fees. Scholarship recipients are recommended by hospitality programs at FSU, FIU and UCF. Learn more about the Iris D. Larson Awards
About the Students
Sienna Duran is a junior at Florida State University majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management. A highly engaged student leader, she serves as Co-Director of Outreach for the Hospitality Sales and Marketing International Student Chapter, is a member of the Dedman College of Hospitality Student Leadership Council and participates in the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Student Chapter. Her industry experience includes working as a Recreation Expert at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and as a Leasing Agent with Asset Living, where she has developed strong guest service and relationship-building skills. Sienna believes that “magic for guests starts behind the scenes with empowered and fulfilled employees,” and she hopes to one day own and operate boutique hotels around the world.
Lindsey Morrell is a junior at Florida International University majoring in Hospitality Management. She is an accomplished student leader, serving as Chapter President of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Student Chapter and is a member of the Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Honor Society. Lindsey has gained valuable leadership and customer service experience through her roles as Lead Shift Manager at Sunset Slush Jupiter, Shift Manager at Lahaina Poke Co., and as an Intern with Seigel Law Firm. She is passionate about creating memorable experiences for others and believes that hospitality is fundamentally about serving people. With her strong leadership skills and commitment to excellence, Lindsey aspires to pursue a leadership role within the hospitality industry.
Destiny Ruiz is a senior at the University of Central Florida. Throughout her academic career, she has gained valuable hospitality experience through roles as a Front Desk Agent at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort and as a Housekeeping Supervisor at both Conrad Orlando and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. These experiences have strengthened her passion for creating memorable guest experiences, empowering teams, and leading with a commitment to excellence. Destiny's long-term goal is to become a General Manager within the hospitality industry, and as an entrepreneur, she also hopes to continue growing her content creation business while inspiring others through creativity and innovation. She is committed to making a meaningful impact on the future of hospitality through leadership, service, and lifelong learning.
Larson Legacy
Bob and Iris Larson established the scholarship to recognize hospitality and tourism students who lead through service. The Larsons were early leaders in Central Florida’s hospitality industry, opening the first hotel property at the entrance to Walt Disney World in the early 1970s before expanding into additional lodging properties and a water park.
The presentation also honored the memory of Iris Larson, who passed away Aug. 28 at age 98. An entrepreneur and philanthropist, Larson supported hospitality education and the people preparing to enter the industry. The scholarship she and Bob established continues that work by helping students from three of Florida’s leading hospitality programs complete their education.