Hospitality Heralds
The Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management Issue #9 - Spring 2012
Notes from the Chair
I hope this latest edition of Hospitality Heralds finds you in good health and looking forward to a fruitful summer, as indicators within the Michigan tourism economy are finally showing signs of some positive, upward trends. It gives me enormous pleasure to once again share the great work of our exceptional team in this issue of the HTM program's newsletter.
As has been the consistent message in the past, our numbers both in terms of students and faculty/staff continue to grow as we look back on 2011 and celebrate yet another bumper year. Not only are our program enrollments up (approximately 620 majors and minors) but more importantly is the increase in students graduating from the program. At last month's Commencement ceremony, we saw one of the largest graduating classes in our 35 year history which was a very proud day. As has also been the pattern for accommodating the growth in student numbers, we are currently in the final stages of recruiting our 14th full time faculty member who will teach and research in our ever popular meetings and event management emphasis.
Click here for complete message.
 
Things About Us You May Not Know
In each issue of Hospitality Heralds we will tell you some things you probably didn't know about a few of the HTM staff members. For this issue:
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Visiting Professor John Lipford is a descendant of former U.S. President Andrew Jackson.
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Assistant Professor Kristy Jack met the street entertainer/guitarist, The Naked Cowboy, while on a trip to New York City.
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Affiliate Professor Robert Robins played the lead role of ‘Tevye’ in the musical Fiddler on the Roof with the Holland Community Theater in 1985.
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Internship Coordinator Amanda Stansbie booked actor Corbin Bernsen's room while he was filming the movie Major League II in Cleveland, OH.
More things you may not know - in the next issue.
New Staff Profile: Victoria Stubbs
Victoria officially joined the HTM Department as a full-time staff member in November of 2011. Prior to joining the HTM Department as a Department Secretary, Victoria worked as a Temporary Employee within the department, while at the same time working as a nanny for a local family.
A Grand Rapids native, Victoria attended Wyoming Park High School, and graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2010 with a B.S. in History. She originally planned on obtaining her secondary education teaching certification, but instead, decided to pursue other career options.
Click here for complete profile.
Alumni Advisory Board Member Interview with Rich Meyers
As interviewed by HTM Professor Lisa Sisson.
Why did you enter the hospitality field?
After transferring from Winona State University (Winona, MN) in 2003, I was looking for a flexible career path in which I would be able to advance in an organization without being chained to a desk. I felt that the HTM program at Grand Valley would be a good fit.
What was your emphasis area at GVSU?
Initially my emphasis was Food and Beverage, however, after several discussions with my advisor, we were able to create a Sports Management emphasis (at that time Sports Management was not a standalone option at Grand Valley).
Click here for complete interview.
First Annual Spring Celebration and GVSU HTM 35th Anniversary
By Kristy Jack, Assitant Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management
On April 27, 2012, the GVSU HTM Department partnered with the HTM Alumni Advisory Board to host the First Annual Spring Celebration in downtown Grand Rapids at San Chez Bistro. The event proved to be a time of camaraderie, bringing together hospitality professionals, faculty, alumni and students to recognize outstanding achievements and celebrate 35 years of Hospitality Education at GVSU.
Click here for complete story and pictures from the event.
2012 HTM & KCLA Annual Golf Outing set for June 27
The 2012 HTM & KCLA Annual Scholarship Golf Outing is set to take place on Wednesday, June 27 at the StoneWater Country Club in Caledonia, MI. Registration is open until June 15. If you are interested in golfing, being a sponsor, or just attending the lunch, please click on the link below for complete information about the event and how to register.
2012 Golf Outing Brochure
2012 PCMA Convening Leaders Conference
By Gail Zemmol, Affiliate Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management
In a bad economy, college students and recent grads need to try everything they can to land a job or internship. One often-overlooked resource, is the world of professional associations. These organizations exist to support, educate and provide resources for professionals in a particular industry or profession. For this reason, twelve students and faculty member, Gail Zemmol, traveled to San Diego, CA in January 2012 to attend the Professional Convention Management Association’s Convening Leaders annual conference.
Click here for complete story.
Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism
By Scott Rood, Assistant Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Thirty students majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Grand Valley State University attended the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism, in Grand Rapids at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel from March 25-27. They were accompanied by a number of HTM faculty. Student/faculty attendance at this premier conference has been an annual event since 2007.
Attendees heard from Gov. Rick Snyder and Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, as well as tourism industry leaders including George Zimmermann, Vice President of Travel Michigan, and Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor for CBS News.
The importance of tourism as a contributor to the economy in Michigan cannot be understated, and this conference provided exciting opportunities for our students to interact with the key stakeholders involved in promoting tourism throughout the state.
HTM 380 Caters for Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan
By Allison Adams, Assistant Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management
HTM’s new Banquet and Catering Management class is an elective course designed for those planning to work in the catering and events sector of the hospitality industry. This past semester, the class project consisted of preparing three meals for the residents of the Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan. The Ronald McDonald House provides low cost temporary lodging for families with children receiving medical treatment at the local hospitals. Meals are provided to the guests as a part of their visit.
Click here for complete story.
Teaching and Learning the ABCs of Geotourism in Italy
By Charles Baker-Clark, Associate Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management
As you read this essay, I will be living and learning in Italy with a group of co-learners who comprise our study abroad group. This year, our program includes a course on geotourism (HTM 368). Geotourism is an emerging niche in the tourism industry that has been supported by the National Geographic Society and other similar organizations. According to the National Geographic Society, “Geotourism incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism—that destinations should remain unspoiled for future generations—while allowing for ways to protect a place's character. Geotourism also takes a principle from its ecotourism cousin,—that tourism revenue should promote conservation—and extends it to culture and history as well, that is all distinctive assets of a place.”
Click here for complete story.
2011-2012 HTM Scholarship Recipients Recognized
The 2011-2012 Hospitality and Tourism Management Scholarship recipients were recognized at the 35th Anniversary Celebration on April 27, 2012. Click on the following link to view this year's recipients.
2012 Scholarship Recipients
Alumni Reminders!
Facebook: Make sure you request to join the "HTM Alumni of Grand Valley State University" Facebook Group. It's a group set-up specifically for Alumni of the GVSU HTM program, and it's another great way to connect with your fellow HTM Alums and network!
Update Your Contact Info! Have you switched jobs? Moved? Changed e-mail accounts? If yes, then please let the HTM Department know! We like to have the most up-to-date contact information of our Alumni, so we can notify you about HTM news and upcoming events. E-mail the HTM Department any time with your updated contact information, at htm_dept@gvsu.edu.
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