Premier: The Magazine of the UNLV Harrah Hotel College College of Hospitality
Fall 2011
Premier
Judy Nagai
Robyn Hadden
Marian Alper
Carolyn Linck
Robyn Campbell-Ouchida
See next page for additional authors
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Repository Citation Nagai, J., Hadden, R., Alper, M., Linck, C., Campbell-Ouchida, R., Bawany, A., Park, J. H., Mikowski, D., Bobak, E., Weinman, J. (2011). Premier. In Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, 1-44. Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/premier/18
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This Magazine has been accepted for inclusion in Premier: The Magazine of the UNLV Harrah Hotel College by an authorized administrator of Digital Scholarship@UNLV. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Authors Judy Nagai, Robyn Hadden, Marian Alper, Carolyn Linck, Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, Afsha Bawany, Jae Hyo Park, David Mikowski, Erica Bobak, and Jennifer Weinman
This magazine is available at Digital Scholarship@UNLV: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/premier/18 A WILLIAM F. Harrah College OF HOTEL ADMINISTRATION Publication IssUE 1 Volume 7
PPremierFall/Winter 2011
Guys like this support UNLV Dean Snyder with Guy Fieri, Alumnus of the Year Premier The official magazine of the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration
Office of the Dean Alumni Association Box 456013 Board of Directors 4505 S. Maryland Parkway Las Vegas, NV 89154-6013 Bobbie Barnes, ’93, ’05 M.Ed. (702) 895-3161 UNLV Career Services hotel.unlv.edu Marco Benvenuti, ’02 Donald D. Snyder Duetto Consulting Dean Dennis Gradillas, ’91 Seyhmus Baloglu Platinum Hotel & Spa Assistant Dean Ken Haas, ’75 Bobbie Barnes, ’93, ’05 M.Ed. Las Vegas Convention & Director of Career Services Visitors Authority Patricia Becker Christine (Paskvan) Kiely, ’90 Executive Director, Nevada Public Radio International Gaming Institute Holly Mae (Sparks) Lindsay, ’99 Christine Bergman Delmonico Steakhouse Assistant Dean Pat Moreo, ’69, ’83 Ed.D. Pearl Brewer Faculty Liaison Associate Dean Fayyaz Raja, ’92, ’95 Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA Raja Enterprises Editor Chris Smith, ’98 Robyn Hadden, ’05 MS Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. Director of Alumni & Lynda Tache, ’97 College Relations Vegas Vino Tony Henthorne Executive Members Associate Dean Curtis Love Guy Fieri, ’90 Assistant Dean Food Network/Johnny Garlic’s Restaurants Pat Moreo, ’69, ’83 Ed.D. Chair, Food & Beverage James Germain, ’75 Management Castle Valley Inn Judy Nagai, ’11 Ph.D. Bill McBeath, ’86 Director of External Relations ARIA Resort & Casino Gail Sammons, ’87 MS Anthony Santo, ’84 Assistant Dean Sal Semola, ’81 Sherri Theriault Warner Gaming Director, Office for Student Advising Margaret Walsh Business Manager
Advisory Board
William Anton Dean McClain Anton Airfood McClain Consulting Group George E. Baggott, CFSP Jordan Meisner Baggott Consulting Ltd Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Debi Benedetti Stephen G. Michaelides Beyond the Possible Words, Ink Elizabeth Blau Bill Paulos, ’69 Blau and Associates Cannery Casino Resorts Russ Dazzio, ’73 Thom Reilly R & R Global Hospitality Harrah’s Entertainment Paula Eylar, ’89, ’97 MBA Patricia Sahlstrom Boyd Gaming Corporation A&W Food Services of Canada, Inc. Deirdre Flynn Christopher Silva North American Association of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Food Equipment Manufacturers Susie Southgate-Fox Marvin M. Franklin Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Commercial Growth Partners Inc. Premier would like to hear from you! Please submit your Douglas K. Fryett Arch Stokes, Esquire Fryett Consulting Group Shea Stokes Roberts & Wagner story ideas and letters to the editor. Here’s how to contact Tom Groeninger Robert L. Van Ness, ’83 Wyndham Vacation Ownership Preferred Hotel Group the appropriate person for your needs: Robert N. Grimes Ex-Officio Accuvia For information about the For information directly Dennis Gradillas, ’91 Anne Hanson Platinum Hotel and Spa Alumni Association and events: related to Premier: CamCris LLC Eric Dutt Director of Alumni Editor Barbara Kane Harrah’s Entertainment Ecolab & College Relations Robyn Campbell-Ouchida Van Atkins Robyn Hadden [email protected] Food Sales West, Inc. [email protected]
Cover photo courtesy of Eric Guideng. Table of contents photo by Aaron Mayes, ’06. For information about making a donation to the college: Design and production by Reprographics/Design Services Director of External Relations UNLV is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Achieving Judy Nagai Excellence Through Diversity [email protected]
In This Visit us at: hotel.unlv.edu Issue
8 The Cosmopolitan Takes On Las Vegas
12 An Education in Shopping
28 Bring on the Wine Wheel
34 South Korean Students are Drawn to UNLV
Departments
Dean’s Message...... 2 News Briefs...... 4 Student Spotlight...... 7 In the Kitchen...... 30 UNLV Global...... 36 Alumni Updates...... 38 Congratulations...... 40
Photo by Geri Koday ’86 1
FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER From the Dean’s Desk
ean Donald Snyder recently spent three employer needs, something I learned even Dweeks in Asia after a 30-year absence. more about on my recent trip to Asia. He was impressed by the vitality of the I am absolutely convinced we will emerge Asian hospitality industry, and seeing these more focused, more capable of dealing economies firsthand made him contemplate with change, and more sustainable. In other how Harrah Hotel College students can best words, the college is prepared to move compete in the domestic and international aggressively forward to take advantage of marketplace. One point reinforced by Snyder opportunities. is that students need to be geographically The final budget cuts we were asked to flexible and open to opportunities worldwide. deliver were closer to $900,000. The fact that Having said that, he also commented on we planned for a greater reduction gives us the importance of “going back to basics” more flexibility to deal with the unexpected. and discussed changes the hotel college I could not feel better about how we have is making with that and with budgetary collectively worked through this very difficult considerations in mind. challenge.
After a tough Nevada legislative How has the strategic planning process session, how has the hotel college affected the hotel college’s curriculum? emerged from universitywide budget Having been on the other side of the desk cuts? and hiring students, I’ve learned that an The college was initially charged with undergraduate degree that is more broad- planning for a budget reduction of nearly based and creates a solid foundation is $1.5 million. I said from the beginning that better than one that is too focused and I wanted to take a strategic approach by specific. It’s been determined that most managing a worst-case scenario and then students early in their careers don’t have moving to implement necessary changes a good sense of what they want to do. To to meet that need and position us better an employer, someone who comes in with to deal with future budget challenges. This a solid foundation provides more flexibility approach has served us well; we have been for career development over time. The acknowledged around the university and in conversations we had with students and the community for the effective way we have employers reinforced that belief, and that’s dealt with this considerable challenge. why we are going back to the basics. We The strategic planning process, which we want to provide a core academic foundation. restarted last fall, gave us a much clearer In 2004, the college substantially expanded understanding of where we are, how we got its focus and curriculum, not unlike private here, and where we need to go in building on business and other government public-sector the college’s world-class reputation. It also entities did during that period of incredible gave us a better perspective on student and economic growth. We went from offering
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PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011
one bachelor of science degree to offering four, campus (academically and procedurally), and and we went from one major to nine, plus three assisting in identifying the skills and attributes minors. needed for the permanent leadership of the Yet when we initiated the planning process campus. last fall, our conversations with students I am pleased we are now positioned to and employers reinforced the faculty’s initial move forward with the transition to permanent concern that perhaps we had expanded too leadership by the end of this year, and I am broadly in 2004. We determined that going especially pleased with who has accepted this back to our roots made sense. key position. Richard C. Linstrom, UNLV’s vice Starting fall 2012, we will go back to offering president and general counsel, will assume one bachelor of science degree and one major the senior leadership position in Singapore as in hospitality management. And for those associate dean and as managing director for students who want to be more specialized, we UNLV Singapore Ltd. will have four concentrations: meetings and Since I was appointed dean of the hotel events management, restaurant management, college in 2010, I have worked very closely with gaming management, and professional golf Richard on a broad range of issues related management. to both Singapore and our main campus. I’ve been very impressed with how our His breadth of experience and perspective, faculty has stepped up to the challenge of along with a demonstrated history of senior being flexible in what they teach and in taking leadership, provides the type of permanent on more teaching duties. leadership the campus needs and deserves. Until Richard moves to Singapore to assume There have been some changes at the his new role later this year, I am pleased that UNLV Singapore campus. Can you provide Jonathan will continue in his role as interim an update? head of campus. Jonathan, Richard, and I will UNLV Singapore is UNLV’s first (and only) work closely together in the coming months international campus, accepting its first to ensure continuing progress and a smooth students just five years ago. From 35 students transition of leadership. in the first class, the campus will have nearly You can read more about UNLV Singapore 500 undergraduate students this fall. and the exciting changes under way by visiting With the departure of the founding dean of http://hotel.unlv.edu/about/, where we have the campus (Dr. Andy Nazarechuk) in June, we posted my “Dear Colleague” letter dated turned to the interim leadership of Jonathan Aug. 8. Galaviz, a consultant with considerable financial, strategic, and Asian expertise. His focus has been on placing the campus on a more solid and sustainable financial foundation, working to more closely connect with the main
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FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER News Briefs Golfathon ongratulations to this year’s Golfathon participants. The event was also highlighted in the July 2011 issue CThe event, benefiting Par for The Cure, was held at of PGA Magazine. Angel Park Golf Club on April 29. Shawna Richardson, ’10, 2011 Golfathon participants: coordinated the tournament, during which 25 Professional Golf Cameron Alford Joseph Filia Robbie Lively Management students each played 100 holes of golf dedicated Kai Aoki Felix Fritzen Joey Matts to breast cancer research funding. Although donations are still Teague Balen Eric Glenn Lee Morton being received, at press time the students had raised nearly Stan Bednarski Chase Kanarek Paxton O’Connor $9,000 with proceeds equally split between Par for The Cure Gavin Butcher Ashley Keller Patrick O’Hara and the UNLV PGA Program. Christopher Cain Sean Kenny Shawna Events like this symbolize UNLV’s effort to expose its Jonathan Caine Adrian Kim Richardson students to the importance of giving back to the community. Daniel Chait Jeff Kragt Jonathan Sanders Having an alumna organize and plan the event is a testament Stephen Dowling Chris Leppard Joe Wells to the impact UNLV has on students and their actions as 2011 Golfathon benefiting breast cancer research: professionals in their industry. http://unlvpgagolfathon.dojiggy.com Gaming Lab Renovation Funded by KONAMI
