The Lamp of Knowledge is given to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the advancement of professionalism in the hospitality industry and education.  Angelo's book, Hospitality Today: An Introduction, co-authored with Andrew N.Vladimir, CHE, is praised by industry leaders and university faculties.  He is also the author of A Practical Guide to Understanding Feasibility Studies.

Angelo is the associate dean of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University, where he has held the Ellsworth M. Statler Professorship since 1993.  He is also a Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA).  Prior to joining FIU, Angelo spent six years as manager of Laventhol & Horwath's Management Advisory Services division in New York City.  He was responsible for supervising and conducting economic feasibility studies, operation and control analyses for hotels and restaurant, and tourism studies in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.  He has managed a private club/hotel and has also worked in various management positions with ARAMARK and Loews Hotels.  He was also a consultant with Pannell Kerr Forster.  

Angelo received B.S. degrees from both Fordham University and the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, and an M.B.A. from the University of Miami.  He has taught courses at Cornell University, New York University, and the Centre International dé Glion in Switzerland.

Angelo has been an advisor to the Club Management Institute of the Club Managers Association of America; member of the Corporation of the Culinary Institute of America; member of the advisory board of Dade County's Academy for Tourism; and the Certification Commission of the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.  He has also served on the Scholarship and Grants Committee of the American Hotel & Lodging Foundation, and was a trustee of the Caribbean Hospitality Training Institute.  Angelo resides in Key Biscayne, Florida.

The award states:  "The Educational Institute's exclusive Lamp of Knowledge Award - a symbol of discovery, wisdom, and dedication - is reserved for those exceptional few who know the wonder of learning and who strive to light the way for those who follow.  It shall therefore stand alone, gleaming atop its marble pedestal with neither inscription nor explanation - for possession of the Lamp of Knowledge shall itself signify a deep love of learning and commitment to perpetuate knowledge." 

Marshall, a past recipient of Lamp of Knowledge - Outstanding Educator award and former dean at Florida International University, was asked to present the award.  "It's an honor to do so," said Marshall. "During my entire professional career, Rocco M. Angelo has been my 'lamp of knowledge.'"  

Established in 1953 as a nonprofit educational foundation of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Educational Institute is the premier source for quality hospitality education, training, and professional certification, serving the needs and advancing the excellence of hospitality schools and industries worldwide.