Lecture series to spotlight tourism industry innovators

By Dave Stephens
Assistant Campus Editor

They are leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry, but their message is for everyone.

The featured lecture speakers of this year's Hospitality and Tourism Management Executive in the Classroom Series, have succeeded in their fields and want to share their success with students.

The lecture series, which starts at 3:30 today in Fowler Hall, will feature Gerry Fernandez, the founder and president of the MultiCultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance.

"This year's distinguished speakers are known throughout the hospitality and tourism industry as leaders and innovators with a vision," said Ray Kavanaugh, head of the hospitality and tourism management department. "They know the future lies in our students and they know Purdue's reputation of turning out the best. That is why they are here and will continue to reach out."

Maureen Tate, development coordinator for the department, said the lecture series, which is open to the public, is good for students in all majors.

"They may be in the hospitality and management field, but some have come from other areas and went into hospitality later," said Tate.

Tate said the students will benefit by hearing the speakers talk on leadership, a skill needed in any discipline.

"Leaders typically have the same qualities. To get where they are today they have to have the same techniques," said Tate.

The other reason students should attend, said Tate, is to learn more about the industry.

"It's just interesting for people to find out what hospitality and tourism is all about," said Tate. "There's a misconception out there about what we do, it's definitely in the management area. We really are managing people, which in reality, is what everybody does."

The lecture series, which showcases speakers during the semester, will also feature Thomas Ricketts, president of Master Hospitality Services; Scott Haner, vice president for Concept Design for Tricon Global Restaurants; Mary Gostelow, president of Gostelow Travel; John Russell, CEO of American Hotel and Lodging; Todd Barnum, president and CEO of Max & Erma's; Ron Yudd, founding director of Points for Profit Leadership; John Gross, director of Indiana Tourism Division; and Jackie Trujillo, chairperson of the Harman Management Corporation.

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Campus editor: Laura Pelner

Assistant campus editors: Kurt Esposito, Dave Stephens

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