LAS VEGAS – Less than three months into the launch of a new partnership with Limestone College, Diamond Resorts™ - a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries - is seeing tremendous interest in its new professional internship program.

The program, which is open to all junior and seniors, offers Limestone students the opportunity to get on-the-job training via semester-long internships.

"As a graduate of Limestone College, this program is very dear to my heart," said Mike Flaskey, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts. "I look back and think about how blessed I was to have the opportunity to attend a beautiful school with great professors, and how all of that shaped who I am today. What I learned on the athletic field playing baseball for Limestone and in the classroom, I apply every day in my current role as Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts. My colleagues and I are thrilled to be able to engage with Limestone students on this important level."

To date, 20 students have been selected to participate in the internship program, with 13 who will join the Diamond team for the summer semester and seven who will intern this fall. The student interns, who are either in their junior or senior years, can gain experience in a number of different areas, such as quality assurance, sales, human resources and global support, among others.

In addition, one student has been selected as the winner of the Diamond Marketing Mentorship Program (DMMP), which is a nine-month, rigorous apprenticeship designed to prepare young graduates for a potential position of Marketing Manager (or comparable) at a Diamond Resorts Marketing & Sales location. The DMMP offers more intense training than the regular internship and in addition to preparing the young graduates for a position in their chosen field, DMMP is meant to position them as leaders.

Each student will have an assigned mentor and will either be based at a Diamond Resorts property - with some locations including Orlando, Palm Springs, Hawaii and Virginia Beach - or headquartered at one of the company's corporate offices. Successful completion of the internship will not only earn students a full semester's worth of credits, they will also be guaranteed a position with Diamond Resorts after graduation.

"Limestone is very fortunate to have graduates like Mike Flaskey who want to give back to their alma mater," said Dr. Paul LeFrancois, Chair of the Division of Business and Professional Studies. "The partnership between Limestone and Diamond Resorts offers benefits to both organizations with the focus on providing students with a unique learning experience. That experience will enable Limestone student interns to apply the concepts they have learned in the classroom, work directly with professionals in their fields of study, and have a job offer upon graduation."

About Limestone College

Limestone College is an accredited, independent, coeducational four year liberal arts institution founded in 1845 and located in Gaffney, South Carolina. The mission of Limestone is to educate students from diverse backgrounds in the liberal arts and selected professional disciplines. In a nurturing, supportive environment, students are challenged to become critical thinkers and effective communicators who are prepared for responsible citizenship, successful careers and graduate study.

To learn more about Limestone College visit www.limestone.edu

About Diamond Resorts International®

Diamond Resorts offers destinations, events and experiences to help members make a habit of breaking from the routine. From unforgettable getaways to exclusive concert series to VIP receptions and dinners, members turn to Diamond to recharge, reconnect and remind each other what matters most. Our focus on quality resorts, customer service and flexibility means members can return to a favorite resort, book a cruise to explore new countries or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event with the same level of confidence and anticipation. With access to a world of entertainment and activities, a Diamond membership ensures that people are always looking forward to vacation.

To learn more about Diamond Resorts visit www.diamondresorts.com.