n the heels of KONAMI’s $1 O million gift to the College of Hotel Administration, the company again stepped forward to assist with a second project. KONAMI volunteered to fund the renovation of the recently renamed KONAMI Gaming Laboratory, located in the UNLV Stan Fulton Building. The original lab space and building opened in fall 2000. This renovation allowed UNLV to upgrade the entire lab space to the latest technology, computer systems, furniture, and gaming equipment. Additionally, a new state-of-the-art classroom space is also located within the lab. With at igi.unlv.edu. For more information International Game Technology these changes, the existing Southwest about holding a meeting or event in JT Painting Company Systems Surveillance Room is also the UNLV Stan Fulton Building, visit KONAMI undergoing a complete overhaul through sfbevents.unlv.edu. Level 1 gifts from Southwest Surveillance A special thank-you to the donors Lithonia Systems and other related companies. who supported the KONAMI Gaming Lutron The space will continue to be used for Laboratory and the Southwest Madden Business academic classes, for both lectures and Surveillance Room renovations: Martin-Harris hands-on gaming courses, in addition to Eileen Andert Matrix Flooring gaming research, seminars, symposia, Aristocrat Gary Platt Manufacturing and certificate programs. Groups such Basler Vision Technologies Progressive Cabinets as the Nevada Gaming Control Board Cambridge Design Rocky Mountain Gaming & Hospitality and Gaming Regulators as well as DEQ Shaw Flooring groups from around the world come to Derse Shuffle Master UNLV to seek out gaming and hospitality EYE-Fi Southwest Surveillance Systems education and training. Gaming Partners International Trendway For more information about scheduling Global Cash Access Western Money Systems your custom educational program, visit IndigoVision Wolff Gaming the UNLV International Gaming Institute InPro Corporation 4
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011
Konami Gaming, Inc. Gives $1 Million Judy Nagai
or students studying gaming Fmanagement, the bright lights of the Vegas Strip are now shining down on them at UNLV. On Aug. 6, KONAMI, parent company of Konami Gaming, Inc., announced its gift of $1 million to the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. This is the first gift of this size specifically focused on supporting professional development, research, and related activities for the purpose of attendance at industry conferences, research, and emerging needs. expanding the knowledge base related seminars, and trade shows. While “The donation is more than just a to the gaming industry. students may receive scholarships to financial commitment to the university; “We are deeply grateful for the attend school, they may not have the it is a long-term investment in our generosity and support of KONAMI,” funds to travel to industry conferences, community. I have spoken to both says UNLV President Neal Smatresk. and this donation makes it possible. UNLV President Neal Smatresk and “With this focused investment in our “This gift is going to allow for Dean Don Snyder, and we expect to gaming management program — scholarships and professional- offer internships and training classes including the formation of a scholarship development opportunities that were for the university. Our hope is to expose endowment that will benefit students before, at most, a dream to most the students to the manufacturing side in perpetuity — KONAMI has become gaming students and faculty. KONAMI’s of the gaming industry and the wide a valued partner in maintaining high- investment in our education at UNLV variety of career opportunities we offer,” quality academic programs and student makes me even more proud to be a states Jingoli. support in our hotel college.” part of this major,” says David Mikowski, To honor and recognize the “When KONAMI was initially licensed a senior gaming major and president generosity of KONAMI, the existing by the Nevada Gaming Commission of the UNLV Gaming Management one-of-a-kind casino laboratory located in January 2000, our founder and Association. in the UNLV Stan Fulton Building has chairman, Mr. Kagemasa Kozuki, Four hundred fifty thousand dollars been renamed the KONAMI Gaming indicated we would we would make a of the donation has been designated Lab. This lab features classroom-style commitment in the local community to support academic priorities that will learning, state-of-the-art slot machines, where we operate,” states Tom Jingoli, help improve or expand upon programs surveillance and security cameras, and ’96 MS, KONAMI vice president and and activities, research, or other table games. Students use this lab CCO. “UNLV was a natural fit for us initiatives that might otherwise not be to gain an understanding of how the to make a significant donation, as funded. The remaining $50,000 was casino floor operates, is secured, and is KONAMI has a long history of investing designated to the UNLV Foundation managed. in education.” for a five-year membership in the “We are enthusiastic about this Of the total $1 million, $500,000 Academic Corporate Council annual relationship with KONAMI,” says Dean has been designated to establish giving program, which supports the Don Snyder. “This gift adds more of the the KONAMI Gaming Fund. This mission of UNLV by maximizing private, manufacturing aspect of the hospitality endowment will exist in perpetuity and unrestricted support through annual industry to our instruction, providing provide annual funding to support corporate contributions. Gifts are students with an even more well- student professional-development designated toward providing funding rounded education.” opportunities. This includes student for institutional program development, 5
FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER Robyn Hadden, ’05 MS
Scholarships Available for Children of Alumni
Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another. -Gilbert K. Chesterton
he UNLV Alumni Association because I am a member of the Alumni for a graduate student who completed Tvery generously awards up to 25 Association was really a valuable a degree at UNLV and is a member of scholarships in the sum of approximately contribution to his education — the UNLV Alumni Association. Graduate $110,000 per year. You or your especially because it is renewable for scholarships are awarded in the amount child(ren) might be eligible up to four years,” says Hancock. of $1,500 per year. Students may receive to apply for one of these This is just one more benefit the scholarship for a maximum of two scholarships to attend of joining the UNLV Alumni years, or four semesters. The student undergraduate or graduate Association — receiving a must be enrolled at least half-time (six school. scholarship to attend at the credits/semester). There are up to nine Gael Hancock, ’09 M.S. undergraduate or graduate level. of these scholarships awarded per year. Hotel Administration, Below is more information about joined the UNLV Alumni the scholarships available to UNLV Alumni Association Outstanding Association at a hotel college Alumni Association members. Faculty Award Scholarship faculty meeting in 2008. At the time, she This scholarship is awarded annually was a master’s student who had not Child of Alumni Scholarship to one undergraduate student and one completed her degree, but she knew Each year, there are up to 12 Child of graduate student per year. The recipient she wanted to belong to the association. Alumni Scholarships available for UNLV is chosen by the college, department, Little did she know this would eventually students who are children of UNLV or school of the winner of the Alumni work to her advantage. Her son Ian alumni. These scholarships are awarded Association Outstanding Faculty Award. began studying engineering at UNLV at $1,500 per year and are renewable The scholarships are awarded at $1,500 in 2010 and applied for the Child of for up to eight semesters. If you are a each. Alumni Scholarship. Because Hancock lifetime member of the UNLV Alumni had been a member for two years, Ian Association or an annual dues-paying To find out more about scholarships, visit was eligible for this scholarship and is a member for three consecutive years, the financial aid website at http://finaid. recipient. your child could receive this scholarship. unlv.edu/. To become a member of the “Even though you reap the many UNLV Alumni Association, visit http:// benefits of your alumni membership, Alumni Graduate Scholarship alumni.unlv.edu/. having my child receive a scholarship The Alumni Graduate Scholarship is
Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Donates $1 Million Marian Alper
hen Hilton Hotels founder Conrad N. Hilton sciences. The gift is designed to boost student recruitment, Westablished the charitable foundation that bears retention and development by funding graduate his name in 1944, Las Vegas was home to a handful of assistantships, conference travel, faculty seminars, career hotels around Fremont Street and El Rancho Vegas, the services enhancements, an industry speaker series, and first resort on what would later become the Las Vegas more. Strip. Today, Las Vegas would be unrecognizable to the “During these tough economic and fiscal times, private business pioneer and philanthropist—but the foundation he sector support is especially critical,” says Donald D. Snyder, started continues to have an impact here and on the global dean of the Harrah Hotel College. “The Hilton Foundation hospitality industry. gift provides this type of support; but it is their focus This spring, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation approved on specifically helping students and the quality of their a $1 million grant to UNLV that will help prepare students education that is especially valuable. They are true partners in the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration to in helping us deliver on our promise of being student- be leaders in the fields of tourism, hospitality and leisure focused, even in tough times.”
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PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011 Carolyn Linck Student Spotlight
s a truck driver for Swift Transportation for 2 1/2 years, associate’s degree with an excellent GPA, Washington AKarla Washington learned that sometimes the road may transferred to UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel be long and winding, but the lessons learned while driving are Administration. invaluable. Indeed, Washington’s personal route to success “It was an honor to get accepted to the program, and I has had several detours and roadblocks, but now, as a really knew hospitality and UNLV would be the right fit for me,” student and senator for UNLV’s hotel college, she feels she recalls Washington. “I’m always smiling; please and thank you has truly found her way. are the first words out of my mouth. I believe in being nice to “I definitely didn’t take the easiest path as a youngster. I people and that the little things mean a lot, so hospitality was guess you could say I’ve always been a rebel,” comments really my bag.” Washington, who dropped out of high school in 1988. “My Since coming to UNLV, Washington has immersed herself GPA then was 1.46. I carry a copy of my high school transcript in the university in a variety of ways. She works in the Office with me everywhere to remind myself where I came from and of Civic Engagement and Diversity; serves as a presidential to show others. My transcript looks nothing like that now. Your student ambassador, a program assistant for the Engelstad past doesn’t have to be Scholars Program, and a senator for the hotel college; and your future.” was recently elected president of the National Society of Washington credits Minorities in Hospitality. In addition, she received the Las the birth of her young Vegas Strip Minority scholarship and a book scholarship from daughter, Kennedy, with the UNLV Bookstore. Washington credits the faculty and staff turning her life around and of UNLV as well as her daughter with her success. sparking her interest in “I truly feel that the faculty and staff have played a huge role returning to school. in helping me succeed. UNLV cares about people. I feel that “I knew I wanted her to every day on campus. When I’m walking around, professors, get an education one day,” deans, and staff members will say, ‘Hey Karla, how’s it going? says Washington. “I also How’s Kennedy?’ It’s genuine. We all go to school together, knew that if Kennedy was and we all have to be on the same team.” going to be anything like Though Washington knows the birth of her daughter was me, she would question everything I have ever done and ask, the best thing that ever happened to her, she says graduating ‘Did you go to college?’ I wanted to be able to say yes.” from UNLV will rank high on her list of accomplishments: “I In 2006, Washington started her academic journey at Santa will graduate in 2012, and I hope everyone brings some ear Monica Community College in California. plugs to the graduation! My daughter is by far my greatest “I spent my first semester studying graphic design, but I accomplishment, but graduating from college — wow — that’s quickly realized that wasn’t for me. I hated sitting in front of a something I didn’t expect from myself.” computer on Photoshop all day. I wanted to work with people.” To hear Karla Washington in her own words, please visit After meeting with a counselor and completing her http://go.unlv.edu/videos 7
FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER The Cosmopolitan Takes On Las Vegas
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PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011 The Cosmopolitan Takes On Las Vegas Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA
or Harrah Hotel College Advisory Board member Anne Hanson, helping Las Vegas’ newest hotspot, The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, with its human resources functions as they related to the property’s opening was a challenge unlike any other. Hanson, who is the owner and president of CamCris Consulting, a Fhuman resources consulting firm, has nearly 25 years’ experience in the field, with 16 of those years in Las Vegas.
