Rosen College Stilt-walking Student Awarded FRLA Scholarship

Rosen College Stilt-walking Student Awarded FRLA Scholarship

img_9571 A toast to Michael Pastore!  The UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management senior is the recipient of a $1,800 scholarship from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA).  The scholarship, given over the two semesters of 2016-17, will allow Michael to complete his degree and graduate in May 2017.

Michael is currently a bartender at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs, while her works on his dual majors, a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Restaurant & Foodservice Management.  You might say the hospitality industry is in Michael’s blood. His family has owned restaurants in New York  and Connecticut since the 1980’s and he himself has worked in the restaurant industry for a long time, moving up the ladder through various positions.  Michael is also a stilt-walker at Universal Orlando and showed off his talents at The Pineapple Ball®, The Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame® Induction, held in October 2016.

For three years, prior to making the plunge fully into hospitality, Michael was a licensed electrician.  When Michael was a child he wanted to be a veterinarian or archeologist.  His path into hospitality was challenging. He has attended nine different colleges and tried five different majors, before finding a career focus he loves.

The essay Michael wrote and submitted to win the FRLA scholarship showcased his strengths and passion for the restaurant industry. He has been chosen twice to be part of opening teams at Walt Disney World Resort restaurants and bars, and he worked for five years in his family’s fine dining restaurant. He is ServeSafe Alcohol Certified, ServeSafe Food Protection Manager Certified and a Member of the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild Orlando Chapter.  Michael credits Dr. Robin Back and Dr. Marissa Orlowski, professors at UCF’s Rosen College, with helping him gain vast knowledge of wine and spirits and how to network in the beverage industry. Michael’s goal is to own a very successful bar here in the Orlando area, with his father as his partner.