Scholarship Unveiled to Benefit Aspiring Hoteliers at Florida Gulf Coast University

NAPLES, Fla. – Friends and family of John E. Ayres, Jr. have established a memorial scholarship honoring the hard work, perseverance and tenacity of the legendary hotelier.

The John E. Ayres Memorial Hotelier Scholarship will support aspiring hoteliers at the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) School of Resort & Hospitality Management. The scholarship was officially unveiled before more than 300 people attending the 31st Annual Wanderlust celebration held recently at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort, Naples.

“For those who were fortunate enough to know John, he was many things: a leader, innovator, collaborator, ambassador, visionary and mentor. Most of all, he was a fiercely loyal friend, loving husband and father to his family and consummate hotelier,” said James Ayres. “Through this enduring scholarship, future industry leaders can pursue their passion with load lightened and the goal of emulating John’s guiding principles.”

Originally from New Jersey, John Ayres arrived in Southwest Florida in 1977 as Director of Sales & Marketing with The Marriott Corporation at what is now the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. After leaving for the renowned Breakers Palm Beach in 1982, a return to Southwest Florida was unlikely for the Ayres family. Fate intervened and brought him back as Managing Partner of the Edgewater Beach Hotel in 1987. In 1989, he formed Coral Beach Hotels and Clubs, which later became Coral Hospitality.

Working alongside hospitality icons Mike Watkins, Jerry Thirion, Ed Staros and others, Ayres saw untapped and unbridled tourism opportunity in Naples and formed the Naples Visitor’s Bureau with its signature fundraising event, Wanderlust. It can be said Ayres and this team of visionaries helped put Naples on the map, turning the once sleepy beach town into what is now one of the world’s most widely recognized vacation destinations.

Ayres gave freely of his time and talents and, as the years progressed and tourism had grown to new heights, he was a diligent advocate and champion of a world-class hospitality school at FGCU. It is only fitting that proceeds from the annual Wanderlust event now support the FGCU School of Resort & Hospitality Management.

Those interested in carrying Ayres’ legacy forward and providing a hospitality career pathway for a worthy student are encouraged to visit https://www.fgcu.edu/cob/giving/ and selecting the “John Ayres Memorial Endowment Charity Fund” from the dropdown of options. Additional information also can be found at www.jeascholarship.com.