| University Club of Michigan State University.
Over 40 participants from all over the United States are expected to attend,
with Dr. Terry Umbreit, a 1963 graduate currently directing the hospitality
program at Washington State University, serving as Dean of the Summit.
All speakers and participants have roots at Michigan State University,
either as former students or as faculty members. The topic of this
year�s Summit is �The Future of Hospitality Education.�
The Summit is part of The School�s Hilton Lecture Series XII.
Participants are invited to an opening reception to be held in The School�s
Dining Room from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 6. The Summit
will begin on Friday, September 7 with a breakfast at 8 a.m., followed
by discussion on the future of hospitality education with a global perspective
(led by Dr. William Lazer, professor emeritus); hospitality education from
the recruiters� perspective (led by a roundtable of industry executives
including Chuck Day from Marriott, Jerry Fournier from HDS Services, Jeff
Gillett from Houston�s Restaurants, Alison Lowe from Hilton Hotels, and
John O�Donnell from the Detroit Golf Club); and hospitality education from
a �Coach�s� perspective (led by professor Don Smith from Washington State
University). On Saturday, September 8, participants will enjoy a
tailgate reception in The School�s Dining Room at 10:00 am, followed by
the football game against Central Michigan University.
The September event will also kick off a 15-month celebration of the
75th anniversary of The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State.
�To commemorate this milestone,� says Dr. Ron Cichy, director and professor
of The School, �we thought it would be appropriate to remember our roots,
hospitality education, even as we look to the future.�
Candlewood Hotel Company, Inc., Hilton Hotels Corporation and The University
Club of Michigan State University sponsor the Spartan Hospitality Educators
Summit.
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The Legacy of the Leader
Eight thousand graduates later, it may be hard to believe,
but The School of Hopsitality Business almost didn't make it.
Proponents had been pusing to establish it for a half-dozen
years, but the timing was always wrong. They finally got support
from the college administration in 1927. Then suddenly the timing seemed
even worse.
But we're here today, so obvously they survived. But
then came the '30's. What kind of future was there for hotel students in
the grinding days of the Great Depression? And then came the '40's and
World War II. Tragically, some of the most promising young graduates never
returned.
In 2002 we celebrate 75 years of The School. That means
it's time to study our history, an opportunity to look back, to examine
the many strands that, had they been woven differently, would have created
a tapestry much different from what we view today.
A surprisingly large volume of historical information
has been left in obscure places to be gathered into our story of The School
from its origins. Thus the history of our institution -The Legacy of the
Leader, celebrating 75 years of outstanding hospitality business education-will
be a sizeable volume. Alumni stories, rare photos, and memorabilia will
add to its volume.
It is due to be published about a year from now. Many
details remain to be worked out, such as the size of the press run and
the optimal price. At this point we are still gauging interest.
Have you ever been in a reflective mood and mused, "If
it weren't for So-and-So doing such-and-such at just that certain time,
I might not be here doing what I'm doing today?" That's history and how
it bears on the here and now. It sharpens one's appreciation of the present.
If you're that kind of person, you'll enjoy the book. If you simply want
to reminisce about your own era- wether the '30's or '90s or somewhere
in between-you'll enjoy the book.
Go to "Yes,
I am interested" form, as details about the book become finalized,
we'll keep you apprised.
The Legacy of the Leader - we are all part of this compelling
story.
Dr. Ronald F. Cichy (BA '72, MBA '77)
Director and Professor
The School of Hospitality Business |
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