Marriott International is memorializing David M. Sampson, the man who pioneered the business benefit of diversity throughout the hotel conglomerate's recruitment, supplier-diversity and franchise-owner development programs, by establishing the David M. Sampson Memorial Graduate Fellowship Fund at the University of Maryland in College Park, Md.

The David M. Sampson Memorial Graduate Fellowship Fund, commemorating Sampson's 25 years at Marriott, will provide a $100,000 grant for graduate students pursuing a degree at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. The fund will provide two $2,500 scholarships per year starting in the 2007-2008 academic year.

"Dave demonstrated a commitment to fairness, equality, opportunity and inclusion," said J.W. Marriott Jr., chairman and CEO of Marriott International. "His commitment to service and leadership has left an indelible imprint on our company. The scholarship fund represents a lasting tribute to Dave's ideals and contributions." Marriott International is No. 46 on The 2007 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list^®.

Sampson, Marriott's first officer of color, pioneered the hotel chain's diversity initiatives such as pipeline development and supplier diversity. He passed away unexpectedly in March. He was 58 years old.

"I would characterize him as a true selfless leader," Priscilla Hollman, vice president of diversity relations at Marriott, told DiversityInc in a memorial that appeared in the June 2007 issue. (See also: Marriott's Dave Sampson: Remembering a Leader Who Brought Everyone to the Table)

"Had he not [mentioned my name], I wouldn't have been on anyone's radar," said Hollman. "This is a man who had a vision for me that I didn't have for myself."

Over his 25 years at Marriott, Sampson lead the hotel chain to record levels in spending with diverse suppliers, with a company goal set in 2005 to spend $1 billion by 2010. Two years after establishing the goal, the company reported a record spend of more than $400 million in 2006, $40 million alone with Latino-owned businesses.

Sampson also exposed Marriott to the benefits of recruiting and developing executives and hotel owners of color. He created new development opportunities for hotel owners of color and franchisees and helped identify top candidates of color for management positions.

Sampson's influence also helped establish the Committee for Excellence, a diversity task force of Marriott executives and members of the board of directors. His warmth and commitment to people made him a popular mentor for many managers and associates.

"He could teach me and I'm a 61-year-old white male who spent 20 years in the Army," Steve Bauman, vice president of talent acquisition and selection at Marriott, said in DiversityInc's memorial to Sampson.

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