Eight University of Delaware seniors in the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Department of Hospitality and Sport Business Management program ran the inaugural Hospitality Heroes: Futures & Founders Celebration April 30 at the Newark Courtyard Marriott.
The event, which was handled by the students who are hospitality business management majors with a minor in event management, was dedicated to honoring graduating students and supporters of the hospitality program at UD.
The students solicited restaurants to participate, found financial sponsors and event partners to provide supplies, collected donations for the silent auction, managed event entertainment and vendors, designed the program, signage and slideshow, and made a movie for their graduating class.
Additionally, they put together a budget, timeline, supplier list, floor plan, invitation list, and guest emails.
The class also partnered with The Wardrobe as its philanthropy partner, an organization providing professional clothing to those facing employment barriers. Guests were encouraged to donate items such as casual and professional menswear, plus size womenswear, denim jeans and new toiletries.
The day of the event, students were responsible for executing all the plans onsite including setting up rentals, linens, decorations, silent auction items, framed signage, registration table, floral details, vendor signs, bar menus, directional signs and award trophies.
They also secured entertainment including The Deltones, D-Sharps, UD Varsity Dance Team, Happy Camper Band, Easterlies Woodwind Quartet, DJ NikNax, and featured speaker Andrea Szot from Maman NYC.
The event raised over $3,000 to go towards future events for the practicum class, and next year’s event has already been scheduled for the Trabant Student Center.
Additionally, eight awards were given out during the celebration:
Smashing Scholar Award (student leader in the Aramark scholar program who shows above and beyond customer service): Justin Guo
Helping Hen Award (hospitality student who consistently demonstrates selflessness, empathy, and a willingness to support others within their academic and professional community): Devon Barry
Flock Favorite Award (exceptional dedication and invaluable contributions of a member of the UD hospitality faculty/staff): Chef Alison Rainis, Vita Nova
Icon Award (exceptional partnership and unwavering commitment of one of the partners to the success of the Hospitality Heroes event): Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, David Dennett
Young Alumni Award (outstanding achievements and promising potential of a recent graduate from the UD hospitality program): Lauren Whitman
Accomplished Alumni Award (exceptional achievements and enduring impact of a distinguished graduate from the UD hospitality program): Aretah Ettarh
Heart of Hospitality Award (professional who embodies the essence of warmth, kindness, and genuine care in their interactions with guests, colleagues and the community): Lacey Leatherwood, Vita Nova
UD Hospitality Lifetime Achievement Award (contributed to the industry and the variety of life in Delaware and embody the spirit of hospitality): Xavier Teixido, Harry’s Hospitality Group