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 Former Hotel Executive Michael J. Corr To Teach
Hotel Management at San Diego State University 
February 7, 2003 - In a continuing effort to share real life experience with its students, San Diego State University (SDSU) has named a former hotel executive to teach hotel management.
 
Michael J. Corr, the first Norman Brinker Executive-in-Residence for SDSU�s hospitality and tourism management degree program, just retired from his post with Six Continents Hotels as president of upscale operations, which included responsibility for InterContinental Hotels and Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts.

Corr began his hotel career in Atlantic City, N.J., in 1973,  then moved to Los Angeles in 1974 with the Westin Bonaventure Hotel opening team. He 


Michael J. Corr
worked with Westin Hotels and Resorts for 17 years, holding several property level positions and became senior vice president of sales and marketing in 1988.

In 1992 Corr joined Holiday Hospitality (Six Continents) as vice president of worldwide sales and trade marketing. He held several positions with Six Continents leading up to his most recent position.

Corr sees teaching as an opportunity to bring fresh talent to a precarious profession. �My interest is guided by the fact that our industry, driven by the economic downturn in spring 2001 and the tragic events of 9/11, will never be the same,� Corr noted. � Indeed, we have experienced the 'mother' of all paradigm shifts. Margins are under attack from external and internal sources and revenues are suffering in many segments.�

Corr added, � While the economy will improve, mass channel distribution through the internet will continue to proliferate, labor costs in many areas will increase at a rate greater than inflation, and corporations will undoubtedly take a more frugal look at travel and entertainment expenses. 

�This seemingly negative situation is really an opportunity for our students to become the pioneers of the new lodging industry,� Corr said. 
 
The HTM program was launched in 2001 to fill a need for managerial talent in the hospitality and tourism industry. Fueled by a $1.2 million donation from local hotelier and SDSU alumnus L. Robert Payne, the HTM degree now enrolls 150 students.

The Norman Brinker Executive-in-Residence position is funded by a gift from Norman Brinker, an SDSU alumnus and restaurant entrepreneur, founder and chairman emeritus of Brinker International, which owns Chili�s Grill and Bar and On the Border Mexican Café, among others. The company has over 1,200 restaurants worldwide, with annual revenues of $3 billion.

Contact:


Shelley Herron
Director of Communications
619/594-4501
[email protected]

 
Also See L. Robert Payne and Norman Brinker Provide Significant Funding to San Diego State University's Hospitality and Tourism Management Program / Oct 2001


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