Paul Wise Distinguished Speaker Series brings hospitality industry leaders to UD

This semester, the Paul Wise Executive in Residence Speaker Series will invite inspiring and leading professionals in the hospitality industry to the University of Delaware campus. Hosted by UD’s Department of Hospitality Business Management, this series will cover the latest business trends changing the future of the hospitality industry. Mark your calendars for these “must-attend” sessions.

The series will be held in 115 Purnell Hall, and is open to all UD faculty, staff and students.

The schedule is as follows:

  • Thursday, October 11 2018: Allan Fernandes ‘90, Global Safety & Risk Control, Aramark, 3:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 18 2018: David Lasus ’03, Chief Operating Officer, Insomnia Cookies, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 15 2018: Sarah Willoughby, CPT, CTIS, Executive Director of Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitor Bureau, 2:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, November 27 2018: Anthony Wedo, Chairman, President and CEO of Premier Restaurant Group, LLC, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 29 2018: Sam Calagione, CEO and Founder, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, 3:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, December 4 2018: Leticia Proctor, Senior Vice President – Sales, Revenue Management and Digital Strategies, PM Hotel Group, 2:00 p.m. and
  • Thursday, December 6 2018: David DiFalco, Vice President of Hotel Operations Stonebridge Companies, 3:30 p.m.

Recent News

Lerner Co-op Program Provides Real-World Experience

For many college students, the path from classroom to career is measured in short bursts: a summer internship, a few weeks of job shadowing or a part-time position squeezed between classes. The University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics...

Lerner Class of 2025 turns opportunity into career success

Business is everywhere—across industries, organizations and communities. That’s why, at the University of Delaware's Lerner College of Business and Economics, business is for everyone. With more than 20 majors and 20 minors, Lerner gives students the flexibility to...

Fei Xie appointed Edgar S. Woolard, Jr. Chair of Corporate Governance

Fei Xie, professor of finance at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, has been appointed the Edgar S. Woolard Jr. Chair in Corporate Governance, recognizing his scholarly achievements and contributions to the field of corporate...

In Memoriam: William V. “Bill” Gehrlein

William V. “Bill” Gehrlein, professor emeritus of operations management in the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, passed away on July 17, 2026. He retired from the University in 2013 after a distinguished career dedicated to...