The IAVM Foundation is proud to announce the Joseph A. Floreano Scholarship + Internship Program recipients for the 2016 Venue Management School (VMS), recognizing individuals who demonstrate leadership, character, community involvement, and the potential to be future leaders in the venue management industry.
The Foundation also offers scholarships + internships to a variety of other IAVM conferences and schools, click here to learn more and to apply. Thanks to the support of the VMS Board of Regents and committed donors—together we are Building Amazing Futures. Click here to learn more about the Foundation’s annual campaign.
Let’s meet the scholarship and internship recipients.
Sam Dores (VMS scholarship recipient)
Assistant Athletics Director, Facilities, Operations, and Event management
Long Beach Athletics
Read Sam’s I Am Venue Management profile to learn more about him.
Adam Call (VMS intern)
Oklahoma City University
Anticipated Graduation: May 2016
Your favorite musician/band or sports team?
Simon & Garfunkel.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
A giraffe. I would be taller than everyone else.
If you could switch places with someone for one day, who would it be and why?
Barack Obama. I would get to understand how exponentially important it is that we elected a president of color.
What is your ultimate dream job in the industry?
General manager of a performing arts and museum complex.
What is your favorite quote?
“Do not lean on your own understanding, bind love and justice around your heart.”
Your Twitter handle?
@adamcallmemaybe
Your LinkedIn page?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-call-057a44a4
Derrick Palms (VMS intern)
Kennesaw State University
Anticipated Graduation: May 2017
Your favorite sports or entertainment memory?
The first time the Kennesaw State Owls Football team ran out onto the field. Being able to be a part of the team that helped make the inaugural season of college football happen, and all the hard work that was put into it was capped off with a huge win! Having your own school run out onto the field in front of over 8,000 fans and have the whole world stop and all be focused on the same goal was the greatest feeling. Everyone was happy, there was so much school spirit, and the energy was indescribable.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would be an otter because they are one of the most fun creatures known to mankind! They are always happy, love to play, and have fun, but most importantly, are animals who care about each other and it is evident in how they come together to protect one another. They are also one of the cutest animals and I have never met someone who dislikes otters!
If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why?
I would be Spider-Man because he is just a normal guy. He is very relatable and has the same problems we face on a daily basis. His powers are “cool” and he is a quirky hipster, which fits my style. Being able to fight for justice in a humorous way and have fun doing so while also being able to soar the skies just seems awesome! Even though I hate spiders….
What is your ultimate dream job in the industry?
I would love to build my own multipurpose venue with technology and functionality that is not currently in the industry. Working my way from the ground up and paying my dues in well-known venues to learn as much as there is to know in the venue industry to one day be able to have my own built-and-run for the enjoyment of all patrons around the world.
What #hashtag would best describe you?
#Whateveritakes
Your LinkedIn page?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-palms-70245096
Victoria Smith (VMS intern)
Missouri State University
Anticipated Graduation: May 2017
Your favorite sports or entertainment memory?
I didn’t get the chance to personally experience this moment, but one of my favorite memories in entertainment history would have to be “The Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever” show. I personally love the history of Motown, and the artists that it produced. AND it was one of the most iconic shows ever because that is where Michael Jackson introduced the moonwalk to us!
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would be an elephant because they are really passionate animals. They have a strong sense of connection and family.
If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why?
I would be Buttercup from the Powerpuff Girls. Whenever I watched this show as a small child, I just seemed to connect with her on a deep level. She was smart, feisty, and strong, which are all of the things that I want to be!
What is your ultimate dream job in the industry?
I think that Scooter Braun has had an interesting career thus far, and I wouldn’t mind having a career that mimics his. He has had the combination of doing A&R,artist management, and owning a record label. I think that it would be amazing to be an A&R rep, and then get to manage those artists that you’ve found and helped grow and develop.
What is your favorite quote?
“America is awesome. It’s so full of hope, and small towns, and big cities, and real people, and delicious beverages, and hot guys. You just never know when opportunities are gonna strike.”—Leslie Knope
Favorite childhood snack?
The snack that smiles back: Goldfish!
Your Twitter handle?
@_victoriious
Your LinkedIn page?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-smith-021072a2
Zakiya Smith-Dore (VMS intern)
University of Florida
Anticipated Graduation: August 2016
Your favorite sports or entertainment memory?
