A new scholarship for WSU students majoring in hospitality has been created in honor of alumnus Selmar Jay “Bill” Monro (‘43 Hotel Management) of San Francisco, who was one of the first eight graduates of the School of Hospitality Business Management.
“Bill Monro was a great leader in the hospitality industry and we are honored to count him among our esteemed alumni,” said Eric Spangenberg, dean of the College of Business. “Creating a scholarship in his honor will mean that his passion for the industry will continue through the education of future generations.”
Monro was recognized by the school as one of its truly outstanding students who was an inspiration and role model for future generations of graduates entering the hospitality industry. His efforts to promote the school helped to shape its national and international reputation.
“My father always credited WSU with giving him the direction in life to pursue his successful 40-year career in the restaurant business,” said Marsha Monro Wright, 1974 WSU graduate.
“He was a great industry leader, a mentor to many and served on numerous college advisory boards so that he could give back to students.”
An active WSU alumni, Monro was honored in 1972 as “Dad of the Year” and received the WSU Alumni Achievement Award in 1975. He served as president of the WSU California Cougar Club, was a President’s Associate, and served on the WSU Advisory Board for the College of Business and the School of Hospitality Business Management’s Advisory Committee.
The creation of the scholarship was made possible in part by the donations of Monro’s friends to honor him for his contribution to the hospitality industry. Anyone wishing to make further contributions to the scholarship may send a tax-deductible donation made out to WSU Foundation, P.O. Box 644847, Pullman, WA 99164-4847 and denote Bill Monro/SHBM in the memo line.