“I started having conversations with The the positions and their fulfillment were tracking, and Cosmopolitan property executives in March 2010,” based on those numbers, they continually tweaked says Hanson. “When they lost their director of talent, advertising and recruiting efforts. “My team put I submitted a proposal for my services, knowing that together departmental screenings and interview they had a big job ahead of them before the property forms,” comments Hanson. “It’s crucial to be sure you opened that December.” Hanson’s company was hired make the right decisions to get the right people where that July. they need to be. It’s also very important to raise the Hanson, who formerly worked for GES Expositions flag when there are challenges before they become in Las Vegas, had formed CamCris in 2008, utilizing more difficult ones to solve.” Hanson notes that the her skills in this arena. “When I was hired to work with employment phase is the most critical when you’re The Cosmopolitan, they already had a very strong opening; after that, training becomes critical. human resources process put together,” she recalls. “The Cosmopolitan really had a vision to handle “They had hired the core personnel for their Talent people individually — they had a nice waiting area and Center, and although people could apply for positions, on-site candidate drug testing. We were able to get at that point they could apply only ‘generally.’” onto the property in November, and that made all the Due to that fact, Hanson’s first project on the job difference. It assisted with logistics on the training side was to coordinate getting all the individual positions and coordinating the cultural training for immersion. posted, something she completed by the beginning “One of our largest projects was called ‘dress of August. “This was a huge job because although rehearsal,’ and was like ‘play days’ at other just-to- we already had a lot of applicants, their applications be opened properties. I helped organize a majority had all been thrown in general piles — such as food of that, which included all of our third-party partners and beverage or casino — not into individual jobs.” (including retail and food and beverage). Each of She notes that one of the most important things to do the Cosmo employees was given the opportunity during this stage of a project’s development is to make to participate with a guest. It took a lot of logistics, sure to keep track of all the applicants’ flow-through. project management, details, and tracking.” The senior human resources team met every Hanson’s advice to others working on a large week leading up to December’s scheduled opening. project pre-opening? “You need to super plan a pre- During these meetings, personnel would see how opening and continually update that pre-opening
Photography by Aaron Mayes 9 FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER From left: Anne Hanson, Marcus Lidey, and Colleen Birch in The Chandelier, the property’s iconic lounge plan,” she reiterates. “One interesting team. I met with the head of our People “The most exciting part about my job part of this was obviously the current Department, where the vision and is the people I work with on a daily basis. state of the economy. But for us, that articulation of taking care of people were We call our employees ‘co-stars,’ as we meant that the volume of applicants (and explained,” says Lidey. “I also had the all work together to create an amazing there were more than 150,000 of them) opportunity to meet with leaders of all and memorable experience for our was phenomenal. We had so many high- the departments I would be interacting guests. We attracted and selected the quality people applying for the 4,100 jobs with. Lastly, I met with our chief strategy best talent, and it is displayed through that it made our jobs easier.” officer, where the general description their high level of engagement every and vision were explained. The entire day.” Marcus Lidey process was more conversations than interviews and was very comfortable. Before joining The Cosmopolitan as Colleen Birch “As a UNLV student, there was a lot of director of VIP operations, Marcus Lidey, An alumna who had also had a direct emphasis placed on interacting with the ‘04, worked at Caesars Palace as the hand in the property’s successful hotels in our city. There was a frequent director of luxury hotel operations. “A opening is Colleen Birch, ’99, who presence of hotel staff on campus, good friend of mine was working for The serves as the property’s director of and there were many professors who Cosmopolitan and explained the core revenue management and distribution. encouraged interacting with the hotels culture of the company and thought it “In September 2008, I made a choice and many who included this as part would be a good fit for me,” says Lidey. to leave Harrah’s Entertainment after 11 of their curriculum. This high degree “After an exploratory interview, I found amazing years and accepted a position of interaction helped accelerate the that the vision was, in fact, an exact fit with the Fontainebleau Las Vegas,” translation of what I was taught at for me.” says Birch. “I was excited about the UNLV.” Lidey explains that the application opportunity to be a part of something Lidey notes that the high level of and interview process Hanson helped that I felt was going to change the creativity, positivity, and knowledge that develop was very thorough. “First, landscape in Las Vegas, be a part of an manifested itself during every interaction an application was completed and opening team, and assume additional he had was very evident. “These traits qualifying questions were asked to responsibilities with the new role. Nine carried through after the interview ensure a general fit for the position. After months later, I was unemployed, as process and made it very easy to work that, I interviewed with executives and Fontainebleau filed for bankruptcy in together to open our hotel. members of the senior management June 2009. I was fortunate enough to 10
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011 find immediate employment with a great company in town; however, my desire to open something amazing was still alive.” Selling the Sin Side of the City Shortly after, Birch was recruited for her current role with The Cosmopolitan, Has Its Limits renewing her faith in believing that things Afsha Bawany happen for a reason. “The Cosmopolitan’s CEO John Unwin called me. We had To attract more tourists, Las Vegas needs to promote different aspects of previously worked together, and he invited its personality, says Seyhmus Baloglu, a UNLV Harrah Hotel College tourism me to lunch to discuss a potential position. professor. Nightlife and gaming alone are not sustainable marketing tactics and I was immediately intrigued for many of the won’t be enough to pull Las Vegas out of its economic slump, especially with same reasons that had caused me to leave increasing competition for travelers’ dollars. Harrah’s Entertainment for Fountainebleau. “Promoting the basic attributes of a destination no longer helps destinations I knew the property was going to be attract travelers because so many other places are advertising the same something special; working with John again features,” says Baloglu. “Destinations must have multiple personalities.” was an added bonus, knowing his passion, Baloglu and his graduate students tested the theory of “destination personality” vision, and commitment to quality, both in to find out who visits Las Vegas and why. The theory is often used in finding out product and commitment to service.” why consumers pick products but has not been applied widely to consumer Having joined the project in November travel behavior. 2009, more than a year prior to opening, The researchers asked tourists to associate personality characteristics with Birch had the opportunity to be involved their perceptions of Las Vegas. A majority described visitors as young, fun, sexy, in a variety of areas outside of the scope and wealthy and the city itself as vibrant, showy, sexy, and daring. They also of her actual job responsibilities. From noted that the city is not friendly or sophisticated. providing the design team with operational Las Vegas could be a prime vacation spot to more people if they knew more feedback on the front-desk units to about what the city and region have to offer and if the city would make more participating in the selection process investments in nongaming attractions, Baloglu’s research shows. of the in-room amenity program, the The research shows that our lifestyles, activities, interests, and opinions opportunities were endless. “Leading up influence not only our choices in consumer products but also where we travel, to opening, my involvement was exciting. Baloglu says. We’re less likely to consider locales that do not fit with our Now, post-opening, I smile when I see personality type. If the public has an image of Las Vegas as being solely for the delight in a guest’s face, knowing that I had wild, under-30 crowd, the city will lose any potential visitors who don’t fit in that a contribution in creating a little bit of The box. Cosmopolitan.” The surveys also indicate that Las Vegas may need a little sprucing. First Birch credits her UNLV education for impressions are everything, and travelers consider any city’s main attractions as laying the groundwork for her career in the indicators of whether or not the city is friendly and inviting. If visitors have to trek hospitality industry. “I came to UNLV as a through downtrodden areas or are constantly solicited with unwanted information, junior, having taken several years off from they could label the city as an unpleasant place to visit. my first attempt at school. My first job in And what about being unsophisticated? Baloglu suggests the city must make the city was at the Caesars Palace front an investment in promoting and creating more nongaming attractions, such desk. School by day, swing shift by night as museums. The Smith Center for Performing Arts, slated to open in 2012 in — it was the first time during my college downtown Las Vegas, is an example of a potentially exciting new attraction for years that I was excited about what I was visitors, Baloglu says. learning. At work, I’d reflect on classroom He also encourages heavily promoting outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, discussions or projects and understand and boating, as well as the city’s proximity to national parks and recreation areas, how the classroom was preparing me for such as Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire State Park, and Lake Mead. the industry.” “Tourists who experience a match between how they see the destinations and In addition to participating annually in the themselves are more likely to have favorable attitudes toward those destinations. mentor program, Birch visits the campus They are likely return to those places and recommend them,” Baloglu says. each semester to speak to a class, offering The study, titled “Brand personality of tourist destinations: An application of more of a life-lesson discussion versus an self-congruity theory,” was published in the February edition of the Journal of overview of her job function, basically what Tourism and is authored by Seyhmus Baloglu, associate dean for academic she wishes someone had shared with her research and professor of tourism and convention administration at the UNLV as she was nearing her exit from school into Harrah Hotel College. It is co-authored by Ahmet Usakli, who was a graduate the professional work force. student at UNLV and is now a professor of tourism management at Nevsehir “The five bullets that I spend time University in Turkey. elaborating on are: 1) diversify your skill Conducted in 2009, half of the study’s respondents were first-time visitors set; 2) earned versus entitled; 3) be a to Las Vegas, with a majority visiting from the United Kingdom and Canada, partner; form solid relationships; 4) listen followed by Arizona, California, Utah, New York, Iowa, and Washington. and learn; and 5) marketplace awareness. These are mantras that I still practice in my 11 professional career.” FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER
AN EDUCATION IN Shopping
Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA
an shopping be considered for students studying hospitality homework? It certainly management.” can when it’s for Assistant During the spring semester, 56 ProfessorC Mehmet Erdem’s HMD 453 students participated in the secret class, Management of Hospitality shopper project. This was the Service Delivery Systems. For the second semester the project had past two semesters, students in been completed, and this time, this course have learned about the eight Las Vegas properties owned evaluation, design, and management by Caesars Entertainment were of service delivery systems through evaluated. The eight-week project operations management topics from kicked off with a secret shopper a service perspective. In addition, workshop and concluded with the they’ve explored other related topics students presenting their executive such as customer satisfaction and reports and findings to corporate managing organizational change. representatives from Caesars: The mystery shopping assignment Vice President of Total Service counted as a quarter of the Terry Byrnes and Director students’ final grades. of Total Service, Continuous Erdem and instructor Bobbie Improvement Lily Thill. Barnes worked together to develop “At the beginning of the spring the curriculum component to support semester, Terry Byrnes and Caesars the shopping program that Caesars Director of Total Service Ken Janssen Entertainment already had in place for service skills is an important presented the project to my students,” its management team. Barnes piloted competency for hospitality supervisors says Erdem. “During this workshop, the program during the summer of 2010 and managers,” says Barnes. “During they certified the students as mystery and found it to be so successful that she the class, we also discuss ways to shoppers based on an existing encouraged Erdem to incorporate it as coach and motivate employees to internal shopping program for Caesars part of his regular semester curriculum. perform at a higher service standard. Entertainment management.” “The ability to objectively evaluate Both are critical education components Each student was assigned a property 12
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to visit and an evaluation form to always fascinating to see what can be as investments in products or marketing complete for each service interaction. done differently to enhance a guest’s and, also, that succeeding in service “Eight total interactions are evaluated, experience. My team ‘shopped’ at requires a gracious spirit, a clever everything from the arrival at parking Bally’s, where the front desk’s motto design, the right people, and a long-term valet to dining to a retail experience,” is ‘Every Guest is a New Adventure,’ commitment by everyone throughout an explains Erdem. which I strongly believe and think organization. Seeing how complicated The eight service positions that every employee needs to take into businesses like ours measure, create students evaluated were: 1) telephone consideration.” strategy, and deliver and offer rewards operator, 2) valet — arrival, 3) casino Another student, Yooyoung Kim, for customer service can be applied to security, 4) restaurant hostess, 5) described her mystery shopping almost anything. Whether the students restaurant server, 6) retail store, 7) front experience as giving her a plethora of go on to design or deliver service desk agent, and 8) valet — departure. emotions. “My overall experience as a experiences, they’ll surely learn a lot Although the students had varying guest was delightful, but just because from the mystery shopping. experiences with employees in all of Las Vegas is well known for tourism “Most notably, how our employees these positions, nearly every group and hospitality does not mean that start with a customer goes a long way commented on the fact that casino every service is perfect. I was pleased toward how the interaction will play security officers and their security with some of the employees whom I out,” continues Byrnes. “We serve podiums were often hard to locate. received service from, but on the other customers best when we start with a After the evaluations had been hand, I had moments where I wasn’t so great welcome and an introduction. completed, students were grouped into pleased. Also, it’s important for employees in all teams with others who had shopped “It was very true, as we learn in departments to know the answers to the the same property to compare notes school, that service itself holds the many questions guests always ask. and determine recommendations. Each challenge of consistency due to the fact “We want to be involved with UNLV team calibrated its individual results that it may differ depending on whom in as many ways as possible! UNLV and completed a table with a final you encounter and when. Since I had grads can be both current and future scoring before preparing an executive many thoughts during the process of this employees as well as customers, so we summary report using the gap analysis project, I loved the fact that I was able to want to get to know as many as possible audit and/or the services blueprint. give my opinions to Caesars executives.” along the way,” says Byrnes. Each “property” team prepared a class Kim went on to say, “The assignment presentation based on its group findings. was valuable in helping me to think more For student Shana Pougatsch, about my encounters with customers the experience was eye-opening. “I and taking their points of view into expected to learn about the different consideration. In the future, when I lead personalities it takes to run various employees of my own, I will reference hotels and, more specifically, this this experience to let people know that business,” she says. “Most people working in hospitality should be like Properties who come to Las Vegas believe that being in a performance. This was one front desk agents, security guards, or of the most important lessons I have shopped: even porters know every detail about received at UNLV.” their property and that they truly love At the conclusion of each team’s Bally’s their jobs. But, as we saw during the presentation, they presented a one-word assignment, this can be far from the description that most clearly conveyed Caesars Palace truth, as security guards were hard to the average of their interactions. These Flamingo find and many employees didn’t have words included “friendly,” “energy,” knowledge about their own property or inconsistent,” “delightful,” “impersonal,” Harrah’s sister properties.” and “polite.” Although no operators wish Imperial Palace Pougatsch also notes that her favorite to hear the negative descriptors, they are part of the assignment was interacting helpful in regard to training purposes. Paris with the front desk agent. “I used According to Byrnes, the reason for Planet Hollywood to work a front desk position, so it’s working with UNLV on projects like this is interesting to compare my interactions twofold: “We want students to know that Rio with people in similar positions. It’s serving people is at least as important 13
FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER
Bob Boughner Center Celebrates Four Years of Assisting Students
Bobbie Barnes, ’93, ’05 M.Ed.
ext time you visit the UNLV campus, make sure to stop by the Bob Boughner NCareer Center located on the main floor of Beam Hall. There you will find a selection of resources for students, alumni, and employers. Student and alumni services include personalized career counseling, including resume reviews and job-search assistance. Hospitality employers both large and small are able to receive assistance with posting jobs and scheduling on-campus recruiting. Since the center’s founding in 2007, the center has evolved from a career office to a student-centered hub for the college. Despite the economic climate, the center staff has worked to create unique opportunities for students to develop professionally as well as interact and network with local, national, and international employers. “In these turbulent times of job losses and university budget cuts, our center services are critical to the success of our students,” says the career center’s director, Bobbie Barnes. “We simply would not be here for our students and alumni without Bob Boughner’s support.”
