Ruth O’Rourke

Biography

While receiving her bachelor’s degree from Widener University in Chester, PA, Ruth gained valuable work experience from Kennett Square Country Club and her co-op experience at Congressional Country Club in Potomac, MD. With over fifteen years of leadership roles with the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Philadelphia, PA, and Wailea, Maui, and with Marriott International, this provided a wealth of industry knowledge.

Ruth has spent the last twenty years in educating and mentoring future hospitality leaders. She is tenured at Delaware County Community College in Media, PA, and serves as the Coordinator for the Hospitality Studies program. Ruth serves as the faculty advisor for the student organization, the Hospitality and Culinary Club, and holds board positions with the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, Education Committee.

In 2024, Ruth joined the department of Hospitality and Sport Business Management as an adjunct.

Education

• M.S. in adult learning human resources, the Virginia Tech
• B.S. in hospitality management, Widener University
• CHE; certified hospitality educator, American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Institute
• Certification in Hospitality Management, Florida Atlantic University
• Certification in Diversity and Equity in the Workplace, Cornell University

Select Publications

• O’Rourke, R. K. (2021). Teaching Etiquette to Hospitality and Tourism Students. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, 858-861.