My favorite entertainment memory has to be the time that I was a showrunner for singer Andy Grammer. I was in charge of picking him and his band up and taking them around town as needed. As I stood in the airport holding a sign with his name on it for pickup, he and his group approached me. Unfortunately, he didn’t look like his photographs on the Internet, so when he came up to me and hugged me I embarrassingly asked, “I’m sorry sir but who are you?” The entire group laughed hysterically and would not let me live down the moment that I asked “who are you” to THE Andy Grammer.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would want to be an Arctic Tern. The Arctic Tern is a type of bird known for its great migratory patterns and is noted for being the farthest traveling bird there is. I have always been one who loved to travel so I would want to be this particular species of bird simply to see all that it gets to see during its flights. In its lifetime of about 25 years, the Arctic Tern flies the equivalent of three trips to the moon. That’s a lot of traveling!
What is your ultimate dream job in the industry?
Ultimately, my dream job in the industry is to become the director of a major arena. I want to be the a part of a team who promotes quality and excellent service to patrons who are traveling near and far for productions, concerts, athletics, and conventions.
Favorite childhood snack?
Apple sauce with marshmallows.
What #hashtag would best describe you?
#LivingLife
Your LinkedIn page?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zsmithdore
Ashley Carlson (VMS intern)
University of North Dakota
Anticipated Graduation: May 2016
Your favorite musician/band or sports team?
Taylor Swift.
Your favorite sports or entertainment memory?
When UND won the NCAA hockey championship!
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
An otter. The thought of floating in the river and sunbathing all day seems like a good life.
If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why?
I’d be Iron Man, but the girl version. You just really can’t beat that.
What is your favorite quote?
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.”—Ferris Bueller
Favorite childhood snack?
Puppy chow.
Rex Wallace (VMS intern)
University of Louisville
Anticipated Graduation: 2018
Your favorite musician/band or sports team?
St. Louis Cardinals.
Your favorite sports or entertainment memory?
Game 6 of the 2011 World Series when David Freese hit the game-tying triple in the ninth, then a walk-off HR in the 11th. I ended up going to Game 7 with my dad and witnessed the Cardinals win their 11th World Series Title.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
An eagle because I’d love to be able to fly.
If you could switch places with someone for one day, who would it be and why?
Mark Cuban, because he pretty much lives the ultimate sports fan/entrepreneur’s dream.
What is your favorite quote?
“Amateurs practice ’til they get it right, professionals practice ’til it can’t go wrong.”—Unknown
Your Twitter handle?
@kingrex9
Brittany Gilbert (VMS intern)
Georgetown University
Anticipated Graduation: August 2016
Your favorite sports or entertainment memory?
Watching Ohio State win the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship from the stands at AT&T Stadium in 2015.
What is your ultimate dream job in the industry?
My ultimate dream job is to be an events executive for a professional sports league (my favorites being the NFL or NBA) where I can plan and executive some of the world’s most important sporting events!
What is your favorite quote?
“Everything happens for a reason.”
Favorite childhood snack?
Pizza Lunchables.
What #hashtag would best describe you?
#ImUpToSomething—I’m always looking ahead and seeing what else I can get myself into… Whether it’s finding new ways to spend my free time, attending a new conference, planning a vacation, new projects, volunteering, etc., I am always looking for new and exciting things to do.
Your Twitter handle?
@britt_gilbert5
Your LinkedIn page?
www.linkedin.com/in/brittanylynngilbert
Courtney Clark (VMS intern)
Missouri State University
Anticipated Graduation: May 2016
Your favorite sports or entertainment memory?
My favorite entertainment memory was when I was in fourth grade and for my 10th birthday my parents took me to go see Cher live. I was and still am a huge fan and it was literally an opportunity of a lifetime at such a young age.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
Very cliche, but I would want to be a dolphin or an orca whale. I grew up around the water and it’s where I feel at home and safe. These two animals are both extremely intelligent creatures and top of the food chain in the ocean.
If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why?
Probably Spider-Man. It was my favorite superhero movie growing up and it seems like Peter Parker has the best of both worlds in a way. He is who he is to the world and as the world perceives him, but when he puts on his mask he gets to be something better and a part of something bigger than himself.
If you could switch places with someone for one day, who would it be and why?
The president of the United States. I’ve always been intrigued by the past and this is the most difficult “job” in the United States. It would be enlightening to see what this person deals with on a daily basis. None of us know how difficult something is unless we step into the shoes of someone who has faced those challenges. I think this could give you a new perspective.
What is your ultimate dream job in the industry?
My dream job would either be working for the St. Louis Cardinals in their event services or marketing department as a VP of some kind! Or working at Madison Square Garden and assisting in the marketing and promotions of the venue and the concerts brought there.
Your Twitter handle?
@cooourrts456
Your LinkedIn page?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-clark-6980a8a2
