Weckstein was honored for donating his time and talent to The School of Hospitality Business, as well as for his major contributions to the hospitality industry and to numerous civic, community and philanthropic organizations. Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. is the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale full-service hotels, resorts and suites.
    
Honored at a reception and luncheon in New York, Weckstein and five additional inductees, including J.W. Marriott, Jr.; Emery G. Foster; Ronald F. Cichy, Ph.D., CHA; Dan H. Mathews and Donald A. Payne were honored for their distinguished careers and join 37 previously inducted alumni in the Wall of Fame. A tribute to the Wall of Fame inductees is located at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich.

The School of Hospitality Business Alumni Association's Wall of Fame was established in 1995 to recognize those distinguished alumni leaders who have made a major contribution to their companies, to the hospitality industry and The School of Hospitality Business as a leader in hospitality business education.

"Lou's contributions to the hospitality industry are indisputable. He is a proven leader with a remarkable record of impressive accomplishments that is greatly admired throughout the hospitality industry," said John Q. Hammons, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. "His inclusion in the Wall of Fame further solidifies his position as a respected
icon in the industry." 

Having joined John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. in the fall of 2001, Weckstein is responsible for overall strategic direction of the company, ensuring the highest standards continue to be met with its portfolio of 54 hotels. Previously, Weckstein served as senior vice president, hotel operations at Windsor Capital Group, where he directed and managed all phases of hotel operations, including development, conversions, food and beverage, asset management, accounting and human resources.

In addition, Weckstein spent eight years as vice president of operations for Embassy Suites, Inc., where he played an integral role in the growth and awareness of the product as a member of Senior Staff, Embassy Suites Owners Executive Association, Franchise Committee and Marketing Subcommittee. Prior to Embassy Suites, Weckstein spent 12 years as vice president of operations for Ramada Inns, Inc.; 12 years as vice president of operations for Sheraton Inns, Inc.; and seven years as a hotel general
manager.

Weckstein also serves as a member of several advisory boards, the Marriott Owners National Association, The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University and Northern Arizona University-School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. He is a committee member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association's Educational Institute and a board member of Hospitality USA Credit Union. Having been a long-time resident of Phoenix, Weckstein has served on the board of directors of the American Cancer Society and as Trustee of the Arizona Opera Company.

Weckstein received a degree in hotel and restaurant management from Michigan State University and is certified as a hotel administrator by the American Hotel & Lodging Association's Education Institute.

Founded in 1927, The School is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2002. The School has more than 8,000 graduates worldwide, including a number of leading academicians and industry executives. The mission of The School is to be the leader in hospitality business education through teaching, research, and service. Recognized as the top-ranked business college-based hospitality
school in the world, The School offers an exceptionally well-crafted curriculum taught by innovative professors who are leading textbook authors, sought-after consultants and respected researchers.

Publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX:JQH), Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. is the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale full-service hotels, resorts and suites including: Embassy Suites, Renaissance, Marriott, Radisson, Crowne Plaza, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites brands.