Berklee Student Wins Live Nation Scholarship

Nico Ruggieri, a 21-year-old Berklee student majoring in music business/management, is the recipient of this year's Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship, presented by Live Nation, in partnership with the nonprofit House of Blues Music Forward Foundation. The $10,000 award was established to support the ever-growing customer service expectations of fans, artists, and employees within the live entertainment industry.    

Already brimming with new ideas on how to enhance customer experience, Ruggieri has impressed his professors with his passion for music, interpersonal and leadership skills, talent as an emcee, business savvy, and strong desire to make positive changes for students and audiences alike. Ruggieri, who grew up in Boardman, Ohio, is a student ambassador and recruiter at Berklee, and has served as a house manager at the Berklee Performance Center and the Boston Lyric Opera.    

“Receiving this scholarship while entering my senior year at Berklee serves as the pinnacle of my achievements,” said Ruggieri. “I plan to continue my diligent work by being one of the first students to complete all three major paths in music business—management, marketing, and entrepreneurship—by May 2020. The generosity of Live Nation and the Music Forward Foundation will propel me through my senior year with great inspiration and gratitude. I am blessed and honored to be acknowledged with this award.”

“Live Nation is distinctively positioned to offer the next generation of music industry leaders professional and educational support through these scholarship programs,” said Mark Campana, chief operating officer, Live Nation U.S. Concerts. “We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the music industry and proudly support these dedicated and talented students as they pursue their career goals.”