2010–2011 Activity Highlights • Provided students and alumni the opportunity to network with hiring employers at career events held throughout the academic year, including Fall Marketplace, Spring Career Day, and the Tourism and Special Events Mixer. • Coordinated 140 classroom visits by industry professionals. • Instructed 47 classroom presentations on a variety of topics, including Hospitality 101, Succession Planning, Career Search Tools, Resumé Writing, Dress for Success, Networking, and Career Success in Hospitality. • Assisted on average 400 students monthly during the prime activity months (August, September, October, November, January, February, March, and April) with resume reviews, interview scheduling, and career counseling sessions. • Hosted hospitality employers at 23 marketing tables and 15 information sessions. • Held monthly support group meetings for students and alumni seeking assistance with job search and placement. • Paired 132 students with Las Vegas industry executives as part of the Hotel College Mentor Program. • Coordinated mock interviews for 384 students at Caesars Entertainment Employment Center as part of Hospitality Professional Development course curriculum.
To learn more about career resources for students, alumni, and employers, access the Bob Boughner Career Services website at hotel.unlv.edu/students/career/BBCSC.html. 15
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2010-2011 Donor Honor Roll Dean’s Associates Inner Circle Gold ($10,000+) UNLV William F. Harrah College Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts of Hotel Administration Lyndy & Anthony Marnell III, ’98 Thank you to the loyal donors who supported to the William F. Harrah Dean’s Associates Inner Circle College of Hotel Administration during the 2010-2011 fiscal year. While ($5,000+) the university continues to feel the repercussions of our country’s Marcia, ’74 & Tola Chin economic challenges, our alumni and friends have continued to pledge Lorna Donatone their commitment to support today’s students as they prepare to become Global Experience Specialists tomorrow’s leaders in the hospitality industry. This Honor Roll recognizes Lisa & Charles Lehman, ’71 Louise & Felix Rappaport alumni, friends and companies who make it possible for students to receive a premier hospitality education at UNLV. Dean’s Associates Silver We are pleased to share that thanks to the support of all the people ($2,500 +) listed on these pages, the college received $4,592,764 in cash, pledges Julia & Stan Bromley and in-kind donations from 538 donors. Additionally, through scholarship endowments and annual giving, the college awarded $480,585 in Dean’s Associates Bronze scholarships to students during the 2010-11 academic year. The college ($1,000 +) also recently announced that more than $599,000 has been awarded for Linda & George Baggott the 2011-12 academic year. This outstanding support allows the college to Zerrin & Seyhmus Baloglu Teri & R. Scott Barber, ’93 strengthen the student experience by provide much-needed scholarships Elizabeth Blau and professional development funds, as well as provide for faculty research Pearl & James Brewer opportunities and ongoing development, to name just a few of the many Trisha & Christopher Cain ways gifts may be utilized. Paula E. Eylar, ’89, ’97 Gifts from alumni and friends play an integral role in helping the college Lori & Guy Fieri, ’90 maintain the highest standards of excellence so that the faculty can Deirdre T. Flynn Tami and Dennis Gradillas, ’91 respond to shifting academic priorities. Annual donors are the foundation John F. Gremo, ’02 of the college’s development program. Please know how much your Tom Groeninger contribution is appreciated and valued. On behalf of the entire college, Robyn K. Hadden, ’05 we recognize and are grateful for your past, current and future support. It Christian Hardigree, ’93 & is with gratitude and heartfelt thanks that we acknowledge the following Christopher Brown benefactors listed in the Harrah Hotel College Honor Roll. Tony & Katie Henthorne Hyatt Corporation We’d also like to extend a special thank you to alumnus Chuck Lehman, Christine, ’90 & Jim Kiely, ’92 ’71, who matched the first $5,000 received from alumni during the Spring Doreen & Stuart Mann Rebel Ring Phonathon program. This resulted in doubling the impact of Jordan Meisner gifts received, which raised a total of more than $15,000 from 111 alumni. Micatrotto Restaurant Group Sunshine & Joe Micatrotto, Jr. Judy A. Nagai, ’11 Recognition of the Dean’s Associates Kathleen*, ’94, ’96, ’04 & Dan Nelson, ’06, ’10 July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 Pat & Ellis Norman Platinum Hotel & Spa The Dean’s Associates program provides unrestricted donations to fund John D. Peiser, ’78, ’07 priority projects and activities within the college. Most importantly, this Patricia Sahlstrom includes supporting student professional development so that students Gail E. Sammons, ’87 may represent UNLV at national and international academic conferences, Julie & Salvatore Semola, ’81 meetings and industry events. Our students are the future of the industry Christopher W. Silva Angie & Christopher Smith, ’98 and they are truly a worthwhile investment. We wish to thank the Dean’s St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Associate members for their annual support through unrestricted gifts, Skip Swerdlow which is vital to continue setting the bar as a premier international Robert L. Van Ness, ’83 hospitality program. Wyndham Vacation Ownership
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The scholarship I received from The scholarship I received means the Sun & Hae Lee Foundation all A’s to me: Accomplishment, inspires me to study and provides Acknowledgment, and more motivation to work hard. Acceptance. It also means all E’s: I believe that a scholarship is Enjoyment, Empowerment, and a reward to someone who has Entrepreneurship. Since I received worked hard. Attending UNLV my scholarship, I have seen: brings me one step closer to my Individualism, Interconnections, career goals. So receiving this scholarship helps and Innovation. The O’s I have received include: keep me moving forward with my education. Options, Opinions, and Outlook. I wish to give a – Jae Hyo Park … Thank U, and U, and U. Thank you for giving to me and all of the other scholarship recipients for UNLV’s Harrah Hotel Donor Honor Roll Lisa & Charles Lehman, ’71 July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 Louise & Felix Rappaport College. More important than giving us less of an $1,000,000+ Shaw Industries IOU, you have given us the opportunity for the Big Dee & Donald Snyder Konami Gaming, Inc. Western Money Systems G: Graduation. $300,000-$500,000 – David Mikowski Conrad Hilton Foundation $1,000 - $4,999 A & W Food Services of Canada Angeliki & Stanley Fulton Inc. & Associated Companies Debbie & Steven Anderson Doreen & Stuart Mann $1 - $999 $100,000-$299,999 David Goldhirsh, ’97 Mastros Restaurants, LLC Christopher Ades, ’75 Robert Boughner The Patricia Miller Anton & Matrix Floors Michael Alford John C. Kish Foundation William C. Anton Foundation MGM Resorts Foundation Sydney Alford Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada Patricia & William Anton Sunshine & Joe Micatrotto, Jr. Dajon Ancell Back Bar USA Rhonda & Michael Montgomery, Jr. Clint Anderson $25,000 - $99,999 Linda & George Baggott Judy Nagai, ’11 Debbie Anderson Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Bally Gaming, Inc. Nevada Beverage Company Eileen Andert Marco Benvenuti, ’02 Zerrin & Seyhmus Baloglu John Peiser, ’78, ’07 Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. Dotty’s Banfi Vintners Foundation Platinum Hotel & Spa David Anjomani Duetto Consulting Teri & R. Scott Barber, ’93 Popchips Sandra & David Livney, ’82 Greenberg Traurig LLP Christine Bergman Edward Prehoden Miranda Kitterlin, ’10 International Game Technology William Blyth Professional Golfers Association of Lanell Aoki Morgan Keegan & Company Inc. Boyd Gaming Corporation America Milena & Peter Arceo, ’96 Red Rock Country Club Pearl & James Brewer Maria & Edward Quirk The Arroyo Golf Club The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation Cascata Sarah & James Rafferty, ’78 Tom Aspel Shuffle Master, Inc. Chris Creed Barb & Jerry Roberts Julie, ’92 & Claude Badaloni D&K Industries LLC Elizabeth Rychling Trish Bahrenfuss $10,000-$24,999 Encore Productions Patricia Sahlstrom Kimberley & Christopher Baldizan, ’93 Marcia, ’74 & Tola Chin John Esposito, Jr. Gail Sammons, ’87 Drew Balen Colorado Belle Executive Golf LTD Julie & Salvatore Semola, ’81 Teague Balen Gary Platt Manufacturing, LLC Executive Home Builders Inc Siena Golf Club Bandon Dunes Golf Resort Global Experience Specialists Inc. Paula Eylar, ’89, ’97 Angie & Christopher Smith, ’98 Ankit Bansal, ’10 JT Painting Company Global Cash Access Sonoma County Tourism Bureau Roberta Barnes-Webb, ’93, ’05 Lyndy & Anthony Marnell III, ’98 Tami & Dennis Gradillas, ’91 SPI Entertainment, Inc. & Charles Webb Micatrotto Restaurant Group Tom Groeninger Skip Swerdlow Beverley & Timothy Barnett, ’80 United Way of Southern Nevada Robyn Hadden, ’05 David Tonelli Jolynne Barnum Kailey Harrison TPC Scottsdale Charles Baynes $5,000 - $9,999 Tony Henthorne Trendway Corporation Bear’s Best Las Vegas Patricia Becker & Stephan Christine, ’90 & James Kiely, ’92 US Foodservice Ann Becker DuCharme, ’90 Cynthia Kiser Murphey, ’80, ’95 & Carolyn Gilbey-Wagner & Roger Frederick Bednarski Caesars Entertainment Corporation Wayne Murphey Wagner, ’69 K.A. & W.S Bednarski, Jr. EYE-Fi Kobrand Corporation Wendoh Media John Belland Toni & John Fitts Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort Wyndham Vacation Ownership, Inc William Benko Gaming Partners International Sun & Hae Lee Foundation Cheri Young & David Corsun Robert Benzo, ’77 John Gremo, ’02 Lee’s Discount Liquor Robert Berry, ’74
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FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER Paying for a college education would be a major stress for anyone, but in the middle of our economic recession, that stress is magnified. With my MGM Mirage Academic Excellence Scholarship, I have been able to focus instead on maximizing my studies and all that entails, including special projects and extracurricular activities, while at UNLV. Throughout my college years, I have continued my volunteer work with local food bank Three Square and have established a chapter on campus. This chapter has hosted many successful food drives and assisted with various special events for Three Square as well. Of course, I still work part time, and those earnings allowed my participation in a European-trip program this past summer sponsored by the Harrah Hotel College. I am so grateful for the chance to experience this trip of a lifetime, the memories of which will stay with me forever. The MGM Mirage Academic Excellence Scholarship has given me the gift of an unencumbered education. By relieving my financial burden, I have been allowed the chance to take part in many different activities that have enriched my college experience. My time at UNLV has given me the environment to grow and learn and become a more confident and successful woman. – Erica Bobak
