Anthony G. Marshall, president and CEO of the Educational Institute states, �The Educational Institute�s exclusive Lamp of Knowledge Award � a symbol of discovery, of wisdom and of 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, to the entire hospitality industry, a deep love of learning and commitment to perpetual knowledge.�

This remarkable award exemplifies Cichy�s dedication to hospitality education and training.  He has written more than 125 publications for food service and lodging audiences and authored or co-authored four textbooks, including Food and Beverage Service, second edition, and Quality Sanitation Management.  The National Institutional Food Distributors Association (NIFDA) named him Outstanding Educator of the Year in 1981.  In 1995, he received the first Richard J. Lewis Quality of Excellence Award for his innovative Total Quality Management course at MSU.  Cichy is recognized as the pioneer researcher on hospitality leadership qualities, including CEOs and presidents of lodging, commercial foodservice, non-commercial foodservice, and the club industry, in both the United States and Japan.

Cichy earned his first certifications (CFBE, CHA) from the Educational Institute of the AH&MA in 1983.  Nine years later he earned the designation of Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE).  He currently serves as the Vice Chairman-Academia on the Board of Trustees, as well as on the Executive Committee of the Educational Institute of the AH&MA.  He was Chairman of EI�s Certification Commission for nearly ten years and is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Michigan Hotel, Motel and Resort Association and the Michigan Restaurant Association.  His early industry experience includes positions as a hotel manager, food and beverage manager, banquet chef, and sales representative.

Cichy states, �My philosophy of education can be summed up on one word: choices.  The main focus we have here at The School of Hospitality Business is that everything we do in terms of curriculum, clubs and student activities all lead to more choices for the students and graduates.  We believe that educated people simply make better choices.�  Cichy adds, �I would like to accept this award on behalf of all the members of EI�s Certification Commission who volunteered so many hours over the past decade.�

Founded in 1927, The School of Hospitality Business at MSU has more than 8,000 graduates worldwide.  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.  The School of Hospitality Business Alumni Association was founded in 1948 as the Michigan State College Hotel Administration Alumni Association.  The mission of The School's Alumni Association is to provide active leadership in support of participation, image enhancement, financial commitment, and promotion of synergies among students, faculty, alumni, and friends.