Weckstein was recognized during The School�s 76th annual Celebration of Leadership event held at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City.  He was honored for donating his time and talent to The School of Hospitality Business, as well as for his major contributions to the hospitality industry and to numerous civic, community and philanthropic organizations.  Representatives from John Q. Hammons Hotels and Dr. Ronald Cichy, director and professor of The School, presented Weckstein with The School�s first student scholarship dedicated to fostering knowledge of hotel operations.

�Lou Weckstein is one of those rare individuals who has experienced every facet of the hotel industry and has witnessed many remarkable changes,� said John Q. Hammons, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc.  �Through those changes Lou has been at the forefront � providing leadership and innovation, conducting profitable business operations and personifying what it means to be a hotelier.  Being named �Industry Leader of the Year� further demonstrates his position as a respected icon in the industry.  Through the new scholarship, we continue his legacy by cultivating the future hoteliers of the world.� 

Other Accolades from The School

In 2001, Weckstein was inducted in The School�s �Wall of Fame,� which includes distinguished alumni leaders who have made a major contribution to their companies and to the hospitality industry, as well as a dramatic positive impact to position The School of Hospitality Business as a leader in hospitality business education.  In 2002, Weckstein was named one of The School�s 75th Anniversary Distinguished Alumni.
�Lou�s contributions to the hospitality industry are indisputable.  He is a proven leader with a remarkable record of impressive accomplishments.  Lou is greatly admired throughout the hospitality industry,� said Dr. Ronald Cichy.  �Through the scholarship, Lou�s pioneering vision, values and influence will be fostered among generations to come.� 

About Lou Weckstein

Having joined John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. in the fall of 2001, Weckstein is responsible for overall strategic direction of the company, ensuring the highest standards continue to be met with its portfolio of 58 hotels.  Previously, Weckstein served as senior vice president, hotel operations at Windsor Capital Group, where he directed and managed all phases of hotel operations, including development, conversions, food and beverage, asset management, accounting and human resources. 

In addition, Weckstein spent eight years as vice president of operations for Embassy Suites Hotels, where he played an integral role in the growth and awareness of the product as a member of Senior Staff, Owners Executive Association, Franchise Committee and Marketing Subcommittee.  Prior to Embassy Suites Hotels, Weckstein spent 12 years as vice president of operations for Ramada Inns, Inc.; 12 years as vice president of operations for Sheraton Inns, Inc.; and seven years as a hotel general manager. 

Weckstein also serves as a member of several advisory boards for Marriott Owners National Association, The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University and Northern Arizona University-School of Hotel and Restaurant Management.  He is a committee member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association's Educational Institute and a board member of Hospitality USA Credit Union.  Having been a long-time resident of Phoenix, Weckstein has served on the board of directors of the American Cancer Society and as Trustee of the Arizona Opera Company.

Weckstein received a degree in hotel and restaurant management from Michigan State University and is certified as a hotel administrator by the American Hotel & Lodging Association's Education Institute.

Publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX: JQH), Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. is the nation�s leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites, including: Embassy Suites Hotel, Renaissance, Marriott, Radisson, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites brands.