The Marvin and Maxine Himmel Hospitality Management Scholarship Endowment

The FIU School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM) is honored to celebrate the legacy of Maxine Himmel, a long-time supporter of the School who passed away on July 12, 2010, at the age of 85. Her generous estate gift to FIU will support the Marvin and Maxine Himmel Hospitality Management Scholarship Endowment, established by Maxine and her husband Marvin in 1988. Since the creation of the fund, 15 scholarships have been awarded to deserving SHTM students. Maxine's estate commitment will ensure that the endowment continues to impact SHTM students for decades to come.

Maxine was born on July 19, 1924, in Dawson, Nebraska, a small town of 399 people in the southwest corner of the state where she lived with her parents and siblings until graduation from high school. She was an active young lady with interests in sports, dancing and music. She played first violin in the Dawson High School Orchestra.

After graduation, she entered the University of Nebraska in Lincoln but transferred to a technical school to become a radio operator following the United States' entry into World War II. After finishing her technical training, she worked as a cashier at the Non-Commission Officers Club at the Lincoln Air Force Base, where she worked for Staff Sergeant Marvin Himmel who directed the base's Special Services activities.

After learning that Maxine and her three cousins sang in a quartet, Marvin featured them as a key part of his weekly variety shows on the base. Born in Chicago, Marvin had a professional theatrical background. Both he and Maxine loved to dance and perform. In 1944 they married and began a relationship that lasted over 65 years, raising two boys while Marvin travelled extensively and established one of the country's first major independent travel and convention management companies, Himmel and Associates.

An active volunteer, Maxine served on the boards of the University of Chicago Women's Association, the Spastic Paralysis Foundation of Chicago, and the National Assistance League of San Diego, among others. Her support of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management reflects the Himmels' commitment to the value of public higher education and their dedication to the SHTM mission. Maxine's endowed estate gift will ensure that her legacy continues to impact future leaders of the industry in perpetuity.

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