USC Bovard College is proud to name Christine Ovasapyan and Blake Shelburne as the inaugural Wilson Daniels Scholarship recipients. With a portfolio of estate wines from distinguished properties, historic families, and renowned vineyards around the world, Wilson Daniels has sponsored two $5,000 scholarships recognizing academic excellence in hospitality and tourism. These scholarships are part of their mission to cultivate a culture of fine wine in America, with emphasis on fostering continued wine education of the beverage hospitality community and future hospitality professionals.
Recipients Bring Storytelling and Sustainability to the Wine Industry
Christine Ovasapyan
As a leader in fine wine, Wilson Daniels sets standards that shape the industry. Facing shifts on multiple fronts from environmental challenges to technological innovations, students who bring a strong vision for the future are well-positioned to succeed in an industry that values tradition and adaptability.
Awardee Christine Ovasapyan hopes to see a wine industry that is united behind its commitment to sustainability. “If I could change one thing in the wine industry overnight, I would establish a universal, non-negotiable commitment to sustainability across every vineyard, winery, and tasting room. Not as a marketing tool or optional initiative, but as the foundational operating principle of the entire industry. Wine cannot exist without a stable environment, healthy soil, and resilient ecosystems. An embrace of shared responsibility would protect the land that makes wine possible in the first place.”
Blake Shelburne
With a passion for wine and its intersection with history, culture, and experiential design, awardee Blake Shelburne aims to push boundaries by applying his expertise in sensory storytelling. “Wine carries origin, craft, and culture, yet many consumers never experience the full depth. I would encourage broader integration of technology that enhances storytelling and guest education. Augmented reality, interactive menus, and personalized tasting guidance powered by AI would make the industry more accessible while honoring tradition. A more inclusive and informed experience empowers guests, elevates producers, and strengthens engagement across every segment of the beverage world.”
Rewarding Commitment and Innovation in Hospitality and Tourism
USC Bovard College’s online Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism is designed for working professionals who want to delve deeper into the strategy, business, and creative practices of the global hospitality and tourism industries. Anthony Bailey, Dean of USC Bovard College, takes pride in the synergy between the program’s curriculum and professional focus of its students. “Our MS in Hospitality and Tourism students and graduates have been bringing innovation to every sector of this vast field. Wilson Daniels’ scholarships help us support students such as Christine and Blake who apply their unique interests and experience to their coursework.”
The impact of this highly competitive scholarship is already felt. “I’ve poured so much into advancing my education while building a career in hospitality and wine tourism, and receiving this recognition felt like a moment where all of that hard work and dedication was seen,” shares Ovasapyan, who has managed boutique and estate wineries and wine clubs, curated guest experiences and developed hospitality programs. For Shelburne, “The award offered a moment of encouragement that I will never forget. Graduate study requires dedication, time, sacrifice, and balance, so learning that my work stood out meant a great deal.”
Read more about USC Bovard College’s Online MS in Hospitality and Tourism program.