John Michael Ridd Named 2010 Steamboat Scholar
John Michael Ridd has been named the 2010 Steamboat Scholar from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration (SHA). This summer he will participate in the Steamboat Foundation's prestigious leadership development program and will intern at Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), a Steamboat Foundation grant partner.
"Michael is the perfect candidate for the Steamboat Scholar program," said Lisa Shaffer, director of student services at SHA. "He is motivated and passionate about the hospitality industry, and I know that he will be an excellent representative of the school."
A senior at SHA, Ridd is pursuing a career track in food and beverage management. His enthusiasm for the food service business started when, at age 15, he began working in restaurant kitchens. Since then, he has earned an Associate's Degree from the Culinary Institute of America and has worked in restaurants and vineyards in New York City; Washington, DC; Birmingham, Alabama; and New Zealand. During his internship with USHG, Ridd will work with Randy Garutti, managing partner of Shake Shack and a 1997 graduate of SHA, to help develop the Shake Shack brand into a global presence.
This is the second year SHA has partnered with the Steamboat Foundation and USHG on the summer scholar program. Bringing together a select group of undergraduates from colleges and universities nationwide, the unique ten-week program gives Steamboat Scholars the opportunity to explore issues of leadership, live and learn with their Steamboat peers, and participate in prestigious internships.
Last year's Steamboat Scholar was Carlos Casi
