Embry-Riddle student awarded scholarship
Rudy R. Miller awarded his 2024 College of Business, Security and Intelligence (CBSI) scholarship to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott student Christina Muchow. Muchow is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in global security and intelligence studies with concentrations in Russian and intelligence, with a minor in diplomatic and military history and international relations.
Miller, a former member of the U.S. Armed Forces, is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and investor in numerous industries. Miller is chairman, president, and CEO of Miller Capital Corporation, an affiliate of The Miller Group of entities.
His philanthropic endeavors include support for the nonprofit arts community, selective universities, athletic foundations and veterans’ projects. He is a member-sponsor of the Army Historical Foundation and the National Museum of the U.S. Army located at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He served as chairman of the advisory board of Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial Inc. (Tbird2), an organization that honors veterans, from 2018 until March 2024.
Miller developed its aviation scholarship program and process in 2018 and served as the first chairman of the Scholarship Committee until June 2023. Tbird2 offers scholarships at six colleges, for both veteran and non-veteran students, including two four-year universities, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Arizona State University, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
Embry-Riddle Prescott’s College of Business, Security and Intelligence represents the first comprehensive degree-granting college of its kind in the United States. CBSI focuses on training future business, security and intelligence professionals on both the national and international levels. The college’s courses of study emphasize research in the fields of global business, international security and global intelligence. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus is a National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE CDE) institution.
Muchow has a 4.0 GPA. She is also a writer and assistant editor for Eagle Eye Intelligence, the campus intelligence newsletter. Muchow has published several briefs about current geopolitical events occurring in former Soviet countries. She is a member of the Student Intelligence Association, Security Industry Association and Ethical Hacking Club. Additionally, she serves as the public affairs officer for the Eagle Emergency Readiness Club.
During school breaks, Muchow works as shift lead at a Subway in Phoenix and volunteers as an assistant coach of the Children’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program. She also attends this school as a student training in Jiu-Jitsu and Okinawan Kenpo.
After graduating, Muchow’s objective is to be employed by the NSA, CIA or State Department as an intelligence analyst specializing in post-Soviet affairs along with earning a PhD in history or international relations.
“I knew within a few minutes of conversation with Christina that she had it,” Miller said.
“She is a highly motivated individual who is very bright, articulate, and strong-willed. She has overcome numerous challenges, starting early in her life, that most people could not endure. She believes strongly in a hard work ethic, dedication to family and education. She also wants to serve her country. Plus, Christina wants to build a better life and secure the future for her family.
“Additionally, I want to thank Dr. Thomas Drape, dean of CBSI, and Steve Bobinsky, executive director of philanthropy, for their valuable assistance and support.”
“I am deeply honored and incredibly grateful for Mr. Miller’s generosity, both in terms of his scholarship and his mentorship. His life story is deeply inspiring, and I believe that his guidance and faith in me will be a tremendous asset for my future,” Muchow said.
Katy-Jan Bobseine, graduate studies chair and assistant professor of Intelligence Studies commented, “Christina has quickly distinguished herself as a top performer in my Foundations of Terrorism course, contributing to class discussions with impressively advanced insights and demonstrating an almost insatiable desire for more knowledge. It became clear from my first interactions with her that she is uniquely self-motivated and focused on achieving her ambitious goals.”
Dr. Tyrone Groh, professor of global security and intelligence, remarked, “Christina is the most talented student I have had in 12 years of higher education. Her drive to learn complements her expansive aptitude for learning. Having had her in several classes, Christina stands out as one of the best influences a professor could ask for — she finds ways to improve the discussion in my classes and challenges me to do better for my students.”
STR, Tourism Economics lower hotel growth forecast
STR and Tourism Economics downgraded the growth rate in the final U.S. hotel forecast revision of 2024. For 2024, projected gains in average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) were each downgraded, -0.5 percentage points to +1.5% and -0.6 percentage points to +1.4%, respectively.
