On Monday, April 17, graduating seniors majoring in hospitality management in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition hosted the “Spring Gala” event, commemorating the end of their undergraduate journey at Colorado State University with great food, entertainment, and conversation among alumni, industry partners, family members, and faculty. The event took place in a beautiful venue, an event space in CSU’s Translational Medicine Institute with views overlooking the foothills.
This networking event was part of each student’s capstone project, using what they have learned in the program to connect with prospective employers and alumni, and show appreciation toward faculty and staff.
The “Spring Gala” worked to not only showcase the knowledge that each student has but also provided them with vital hands-on experience working as a team to plan the event.
“This event is HM’s signature celebration for both current professionals and future hospitality leaders. I am proud to support this important learning mission for our graduating seniors. Not only did they host it successfully, but they also prepared it with professionalism and a great attitude. That is the true hospitality spirit,” said Soo Kang, professor and program coordinator of hospitality management.
“From the initial brainstorming sessions to the final execution of the event, every step has been rewarding and challenging in its own way. It was a true team effort where everyone brought their unique strengths and perspectives to the table, and we were able to create something truly remarkable,” said Rael Watner, general manager of the event.
A night to remember
Highlights from the event included a champagne wall and resume wall, spring décor, signature green and gold mocktails, and delicious food ranging from sushi to macarons. The silent auction featured hotel stays, restaurant meals, and a quilt made by Professor Jeff Miller, who is retiring at the end of this semester after 23 years in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. Proceeds will support next semester’s capstone class as they produce their own culminating event.
Doors opened at 6 p.m. and as more than 100 guests took their seats, Watner greeted them with the help of Christopher Begay, assistant general manager of the event.
“I feel like I didn’t choose the hospitality management program, it chose me instead,” said Begay. “The most memorable experience this semester has been working with some very incredibly talented individuals who I would have never known about their talents if not for this event.”
Watner and Begay were followed by a talk directed to the students from Jeb Aberle, associate dean for undergraduate affairs in the College of Health and Human Sciences.
“Your connecting and celebrating here epitomizes the ideals of hospitality and its profoundly positive influence on our lives,” said Aberle. “The capstone experience of planning this gala is the culmination of the hospitality management students’ academic journey and just the start of their careers.”
After the speech by Aberle, supporters of the program, as well as Miller, were recognized for their exceptional dedication. Following the award ceremony, the “Spring Gala” leadership team was introduced, and each student had a moment to explain their involvement in planning the event, as well as introduce their student teams.
Each student at the event played a part in creating a memorable night worthy of concluding the semester in style.
“I learned that making connections and building relationships is everything,” said Julia King, event planning department head. “The most memorable aspect of this event planning process has been seeing everyone come together and work towards a common goal. It has been amazing to see the passion, drive, and talent in each graduating senior. This just goes to show how well prepared this program and our professors have made us for our future endeavors in the industry.”
To see all of the images from the event, visit the Flickr album.
The Hospitality Management Program, in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
