The UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management Alumni Chapter recently grew by leaps and bounds with the development of the Rosen College Lodging Alumni Council (RCLAC). In conjunction with the existing alumni chapter, the RCLAC held an inaugural event Aug. 23, 2011 that brought more than 100 alumni from local hotels together at the elegant Rosen Shingle Creek. The event was made possible by the generosity of Rosen Hotels & Resorts’ Dan Giordano.
The evening included icebreakers and networking, refreshments, a slideshow, door prize drawings and presentations. Dean Abraham Pizam welcomed Rosen Alumni Chapter Chair, Erica Hanners, ‘03, who provided guests with an overview of the chapter, its mentorship program and leadership opportunities. Alicia Frater and Nicole Corsetti then presented information about the newly-formed council and thanked those involved in its inception. Select attendees received door prizes donated from each hotel including gift certificates for hotel stays, restaurants, spa days and more.
The RCLAC came to fruition after meetings between Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport GM Pat Engfer, and Rosen College Development Officer Lori Cosmides. Once Rosen College, the UCF Alumni Association and hotel general managers became involved, the project found success as an initiative that incorporates more than ten hotels and is partially funded by the Hyatt University Fund. Engfer felt that the council would be beneficial to both the hotels and the Rosen College as it provides a vehicle for employee engagement, career development and promotes volunteerism within the lodging industry in Central Florida.
Participating UCF Rosen College alumni come from properties including: Peabody Orlando; Rosen Shingle Creek; Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress; Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport; Buena Vista Palace; Waldorf Astoria; Hilton Bonnet Creek; Orlando World Center Marriott; Hilton Orlando; Caribe Royale Orlando; Loews Hotels; and Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center.
Cosmides shares, “Working with UCF alumni is truly a pleasure. I am filled with pride and excitement for the college, the hotels and each and every individual involved. I think UCF alumni will look back on this time together with a sense of accomplishment for elevating the stature of the Rosen College.”
The UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management Alumni Chapter, with support of the RCLAC, will plan several UCF Rosen alumni events throughout the academic year. Hotel alumni representatives will infuse with the chapter to discuss networking, mentorship opportunities and more. Periodically, the hotel collectives will meet on property with employees who are graduates of the UCF Rosen College to connect and discuss ways to support the college and the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management Alumni Chapter.
UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management alumni are a global community, representing all 50 states and several countries. The UCF Alumni Association’s mission is to enhance the lives of UCF alumni, parents, students and friends by fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with the university.
To stay connected to the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management Alumni Chapter, visit http://www.ucfalumni.com/hospitality and check out the Chapter’s Facebook and Twitter.