George William Roe is a young Hospitality Professional who graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 2003, and Michigan State University’s The School of Hospitality Business in 2007 with a specialization in International Lodging. He is currently working as the director of housekeeping at Marina Bay Sands Resort Hotel Casino in Singapore, overseeing an operation of more than 400 team members with 2,561 rooms and suites. He is truly blessed, and finds it important to give back to the community and industry which has given him much growth, success and adventure.

 
“I created the Pursuit of Hospitality — The George William Roe Scholarship as a means for me to begin to give back to the community that has given me many great life lessons. And, in addition, as a way for young hospitality professionals to have assistance to pursue their career in hospitality management,” said Roe. “I really want to inspire young professionals from Saginaw to push themselves toward a greater future.”

 
During his schooling he found what it means to have work/life balance and realized that if you work hard, you get to play harder and are able to live life fully — every day. His studies allowed him to travel between New York and California with extracurricular groups that introduced him to the hospitality field. It was through these travels that he landed an internship at a private golf/yacht club which opened his eyes to the possibility of bigger and better things.

 
“Through grants, I was able to participate in an eye-opening study abroad program in India, Thailand and Dubai my senior year at MSU. I want this scholarship to help people realize there are some great opportunities in the hospitality field and it is worth pursuing higher studies to accomplish your goals.”

 
After graduating, Roe accepted a position as a front desk agent at the Venetian in Las Vegas, with the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. He was confident that with his love of hospitality, he would be able to prove himself. He was quickly promoted to Desk Manager overseeing the opening of the Palazzo, and was later provided the opportunity to be a front office manager with the opening team of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. After opening the world’s most expensive resort, he became the hotel manager in charge of the front office and VIP operations, and recently has been promoted to director
of housekeeping.

Passing inspiration and passion to future generations

Roe is passionate about the hospitality industry and understands that without such scholarships he would not have been able to experience the opportunities that have shaped his career. 

“In addition to helping young people, I really want the scholarship to honor my grandfather, William H. Palmer, who created a scholarship through the Saginaw Community Foundation as a tribute to his sister, Margaret L. Palmer, who was passionate about teaching. It is wonderful to follow in his footsteps and begin to give back to the Saginaw community he supported and loved so much.”

Interested in applying?

For more information about the Pursuit of Hospitality — The George William Roe Scholarship or any scholarship offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, visit the “Scholarship” section of our website.