The tribute was presented at the Wanderlust Travel Auction, the major fundraiser for the program with proceeds going toward school operations.
 

In presenting the award, FGCU President William C. Merwin thanked Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa for its �extraordinary support for the Resort & Hospitality program, both financially and in a leadership capacity.� As a key financial donor to the program, the resort�s management team was cited for its �source of knowledge and inspiration to the program�s students.�  During the resort�s restoration following the aftermath of Hurricane Charley, through its recent reopening, students were given an opportunity to experience disaster recovery firsthand. While serving as chairman to the program�s advisory board, Sanibel Harbour Managing Director Brian Holly, along with

At Wanderlust 2005 Travel Auction, President William Merwin (right) of Florida Gulf Coast University presents the �Outstanding Patron Tribute Award� to Brian Holly of Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa for its leadership during the recent conception and launch of the Resort & Hospitality Management degree program at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Barry Brown, the resort�s director of sales and marketing, has served as visiting professor in the capstone course for seniors, in which industry executives share career-long learning in hospitality marketing. In addition, Holly has embraced the resort�s internship program, as well as a mentorship program that pairs students in their junior year with industry executives for insight and guidance.

�We are very proud to be a part of this program and honored to receive this tribute,� said Holly upon receiving the award. �We feel strongly that the commitment that we make to the students involved in the Resort & Hospitality Management program will have a very a positive impact on the area�s hospitality industry in the future.�

Currently, 130 declared majors are enrolled in FGCU�s Resort & Hospitality Management program. For more information about the R&HM degree program, contact Dr. Sherie Brezina at (239) 590-7742, call the Office of Admissions at (239) 590-7878 or log onto www.fgcu.edu on the Web.

Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa includes 400 accommodations, including 66 luxurious suites and 53 two-bedroom condominiums. The new Grande Bay at Sanibel Harbour, a 107-room concierge hotel, offers exclusivity with a focus on pampering and services. Meeting facilities include a 45,000-square-foot waterfront meeting and banquet facility with four ballrooms and 24 breakout rooms.

A 40,000-square-foot spa includes 28 treatment rooms and more than 60 treatments. Also located on the resort property, a championship tennis complex, bayside beach and marina with daily cruises and watersports, supervised children�s programs, access to nearby golf courses, complimentary shuttle to Sanibel Island�s beaches and attractions, and the Sanibel Harbour Princess, a private 100-foot yacht featuring nightly sunset dinner cruises.

The resort is located at 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive in south Fort Myers, off Summerlin Road just prior to the Sanibel Causeway. For information and reservations, call  (800) 767-7777, contact a travel professional or visit www.sanibel-resort.com.

Wrenda Goodwyn
(239) 949-1808
[email protected]

www.fgcu.edu
www.sanibel-resort.com