East Lansing November 18, 2009 - � The International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show (IH/M&RS) in New York City was the occasion last week for The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University to host its annual Celebration of Leadership. 

The elegant evening reception at The Waldorf=Astoria on November 7 honored The School�s Alumni Association Industry Leader of the Year, Patrick M. Nesbitt, Sr., chairman & CEO of Windsor Capital Group, Inc.  It also inducted five new members of its Wall of Fame, the Class of Exemplars.  The honorees were:

James F. Anhut (MBA �85)
Chief Development Officer, the Americas
InterContinental Hotels Group

George P. Fischer (BA �79)
Vice President & Managing Director
Destination Hotels & Resorts
The Inverness Hotel & Conference Center

David T. Johnstone (BA �79)
Executive Vice President & Principal
Miller Global Properties, LLC

Michael J. Kelly (BA �85)
Executive Vice President of Planning & Development
Linger Longer Communities
President
Reynolds Golf Management

Robert Underwood (BA �58)
Retired Assistant Vice President
Housing & Food Services
Michigan State University

Introducing the Class of Exemplars and the Industry Leader of the Year, Dr. Ron Cichy (BA �72, MBA �77), director and professor in The School, said the following: 

�Though they come from different backgrounds, varied careers, and even different generations, each honoree serves as a role model.  Each displays to our students a career built upon hard work, creative decision making, respect for colleagues, and business intellect.  Each sought advice and learned from industry leaders who went before them, and each has in turn mentored others. And every Exemplar has lived a life and enjoyed career success that models for others how to build a legacy in an industry filled with legendary leaders and in a world that is increasingly complex and difficult to navigate.�

Guests at Celebration of Leadership included the honorees� families, alumni of The School, industry executives, faculty members, over 50 School students, and Dean Elvin Lashbrooke of the Eli Broad College of Business at MSU and his wife Meg.  Also present were executives from The Waldorf =Astoria who graciously host the event each year. 

Alumni Association Chairman Emeritus Marc Gordon (MBA �73), president & chief executive officer of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, commented on the evening�s atmosphere.  �It is inspiring to hear from these true success stories in the industry; but the real story here is the lasting friendship among these leaders, and the way they give back to our School and the students.�

Students who travel to New York for the event are chosen based on their leadership and volunteer activities within The School, as well as on their academic records.  Sponsorship funds have been generously donated this year to complement the endowed funds which provide for their expenses. 

In addition to attending Celebration of Leadership, students are responsible for The School�s exhibit booth at the IH/M&RS over several days; they participate in several professional development tours and events in the City, arranged by The School�s Student and Industry Resource Center; they attend a Young Alumni � Students Networking Gathering; and they experience the gracious hospitality of The Waldorf=Astoria. 

About The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University
Recognized as the top-ranked hospitality business school in the world, The School celebrates its 82nd year anniversary in 2009.   The School has more than 9,000 graduates worldwide, including a number of leading academicians and industry executives, who have earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees.  Founded in 1927, the mission of The School is to continually enhance The School's leadership position in hospitality business education through teaching, research, and service.  The School offers an exceptionally well-crafted curriculum, taught by innovative professors who are leading textbook authors, sought-after consultants, and respected researchers.  The mission of The School of Hospitality Business Alumni Association is to provide active leadership in support of the mission of The School of Hospitality Business through membership participation, image enhancement, financial commitment, and promotion of synergies among students, faculty, alumni, and friends.  The First, The Original, and STILL The Leader. . . The School of Hospitality Business.  For more information, please visit www.bus.msu.edu/shb/