Occupancy for the year was lowered by -0.1 percentage points to 62.9% after the previous forecast projected the metric to remain steady from 2023. For 2025, the occupancy growth projection was downgraded by -0.4 percentage points, and the forecast for ADR and RevPAR increases were lowered to +1.6% and +1.8%, respectively.
“The outlook for 2025 remains somewhat in flux, with positive sentiment potentially offset by the higher cost of living,” said Amanda Hite, STR president. “Based on current economic conditions, higher-end hotels will continue to drive industry performance. The change in the presidential administration is anticipated to yield stronger economic conditions at first, which is not yet reflected in the data.”
Aran Ryan, director of industry studies at Tourism Economics, said, “The forecast was prepared pre-election and assumed economic conditions consistent with political status quo. There is the potential that the Trump administration will pursue looser fiscal policy and provide a temporary boost to the economy, before offsetting effects such as tariffs and immigration act to moderately slow growth.”
Arizona-based M Culinary Concepts will hire hundreds of hospitality professionals ahead of this year’s events season.
Scottsdale Tourist Information Center closing
After many years of operating a visitor center in Old Town Scottsdale to interact with visitors, Experience Scottsdale will close the Scottsdale Tourist Information Center in Scottsdale Fashion Square on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Due to the evolving needs of travelers, moving forward, Experience Scottsdale will focus on providing relevant information and answering visitor questions via phone, email and web chat, which has become a popular way for visitors to connect with Experience Scottsdale while planning their travels.
Experience Scottsdale will continue to provide valuable destination resources on its website, including the Scottsdale Visitors Guide and other destination guides and maps available for download and viewing online. The organization also will continue to ship complimentary copies of the visitors guide, as well as keep them stocked at area airports, more than 50 local businesses and the Old Town ambassadors’ kiosks. To begin receiving deliveries of the Scottsdale Visitors Guide, submit the Collateral Order Form at experiencescottsdale.com. The 2025 visitors guide will be available this month.
Catering company hiring
Arizona-based M Culinary Concepts, the state’s largest event catering and hospitality company, will hire hundreds of hospitality professionals ahead of the Valley’s bustling events season, including the WM Phoenix Open.
In search of front-of-house, back-of-house, warehouse and facilities, transportation, and café support positions, M Culinary will host weekly hiring events every Tuesday and Saturday in January at M Culinary Headquarters at 20634 N. 28th Street, Suite 130, in Phoenix.
The hiring fair schedule is as follows:
Afternoon sessions (Tuesdays)
•Jan. 14, 2 to 4 p.m.
•Jan. 21, 2 to 4 p.m.
•Jan. 28, 2 to 4 p.m.
Morning sessions (Saturdays)
•Jan. 11, 9 a.m. to noon
•Jan. 18, 9 a.m. to noon
•Jan. 25, 9 a.m. to noon
Hires will be made on the spot for servers, culinary, utility and support. Two forms of ID are required, and all experience levels are welcome. General applicants should complete a brief application form online, select a preferred hiring fair date and share their availability for the events. Bartenders must submit a resume and headshot. To apply, visit wmpo.mculinary.com.
Those applying for general roles must be available for at least three days during the WM Phoenix Open, including Saturday and Sunday. Bartenders must be available for at least four days with Friday, Saturday and Sunday required.
“The Valley’s event season is a truly exciting time and we’re grateful to bring talented individuals onto our team,” said ToniAnn Petrella-Diaz, director of human resources at M Culinary Concepts. “This is a unique opportunity to build hands-on experience in the hospitality industry while working at one of the most high-profile events in the country. For those with ambition and drive, the possibilities for growth are endless.”
M Culinary Concepts emerged in the Valley 28 years ago. In that time, the business has become the go-to caterer for some of the Valley’s marquee events including the WM Phoenix Open, Innings Fest, Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, and charity galas, as well as a top choice for weddings and corporate events throughout the state.
To learn more about M Culinary Concepts and view open positions, visit mculinary.com.
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