Marcia & Christopher Bigelow, ’74 Michelle Chatigny Brian Esposito Allan Grahn Black Gaming Zhi Chen JoAnn & Andrew Esposito Grand Lux Cafe Kathy Black Sylvia Choe Jon Estanislao Grayhawk Golf Club Black Mountain Golf & Country Club Jessica Chong Evening Call Holdings LLC Glenn Grayson, ’92 Laurie Bloch Bo Ram Chung, ’06 Exceptional Dentistry Joseph Greber, ’95 Cory Boillot Terry Clark Russell Fadgen Charles Greene, ’10 Gary Bollinger John Cline, ’73 Steve Farmer Ann & Ted Greene, Jr. Victor Bollinger Shonna Clutters Kathleen & Robert Faust Wilma Gregory Keith Boman Suzanne Cohen, ’94 Sarah Feliz, ’99 Nikki Griffin Melinda, ’87 & Wayne Bourgeois Sandy & Mitchell Compton, Jr. ,’78 Donna Ferry, ’85 Rodolfo Guarino, ’09 BRAINtrust Marketing & Lisa, ’87 & Shawn Coombs Lawrence Field Susan, ’76 & Stephen Gurlides Communications The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Michael Filia Giovanna Gurrieri-Salidi & Fabi Salidi Roy Brennan, ’98 Craftworks Restaurant & Breweries, Victor Filia Dottie & Kenneth Haas, ’75 Chad Brown Inc. Judith & John Filler Melinda & John Hamilton, ’82, ’83 Brown-Forman Beverage Co Creative Coverings Findlay Toyota Gael Hancock, ’09 Connie Bumgarner Arthur Cusack, ’91 Gwendolyn, ’93, ’10 & Patrick Christian Hardigree, ’93 & Jane & Andrew Bunkers Patti Dailcy Finnegan Christopher Brown Rodney Burgoyne Jeffrey Damon The First Tee of Southern Nevada Noriko Harris Ray Busch R. Dayton Alison & Joseph Fogarty Steve Harris Business Benefits, Inc. Beatriz De Torres R. Butch Fogler Debbie & Walter Hawkins Steven Butcher Marsha Dean Penny Trow-Foreman & David Jean Hertzman, ’06 Caroline Byerman Lisa DeJesus Foreman , ’77 Heather Hill Trisha & Christopher Cain Myrna DeMoss Four Seasons Hotels Las Vegas Michael Hogan, ’03 Kathleen Caine Connie & Greg Denevan Rose Frawert Renee Hogan Lois & Russ Caine Desert Toyota, Scion of Las Vegas Patricia & Kenneth Free, Jr., ’72 Stewart Holley California Pizza Kitchen Inc Karen Disorbo Denira Freeman, ’09 Aimee Hoyt Cambridge Design DLP Services LLC Full Gospel Las Vegas Church Maggie Hubele Deborah Campbell Jeannie & J. Patrick Done Gregory Gale, ’84 Sunshine Huh Cynthia Carruthers & James Christina & George Donelson John Gazaway Barbie Humphrey Busser Jack Dowling GiGi’s Cupcakes Mary Carleton-Hunt & Bruce Hunt, Maria Casey Eleanor & James Dowling, ’08 Phyllis & Terry Gilland ’94 Rosemary Casey Stephen Dowling Antony Githua Hyatt Place Las Vegas Theresa Casey Lisa Drake Barbara Russ & Neil Glazman, ’77 Daniel Inocencio Denise & Timothy Cashman Tara Dwyer Valerie Glenn Edna Inocencio Robyn & John Caspersen Brandi Ellis Rick Glenn InPro Corporation Carol Chait Embassy Suites Hotel - Phoenix Andrea & Richard Goeglein J.O. Sports Inc Daniel Chait North Golf Summerlin Mari Ann & Gary James, ’99 Michael Chait Maria, ’00 & Mark Engdahl Margaret Gong, ’95 Lori James Ashley Chang James English Mari Jo & Eugene Grace, ’71 Enrico Jante
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PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011 Sara Jerrard, ’99 Lombardo Produce Judy Patterson Karen Smith, ’91 Joanne & Dennis Johnson, ’73, ’84 Ross Lynn Perini Building Company, Inc. Cynthia & David Snyder, Sr., ’73, ’80 Stephanie & Joseph Jolley, ’89 Jonathan MacGregor Kathy & Bradley Peterson, ’90 Lexie Sorensen Connie Jones Ellen & Kevin Mahoney, ’82 Elizabeth & Edward Phillips, ’81 Brian Soule, ’09 Teodora & Terry Jones, ’85, ’99 Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Sheila & Craig Pickart Barbara, ’92 & Gunter Stannius Nicole Jones-Gyllstrom Christian Mapu Alicia Pitrone Kelly Stone, ’05 Jusang LLC Marni The Plus Group Inc Sun Buggy Fun Rentals JW Marriott Resort Andrea Mathews Diana & Clark Pool Caroline Sung Kafoury Armstrong & Company Jeanette, ’86 & Kazuo Matsuura Therese & Oscar Portillo, ’76 Lynda Tache, ’97 Theresa Kain Dale & April Matts Jeff & Jill Pressman, ’96 Eva & Tony Tamberchi, ’79 Allen Kanarek Daneen Matts Christopher Proctor, ’92 The Foreman’s Properties Jennifer Kang William Matuk, ’84 The Progressive Insurance The Tour Academy at TPC Las Vegas Shilpa Kaul Dove & Howard Mayo, ’90 Foundation Whitney Their & Mark Gillespie KC Property Management LLC Heather McAnnany, ’06 Promontory Golf Club Zachary Thomas, ’09 Kaipo Kekaula Joni & Ron McCall Chris Quintanilla Touro University Lynn Keller Robyn & Steven McCracken, ’07 Erica Racek, ’97, ’01 Tropicana Resort & Casino Allyson & Michael Kelley, ’01 Dawn, ’91 & Troy McIntosh, ’92 Kathleen & Fayyaz Raja, ’92, ’95 Travis Tuls Dollie Kenny Joseph McJohn Rao’s Caesars Palace UNLV PGM Program Dollie & Phil Kenny James McKellar III, ’07 Rebelution Scholarship Fund UNLV PGMSA Thomas Kerestesi Sandy McKnight Red Rock Harley Davidson Upper Crust Pizza LLC Jennifer Kerstner Paige McNeil Donald Reed Amy Vandermark, ’10 Barbara & W. Jack Kidder Elisabeth Meltzer, ’89 Karla Rehm Gigi Vega Kiehl’s Since 1851 Jim Mikula, ’78 Donita & Gary Reitze, ’70 VZ Academy of Ballroom Dance, LLC Lauren Kilcullen, ’00 Dean & April Miller, ’99 Residence Inn by Marriott Gregory Walker Adrian Kim Marc Miller, ’83 Shelley & John Rhodes, ’07 Susan Walker Daniel Kim Thomas Monico Michael Rhodes, ’83, ’84 Robin & Michael Walsh, ’94 Diego Kim Jacob Montoya Rhodes Ranch Golf Club Joe Wells Lisa Kimelheim, ’96 Joanne & Joel Moore, ’82 Theresa Richardson Susie Whitney Daniel King Kalika Moquin Janice Rike Ellen Whittemore Gerasimos Kitsopoulos Nicholas Moreno, ’08 Rio Secco Golf Club Tony Wideen James Kloss Rosalie & Patrick Moreo, ’69, ’83 Timothy Rivers Sonia & James Wilcox Garry Knapp Timothy Morrissey, ’86 RM Seafood Joseph Wilkerson Courtney & Jonathan Knoblock George Morton Roberto Cavalli David Williams Col. Erwin T. Koch Trust Pat Morton Jennifer Roberts Ed Williams Laura & John Koenen, ’95 Tara, ’97 Mosbrucker & Michael Kimberly, ’01 & Richard Rodenberg Hilary Williams Denise & David Kohlasch, ’84 Clawson Tony Rose Tammy & Calvin Wisser, ’79 Kondler & Associates CPAS Sylvia & Danny Mosier Douglas Rosen LaVonne Withey Sharon & Brian Kragt James Muth, ’84, ’96 Jennifer Rowe Aurora & Buck Wong Raul Kwon Cleo Whipple-Nady & Joseph Nady Royal Links Sheila Wudtke Peggy, ’71 & Joseph La Tour, ’71 Tracee, ’02 Nalewak & Daniel Jennifer, ’93 & Clyde Ruckle, ’93 Wynn Resorts Larry Brown For County Commission Giraldo, ’01 Carol Ruff Xona Resort Suites Laney Larsen Nancy Ober Advertising Ken Rustemis Eric Yang Nancy & Donald Larsen Julie & Steven Nardi Amie Sabo Jeffrey Yedlin, ’02, ’08 Larsen Mortgage Company Inc Yatish Nathraj, ’09 Evelyn San Antonio Jae Yi, ’09 Sam Larsen Linda, ’79 & Bruce Nelson, ’78 Liberty San Antonio Yogurtland Las Vegas One LLC The Las Vegas Country Club Kathleen*, ’94, ’96 & Dan Nelson, Vivian San Antonio David Zemer Las Vegas Review Journal ’06, ’10 Colleen & Marco Sanchez Ruthelma Zemer Law Office of Leslie Hollmann, LLC John Newton, ’90 Debra Sarkisian Dina Marie Zemke, ’03 Jon Lazarus, ’88 Anastasia Ngendo Rose Sarkisian Clifton Leatherwood Patricia & Ellis Norman Salley & Stephen Sawyer Bold—Faculty, Staff, Dean’s Advisory Randi & Steven LeBoyer, ’97 Nova Dental Laboratory Inc Sarah & Jeffrey Schrier, ’91 Board, College Alumni Board of Michele Lee, ’98, ’02 Kevin O’Brien Charlie Schuyler Directors or their related companies. Anais Lempereur Mary & Thomas O’Connor Jonathon Seigle * Deceased Chris Leppard Jacqui & James O’Hara Renee Rivera-Shaffer & Eugene Kathy & James Leppard Cindy O’Keefe Shaffer A Final Note William Leppard Kawika Oliver Virginia & Anthony Shanks We strive to ensure accuracy in this listing XiaojunLiang, ’01, ’04 Michael Oliver, ’02 Paige Sharp of benefactors who supported the Harrah Xiaowei Lin ONEHOPE Wine James Shaw, ’80 Hotel College from July 1, 2010 through Brenda Linardos Sherri & Jeffrey Ortwein Sherri & Joel Shows, ’83 June 30, 2011. If there is an error in the Linco Sales & Marketing Kathleen, ’04 & Alex Ostrove, ’98 Gail & Dan Shunk way we listed your gift or if you wish to Holly, ’99 & Robert Lindsay, ’10 Charles Packard Silver State Schools Credit Union make a change to your name as shown, Amy Lipton Dean Painter Tina Sisley please accept our apology & bring it to Isabelle Lively Paisley Plaid & Polka Dots Daurean Sloan our attention by calling (702) 895-2934 Robert Lively Palm Restaurant John Smith or e-mail [email protected].
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Vallen Dinner of Distinction: Honoring Excellence in Hospitality
he seventh annual Vallen Dinner of Distinction made for an entertaining evening in April. Bill McBeath, ’87, Tpresident and chief operating officer of ARIA Resort and Casino and 2005 Alumnus of the Year recipient, served as the event’s host. In the audience were past honorees, special guests, alumni, friends, faculty, and students. Founding Dean Jerry Vallen and his wife, Flossie, attended the event as did Dean Emeritus Stuart Mann and his wife, Doreen. Alumnus of • Food the Year Guy Fieri, ’90, designed a custom menu for the event and Beverage Industry and then conducted a cooking demonstration of each course. Executive of the Year: Christopher W. Silva, The evening began with a silent auction and cocktail president and chief executive officer, St. Francis Winery reception. The silent and live auctions raised more than • Hotel Management Industry Executive of the Year: Thomas $34,000 to benefit the Stuart H. Mann Endowment Fund, A. Jingoli, ’96, vice president/chief compliance officer, the hotel college Alumni Relations program, and the Gaming Konami Gaming, Inc. Management Association. • Tourism and Convention Administration Industry Executive Students from the capstone course TCA 490 helped of the Year: Chris Meyer, ’84, vice president sales, Las produce the event. They were responsible for coordinating Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority food and beverage, décor, risk management, soliciting auction items, managing the silent and live auctions, and operations. • Gaming Management Award of Excellence: Frank J. They worked the entire semester on this event to help make it Fahrenkopf, president and CEO, American Gaming a success. Association After dinner, local KSNV anchorman Jim Snyder served • Alumnus of the Year: Guy Fieri, ’90, author of Guy Fieri as the emcee and helped make the award presentations. Food, TV host of Minute to Win It Honorees for the evening included: Congratulations again to our very deserving awardees. A • Caesars Entertainment Excellence in Innovation Award: special thanks also goes to ARIA Resort and Casino and the NEXTEP SYSTEMS generous silent auction donors.
