Showing our hospitality
By
Nadia S. Pizarro
The Buffalo State College hospitality and tourism department honored several people during the 10 th Annual Buffalo Niagara Ambassadors Awards. The award was created to recognize local professionals in the hospitality field for their contributions and achievements. The two ambassadors honored this year are Assemblyman Paul Tokasz and Burt Noterius of Premiere Gourmet (food and wine store).
Kathleen O'Brien, lecturer and director of Campus House said, “The event is a way to celebrate the end of the semester with our students and promote professional involvement by the community and people working in the hospitality field.”
The awards dinner is a yearly department event that not only allows the 400 levels students to plan and organize it, but to network with area professionals in their career field. Their class is organized in groups with specific roles in marketing, finance, human resources, food and beverage. The 300 level students also take part in the dinner by preparing and serving food.
Kerrisa Hajt, a senior and hospitality student said, “I am excited to be able to go around to the different guests and network and find out what kind of job opportunities we have after we graduate.”
The event was funded through ticket sales that usually cover the total cost of trophies and food. Two to three ambassadors are chosen a year.
“It's not designed as a fundraiser, but to be a community event for hospitality students and professionals in the area,” said O'Brien.
An advisory board consisting of professionals in several aspects of hospitality chooses the ambassadors who are honored. These board members include:
The event consisted of dinner, cocktails and a keynote address from Paul Verciglio, general manager of the Park Hyatt in Toronto, and took place April 29 at Campus House.
Campus House serves as a training facility for the hospitality and tourism department. It has become a permanent home for the department, which has been housed in several facilities over the years. The building itself is one the campus's first five buildings.
For information on Campus House's history and membership:
www.buffalostate.edu/campushouse
E-mail: pizans94@mail.buffalostate.edu
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