Alumni in the Classroom, Fall 06

What a great experience!

Alumni from the School of Hospitality Management at Penn State return to University Park where they provide their expertise to current undergraduates in a mix of business and pleasure.

Max Patchen ('90) from Marriott, Philadelphia; Tim Colligan ('86) from Micros; and Gail Frazer ('91) from Marriott International hurry to class.

John Batchelor ('84) from ARAMARK and Tom Riley from Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants enjoy front row seats in Paul Kelley's class.

Alumni in the Classroom 06 went off with flying colors: undergraduate students paid serious attention, alumni presenters enjoyed a burst of nostalgia, and faculty and staff reported a great classroom experience.

       

Students enjoy the stories told by those who have gone before them.

The brainstorm of Gary Budge (‘72), the Strategic Planning Committee, and alumni coordinator, Harvey Kamp, Alumni in the Classroom '06 proved to be fun and entertaining…and, most importantly, informative.

  Harvey Kamp, Director of Alumni& Industry Relations; Tony Marcenelle ('76) from Red Roof Inn; Bart Bartlett, Professor-in-Charge of Undergraduate Education in SHM; and Bill Anstee ('88) from Sodexho enjoy lunch at Cafe Laura.

  

Tony Marcenelle ('76) from Red Roof Inn offers advice to undergraduates.

   

Debbie Ulrich ('77) from Sysco, Central Pennsylvania chats with Dr. Martha Conklin.

Alumni in the Classroom'06 kicked off with a reception and dinner held at The Nittany Lion Inn.  Over twenty-five alumni held discussions and taught in each and every classroom over a two-day experience.  Students heard war stories, veteran words of advice, and networked.

 

Lee Ann Kish ('87) from Milestone Hotels Instructs in finance.

Tony Marcenelle takes questions.

Larry Hartman ('98) from Micros shares his expertise in the technology lab.

Mark Sirianni ('99) from Longhorn Steakhouse and Dave Fonash ('98, '01) from Zola Bistro share stories with students.

Team building activities in the beautiful woods of central Pennsylvania were held at Shaver's Creek.  You can see from the photos that a good time was had by all and we plan to make this an annual event.

   

Faculty, alumni, and students enjoy a "bonding" experience at Shaver's Creek.

 

Dr. Bert. Van Hoof, Director of the School of Hospitality Management enjoys nature at Shaver's Creek.

As with all SHM events: there's always plenty of food to share!

Thank you so very much to those who participated! We could not have done this without you.  Thank you, too, to the instructors and professors who opened up their tight schedules to accommodate this new initiative.

Those interested in participating in future Alumni in the Classroom events should contact Harvey Kamp.