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PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011 Alumni Spotlight Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA
athan D. Kang, ’99, didn’t come three summer Nto UNLV expecting to find a father programs while figure. But that’s exactly what happened he housesat for when he met Professor Emeritus Ellis me. Norman through UNLV’s Home Away “Today, nearly From Home (HAFH) program. The South 15 years after Korean student, who had dreams of meeting him, working as a hotelier, found an instant Nathan is still friend in Norman (whom he refers to as like a supportive, “Pop”) based on their respective beliefs loving son. I and the fact that they were both the first am very much in their families to attend college. involved in his As Kang says, “Since we met, we life, as he is in have shared each other’s lives like mine. Although Nathan Kang (second from left) enjoys family time with family. When I got married, he flew to he now lives in “Mom” and “Pop” Norman (right) San Francisco to congratulate me, and Florida, we still when my first baby came along, Pop get together to attend church, buy jazz Calif.; Sarabande Country Club and drove eight hours to see his ‘grandson.’ CDs, play golf, and have great family fun Mission Inn Golf and Resort in Howey He and his wife (‘Mom’) flew to Korea together. He is the son I never had, and in the Hills, Fla.; and Silverado Golf and for my son’s first birthday party! On the he has enriched my life in many ways.” Country Club in Zephyrhills, Fla., Kang contrary, when Pop went to Europe, I “I still remember the first day when studied to become a PGA Class A took care of his home, and when his he took me to the local driving range at member. mother was in hospice, I visited her Badlands Golf Club and he handed me “The journey to become a PGA Class often, and I was with him … like a son. his Ping Eye2 iron set with its oversized A member requires a tremendous We were not just Home Away From grip. … As soon as I touched the club, I amount of time, money, and hard work,” Home father and son; we were a real fell in love with the game,” recalls Kang. says Kang. “The average apprentice family.” “After two range practices, he took me takes 4 1/2 years, and more than 45 Home Away From Home was to another golf course, and we played percent of them drop out before finishing sponsored by the UNLV Alumni a round together. I do not remember Level 1. I thank Pop because without Association and matched out-of- exactly how many golf balls I lost on that his support and encouragement, I never town and international UNLV students day, but walking over the dew-covered would have made it. with Las Vegans who extended their mounds, watching the wildlife, chasing a “I do not yet know how my hotel friendship to the students during the little white ball toward the fluttering golf experience and golf career will work school year. Students benefited from flag … I felt golf was not just a sport; it together,” says Kang. “I am about to go this program in many ways, and it was life.” to Korea to work as a golf-management helped them feel more “at home” while After graduation in 1999, Kang worked consultant and possibly teach golf attending college far from their own for various hotels, including Bellagio classes. Even if there are still economic families. in Las Vegas, the Best Western Mid- challenges in most countries, golf is one “I met Nathan in 1997 when I Wilshire Plaza in Los Angeles, and two of the fastest-growing industries in Asia. participated in the HAFH program,” says hotels in San Francisco. After six years I am really proud of myself as a UNLV Norman. “We had much in common, of hotel experiences, he found that he alumnus, because I am a Runnin’ Rebel and I introduced Nathan to golf and gave was still interested in working in the like Pop.” him some basic lessons. Subsequently, golf industry. He decided to attend the he went to the San Diego Golf Academy, San Diego Golf Academy in 2004 and where he graduated with top honors. graduated two years later. Because of Nathan’s dedication, I was While working at such courses as able to teach abroad in Switzerland for Coyote Creek Golf Course in San Jose, 21
FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER A Tasting Education Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA
ast November, Nevada Beverage appearance. Attendees enjoyed such featured craft lager, Hefeweizen, Alpine- LCompany and Anheuser-Busch delicacies as creamy jalapeno lager and Belgian-style wit brews, pale ales, sponsored a beer and food-pairing soup, pale ale crowned veal scaloppini, and a stout beer. dinner at UNLV’s Stan Fulton Building. and Michelob Amberbock crème brulee. Joseph James Brewery was founded Partnering with the UNLV Beverage In addition to leading the in-process in Henderson, Nev., in 2006, and Management Club and the Harrah beer tasting and pairing, Reisch also its unique beers are now available Hotel College Alumni Chapter, the gave a presentation in Jon Griffin’s FAB throughout Nevada, Arizona, Texas, event included special guest George 367 Beers course. The event’s sous chef Arkansas, Oklahoma, California, and Reisch, an Anheuser-Busch brewmaster. was student Marisa Kruse, who helped Hawaii. This event was for the graduate Reisch is the director of brewmaster with testing recipes and supervising food Foodservice Management class. outreach for Anheuser-Busch and a fifth production. The college’s catering staff -generation brewmaster. also played an integral role in the event. For information about similar upcoming The beer, beer supplies, and food Another beer and food-pairing event events, please contact the Director costs were donated by Nevada was held during the spring semester of Alumni & College Relations, Robyn Beverage Company, and company and featured Joseph James Brewery’s Hadden, at [email protected]. representatives Dan Hanneke and Jeff director of sales and marketing, Matthew Braddach helped arrange for Reisch’s Lisowski Sr., ’10 MBA. The dinner
Banfi Leads Wine Tasting Event
Banfi’s Director of Wine Education Bill Whiting visited the Hotel College Alumni Chapter and the Cornell Nevada Alumni Stan Fulton Building on campus February 9, where he led Association. Attendees enjoyed a light buffet and a formal, a wine tasting and presentation. This event was sponsored classroom-style presentation. Chef Jean Hertzman helped by the UNLV Beverage Management Club, the UNLV Harrah coordinate the gathering. 22
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011
C l u b C o r n e r
The UNLV Beverage Management Club he UNLV Beverage Management Club is open to all During 2010, events included an internship mixer on campus Tstudents with no membership dues or fees. It is comprised with Backbar USA, a private brunch at High Society at Palms of two sections: the board and general membership. The Hotel/Resort, a Tyku Sake and Kaizen Sushi mixer, a beer board is responsible for planning and executing on- and off- dinner with the head brewmaster of Anheuser Busch, and campus events. There are many networking opportunities UNLV’s Oktoberfest. The club’s officers are constantly lining up with executives to create events that help students explore the exciting events, including activities such as a tequila mixology world of the beverage industry. Potential members must be at evening, a Banfi wine tasting, a Jack Daniels-sponsored least 21 years old. private party, and more.
The UNLV Epicurean Society
The Epicurean Society is an “Our first merged event was the day from their advisors, Chef Jean Torganization that provides a club and brunch at High Society at Hertzman (beverage) and Al Izzolo greater understanding of food and the Palms,” says 2010-2011 Epicurean (epicurean). Without the advisors and beverage operations. Members also Society President Chelsea Kay Allan the support of the executive boards, partake of dining at some of Las Adams. “We attracted around 90 the clubs would not be so successful. Vegas’ best restaurants. Over the people, which was unheard of for Check them out! past year, this club has worked hand- both clubs at an off-campus event. in-hand with the UNLV Beverage Since then, we have been working http://hotel.unlv.edu/students/ Management Club, merging many of side by side.” studentorgs/ both groups’ events. Both clubs have valuable support
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FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER Community Service Projects Turn Education into Vital Experiences
Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA
ust as they are making an impact nearly $25,000 of cash and in-kind MAC for the on their future careers, many donations. Chefs from Las Vegas’ Strip women.” She Harrah Hotel College students Burger and the MGM Grand provided also mentioned are also making impacts on their on-site cooking for the attendees, a that students community. Community service professional carnival company donated donated bags of Jprojects are an important part of any games, and a fire truck and police clothing for the education, and by putting their special K-9 units were on hand to provide women. event organizational planning skills to demonstrations. Other entertainment Pougatsch task, hotel college students are learning included UNLV baseball players and also comments, that not every event is full of glitz and cheerleaders, professional dancers, and “We formed glamour. self-defense lessons. committees: During the spring of 2010, students “We’ve done several events with entertainment, from Associate Professor Rhonda Shade Tree, and the students always go marketing, Montgomery’s TCA 490 course (festival into the events thinking they are going operations, and event management) were able to make a difference in the lives of the and catering, to help a Las Vegas-based women’s mothers and children, but by the end of which was able shelter. “Students spend their entire the event, it is their lives that have been to get Anderson Milk to donate small academic careers focused on their most changed,” says Montgomery. milk cartons. GameWorks provided professional preparation, and their This spring’s TCA 490 class was the food. The finance committee was capstone class enables them to bring no different. Students assisted with in charge of the event’s budget. My together the skills they have learned to the coordination of Shade Tree’s Walk committee, audience management produce an event,” says Montgomery. of Hope, which was held on UNLV’s (risk management), took care of “The Shade Tree Shelter provides an campus April 30, and also coordinated transportation and creating a security excellent opportunity because not only an event at GameWorks. plan.” is it an outstanding local organization, “The women and children from Shade The Shade Tree Shelter was formed but it also allows our students the Tree absolutely loved taking a field trip to to provide safe shelter to homeless and opportunity to say thank you to our GameWorks on the Strip,” says student abused women and children in crisis and community by serving residents who are Shana Pougatsch. “My class held hands to offer life-changing services promoting living through difficult circumstances.” with the kids and took them around the stability, dignity, and self-reliance. There were 125 mothers and children venue, ate with them, and entertained According to Shade Tree’s website, the at the event, which was held on UNLV’s them. We had a face painter, and we residents represent all ages, races, and campus. The students’ determination to gave away toys donated by Toys R Us ethnic groups, as well as all educational make this event special included raising as well as some cosmetics donated by levels. Last year, they provided shelter 24
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011 Outside GameWorks, student K.C. Burt instructs classmates about the event’s emergency evacuation plan. and services for 17 women who had complete a community service project, Vegas-based community food bank graduate degrees and 91 who had known as DUSK (which was profiled in Three Square during the fall semester. undergraduate college degrees. the fall/winter 2009 issue of Premier). “We were given encouragement from “Rhonda Montgomery’s class has DUSK is a student-run organization that our faculty advisor, Gail Sammons, as hosted a number of special events reaches out to homeless teens through she stressed the importance of giving, for our mothers and children,” says an annual event held in the spring. even after Thanksgiving,” says student Brandi Lopez, Shade Tree’s volunteer This event is a real-world “services Sandy Kim. “Through word of mouth, coordinator. “These are so important fair,” where the homeless attendees listserv messages, and other grassroots because it lets the mothers and kids experience a full day of activities and marketing methods, we were able to relax and have some fun during what services, including dental checkups, collect 400 pounds’ worth of food and is probably one of the hardest times in haircuts, showers, food, and beverages supplies.” their lives. It reminds them that there throughout the day, as well as backpack In addition to providing students with are people in the community who care and school-supply giveaways. opportunities to fine-tune their special about them and want to help.” Another project that hotel college event organizational skills, community Instructor Nancy Matheny taught students have recently been involved projects also expose them to the another section of the Festival and Event with was a food drive. The UNLV Hotel struggles that exist in our society. Management class and had her students Association hosted the drive for Las 25
FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER
LVCVA Hospitality Heroes Honored
ach spring, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority celebrates ENational Travel and Tourism Week by recognizing local hospitality employees and students for their hard work and dedication to the industry. This year, four Harrah Hotel College students were nominated by hotel college faculty and staff Bobbie Barnes, Gail Sammons, and Al Izzolo to be recipients of the Hospitality Heroes award: Chelsea Adams (food and beverage), Sandy Kim (hospitality management), David Mikowski (gaming management), and Kwangbok (Sam) Lee (meetings and events). The LVCVA presented this award on May 6 during a student advisory board lunch at UNLV with Dean Donald Snyder.
From front left: Kwangbok Lee, David Mikowski, Al Izzolo, Don Snyder, Gail Sammons, Sandy Kim, and Chelsea Adams
Congratulations, Retirees!
