#United States #San Jose #Team San Jose #Karolyn Kirchgesler #Klaire Wolford

Team San Jose's Inaugural Scholarship

On May 28, 2025, Team San Jose, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting San Jose as a prime destination for travel and meetings, made a significant impact by awarding the inaugural Team San Jose Kirchgesler Scholarship. This award of $10,000 goes to Klaire Wolford, a dedicated senior at San Jose State University (SJSU). This scholarship honors the legacy of Karolyn Kirchgesler, who served as the organization’s president and CEO until her untimely passing from cancer in 2020. During her tenure, Kirchgesler was a staunch advocate for women in the hospitality and travel sectors, paving the way for future generations.

Celebrating Leadership and Community Engagement

Wolford, an impressive student leader, has played a pivotal role both in her academic setting and the broader community. As the captain of the San Jose State Dance Team and having experience in managing large-scale events, Wolford embodies the values the scholarship aims to support. The financial assistance she received will help her pursue a career in professional sports events, demonstrating the scholarship's intention to nurture talent that aligns with the travel and event management industry.

In her future pursuits, Wolford plans to further her education by returning to SJSU for a master’s degree in Sports Management, emphasizing her commitment to excellence and community engagement.

Meaningful Impact on Future Leaders

John LaFortune, the current president and CEO of Team San Jose, expressed pride in supporting future hospitality leaders in honor of Kirchgesler. “Her legacy lives on in our organization, and she would be delighted to see someone as bright and passionate as Klaire begin her career in this industry with our support,” LaFortune remarked.

Furthermore, Michael Mulcahy, a City of San Jose Councilmember and founding board member of Team San Jose, added that the scholarship exemplifies the organization’s mission of giving back and facilitating bridges across the industry. He noted that tourism significantly boosts the local economy, and supporting SJSU's hospitality students is one instrumental way to ensure the city’s success.

Rangapriya Kannan, Dean of the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business at SJSU, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the partnership between higher education and the hospitality industry. “The Team San Jose Kirchgesler Scholarship represents more than just financial support; it recognizes students' hard work and potential,” Kannan explained. This connection helps build a robust talent pipeline for the region and confirms the strong bond between academia and professional sectors.

A Vote of Confidence

Expressing her gratitude, Klaire Wolford stated, “It’s significant to know that a respected organization sees something in me worth investing in. This scholarship allows me to concentrate on my academic and professional development without the burden of financial worries.” Wolford views this support not just as a financial aid but as a vote of confidence at the start of her career. Determined to pay it forward, she plans to mentor future generations just as Team San Jose has done for her.

As Team San Jose continues to inspire and empower emerging leaders in hospitality, it reinforces the ethos that together, they can build a robust future for the tourism industry in San Jose.

For more information about Team San Jose and its initiatives, visit www.sanjose.org.