WASHINGTON, D.C., 09/03/2025 – Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Educational Foundation – the charitable arm of the only national trade association for wine and spirits distributors – today announced four recipients of the 2025 Robert Qualls Scholarship. Each awardee will receive $5,000 to help offset education expenses as they pursue certificates or degrees in the hospitality industry.
Scholarship applicants must be current or former employees—or children of employees—of alcohol wholesalers, retailers, or suppliers. This year’s winners were chosen through a competitive application and review process conducted by an independent panel of judges.
The Robert Qualls Scholarship Fund was established with generous support from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits to honor the life and legacy of Robert Qualls, a respected industry veteran who dedicated his career to building brands, managing businesses, and mentoring the next generation of professionals. The scholarship reflects Qualls’ spirit of generosity, hard work, and selflessness by helping students follow in his footsteps.
2025 Robert Qualls Scholarship Recipients:
Audrey Arant - Oklahoma State University
Madelyn McDonald - Florida Atlantic University
Joseph Palazzo - University of Central Florida
Dylan Wise - UCLA
“It is our privilege to recognize these outstanding hospitality students,” said WSWA President and CEO Francis Creighton. “Their commitment to excellence and to our industry inspires us, and we are proud to support their academic journeys. Congratulations Audrey, Madelyn, Joseph and Dylan. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.”
For more information about the Robert Qualls Scholarship and the WSWA Educational Foundation, please visit www.wswa.org.
About Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America
WSWA is the national trade association representing the distribution tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has more than 380 member companies in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the United States.
To learn more, please visit www.wswa.org or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.
###