Bernard (Bernie) Zheng Gu numerous conferences. His research Fried Zheng Gu, professor emeritus, joined won many project grants. Furthermore, Professor Emeritus the hotel college in 1991 and has Gu has consulted for several firms and Bernie Fried joined been teaching hospitality financial organizations since 2006. UNLV in 1989 and has been teaching John Stefanelli hospitality financial Professor Emeritus John Stefanelli accounting, managerial accounting, recently retired after teaching in the Food and finance. He was the first in the hotel and Beverage Department since 1978. college to teach online courses and He began his to use PowerPoint in the classroom. career working Additionally, he has chaired master in food service theses and Ph.D. dissertations. He has in the 1960s and written numerous articles in academic served in the and trade journals and has been very management and operations analysis U.S. Army from active in the UNLV chapter of Hospitality, courses at undergraduate and graduate 1966 to 1968. He Finance & Technology Professionals levels since then. In addition, he has began his teaching career as a graduate (HFTP). chaired numerous master theses and teaching assistant at Michigan State Fried served as a UNLV faculty Ph.D. dissertations. University in 1973 before eventually senator for 11 years and spent four years Gu has also served as visiting moving to UNLV. Over the years, he on the executive board of the Senate. professor to many universities overseas, served in a number of leadership He served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to teaching seminar courses in hospitality positions, including chair of the Food 1977, including two tours in Vietnam. He and gaming management. He has and Beverage Department and was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak been actively engaged in activities associate dean of the hotel college. He Leaf Cluster for his service in Vietnam. for hospitality finance, operations, has had numerous studies and books He worked in the industry for many and casino gaming research. During published and also served as a student years as an internal auditor, controller, his 20-year career at UNLV, he had advisor in both the undergraduate and and chief financial officer. He holds a more than 100 articles published in the graduate levels. B.A. from Evergreen State College, a academic and industry journals and He holds a bachelor of science degree B.S. from UNLV, an M.B.A. from Dallas helped author four books. He has also from the University of Illinois, an M.B.A. Baptist University, and a Ed.D. from the written and edited for many hospitality from Michigan State University, and a University of La Verne. research journals and presented at Ph.D. from the University of Denver.
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PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011
his education. Fernandez’s first semester at UNLV was in the spring of 1995. “I absolutely loved everything I was learning, although I hadn’t realized how much math goes into gaming!” he recalls. Each winter break, he returned home and worked on his internship at the same inn where he had previously been employed. “Hotel was my first passion, but I’ve always loved radio and just didn’t know how to get involved.” When he saw that KUNV on campus was hiring DJs, he made a demo tape and went to the audition. “There were 25 kids in that room, and they all wanted to work the night shift, which was alternative music. I saw that no one volunteered for the day shift, which was jazz, so I took a chance and set myself apart from the others. It worked!” He was told on a Monday that he’d be working that Friday. “I learned a lot about progressive jazz quickly,” he laughs. “I got my first taste of radio and just loved it.” By 1997, he was leasing air time on an a.m. station and hosting a show about professional wrestling. When he had an opportunity to meet Howard Stern sidekick Baba Booey, he asked him the best way to get ahead in the industry, and he advised an internship. J.C. Fernandez in the studio, doing what he does best. “With my UNLV graduation coming up, I re-enrolled as a communications major just to get an internship,” he says. The technique where a DJ, producer, “With a friend’s recommendation, I got Crossfade: a job at MIX 94.1 setting up remotes, or engineer fades the outgoing track at the same time as but it still wasn’t an internship. I had an fading in the new track, or alumus J.C. Fernandez, who on-air bit with MIX’s personalities Mark and Mercedes in the fall of 1997, which fades the lines between hospitality and radio eventually led to my job as producer.” After working in Washington, D.C., Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA radio, a few years later, Fernandez and his wife returned to Las Vegas and hat does it take to become to see what else was out there and his former radio station. “It’s so much one of the most popular on-air went to the library and looked up hotel fun being back in Las Vegas, and I W radio producers in Las Vegas? colleges. UNLV was at the top of the list.” love getting opportunities to return to For on-air/executive producer for Mark He filled out an application and was campus. From live broadcasts to guest and Mercedes in the Morning at KMXB/ accepted, and although he’d never speaking in journalism classes, this is Mix 94.1 in Las Vegas J.C. Fernandez, been to Las Vegas, he brought his such a great college atmosphere.” ’97, it takes a UNLV education combined dad with him to check out the campus with a passion for his job. and the city in December 1994. “We What does J.C. “I grew up 45 minutes north of Philly, flew in at night, and I remember seeing and I never had any intention of leaving,” the mountains the next morning and Fernandez listen to? he says. “I worked at a 45-room inn telling my dad how beautiful it was. We Hall & Oates Howard Stern during high school and community toured the campus, and I just fell in love The Beatles Talk radio college and absolutely loved it. After a with it.” Fernandez’s parents were very Billy Joel The Rolling Stones few years of college, I decided I wanted supportive and wanted him to continue 27
FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER Bring on the Wine Wheel
Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA 28 Photography by Aaron Mayes PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011 ine is a complex, sensory-driven product, product in order to enhance how they learn from their direct which is difficult to master based on regular tasting experiences. Additionally, such conceptual training consumption alone,” writes UNLV Associate can help lay the groundwork for marketing communications to “WProfessor of Hospitality Marketing Kathryn drive consumer learning and preference development.” LaTour and Department of Marketing Professor and Beam During the first experiment, it was discovered that providing Research Fellow Michael LaTour. Over the past five years, the aficionados with a wine aroma wheel (to better describe LaTours embarked on experimentation regarding wine-tasting what they taste) helped them strengthen their experiential experiences, and their findings (titled “Bridging Aficionados’ memory and withstand influence from misleading marketing Perceptual and Conceptual Knowledge to Enhance How They communications. Learn From Experience”) were published in the December According to the article, “The aficionado consumer is 2010 issue of the Journal of one who consumes and enjoys a Consumer Research. hedonic product regularly but has “We had an interest to understand failed to obtain product expertise how people learn from their “Wine is a complex from his/her many experiences. experiences and how additional We conceptualize the aficionado information can help those consumer product, as having asymmetric perceptual experiences,” says Kathryn. “We and conceptual knowledge and found out that aficionados think they posit that when these two types know a lot about wine, but they’re and although the of knowledge are bridged with a actually not very informed. Wine is sensory consumption vocabulary, a complex consumer product, and aficionados drank the aficionados are better able to although the aficionados drank a lot, learn from their experiences.” they failed to obtain expertise of it.” In the second experiment, Prior studies have noted that wine a lot, they failed to the researchers compared the is not a typical consumer product, in effectiveness of the wine aroma that the sensory-driven experiences obtain expertise of it.” wheel and accurate multisensory it provides are often difficult for descriptors provided in an consumers to encode and taste advertisement with more general experiences can be difficult for background information about wine. consumers to discriminate. In recent “The aficionados who had received years, the marketing of wine has the wine aroma wheel and the become synonymous with stealth multisensory advertising were more branding associated with mass- accurate in their recognition than the marketed, low-priced wines. These background knowledge condition companies want consumers to and the control condition,” the focus on labels and brand names authors write. rather than the complex flavors It was also found that when that make up the wine. “The need aficionados were presented with a to understand consumer learning misleading consumption vocabulary becomes especially important as during their tasting, they more one tries to move the consumer from low-frequency purchase readily accepted the marketing misinformation that eventually to higher-quality and price-point products,” write the LaTours. results in memory distortion. One way to assess whether experiential learning has The study’s conclusions may have implications for other occurred is whether consumers can disregard misleading products such as music, gourmet food, or movies. “Marketers information and rely on their own experience when making can engage and direct the aficionados’ learning through decisions, which was the focus of their first experiment. multisensory advertising,” the authors conclude. According to the researchers, “Wine marketers understand A bonus of sorts came through this research as well — that to increase the overall size of their market, they must Kathryn LaTour has been taking classes through UNLV’s make wine more approachable and easier to understand. extension program with the International Sommelier Guild and Currently, many consumers lack confidence in their ability to has received her sommelier certification through the Court of select a wine for either their own consumption or to share with Master Sommeliers. others. Therefore, understanding how to augment consumer learning is especially relevant. Special thanks go to Wirtz Beverage Nevada for its donation of “Our results indicate that it would behoove marketers to wine that made this research possible. teach novice consumers about the conceptual aspects of their 29
FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER In the Kitchen Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA ow preparing for its ninth Clark served as the student executive Ninstallment, the Chef Artist Dinner By the Numbers chef, overseeing training materials and Series, the event is both a scholarship recipe handbooks. “Recipes had to be fundraiser and a learning opportunity for During the Fall 2010 and Spring calculated for 150 people and students hospitality students to gain skills in event 2011 dinner series, students worked on organizing requisitions for planning, restaurant management, food prepared a staggering amount of food orders, contacting various vendors preparation and dining room service. food, including: regarding possible donations, and In the past, guest chefs have included working with the chefs on the prep list such recognizable names as Joël 120 lbs. short ribs and the timeline. Robuchon of Joël Robuchon Restaurant 100 lbs. potatoes “It was challenging practicing the skills needed for Robuchon’s food, he and L’Atelier Joël Robuchon, Guy Fieri 100 lbs. tri-colored beets of Johnny Garlic’s and Tex Wasabi’s, is very particular and detail-oriented,” Kerry Simon of Simon Restaurant at 75 lobsters says Clark. “We had to use tweezers to Palms Place, Sean Griffin from Chef 70 lbs. sea bass make all the food on the platters exactly identical - it was exciting going through Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Prime 50 lbs. onion Steakhouse, Eric Klein of Spago, and the process with such talent. And what Geno Bernardo of Nove Italiano. 50 lbs. of prime sirloin a sense of accomplishment I gained. The series is a UNLV Harrah Hotel 30 lbs. Kobe filet Before the event, I felt that I could do it but after, I knew I could do it.” College dining event that gives students 30 lbs. shrimp the opportunity to learn culinary and 30 lbs. tomato hospitality techniques from professional actually just graduated in May of this chefs as they work together to create a 5 gallons olive oil “Iyear,” says Jeffrey Holloway, ’10. “I’m gourmet dinner adapted from the guest 2 cases lettuce currently attending the Culinary Institute chef’s restaurant. Students have gained of America at Greystone in St. Helena, immeasurable experiences working Calif. I worked on the Chef Artist Series with these industry professionals St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. three times with different chefs. and attendees have enjoyed cocktail “My first experience with the event receptions and four-course, wine-paired osh Clark, ’10, says the best part was with Chef Guy Fieri and I worked meals. Jof the experience was working one as the kitchen manager. We served The events are sponsored by the night a week for six weeks at one of 200 people at the Stan Fulton Building College of Hotel Administration and Robuchon’s Las Vegas restaurants. and I remember having to half over 150 proceeds have provided student “It was an experience I couldn’t get Cornish game hens for the dinner. scholarships, faculty development, and anywhere else. The networking and the “My second experience with the equipment for student use. In the past, opportunity to work with people who series was with Chef Joël Robuchon. supporters have included Bon Appetit have been on the same path I’m on was This series was unique and involved a magazine, Lee’s Discount Liquor, and invaluable.” few different chefs as well, including 30
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011 Chef Claude Le-Tohic from Robuchon at MGM Grand, Chef Matt Seeber from Craft Steak at the MGM Grand, and Chef Stephen Hopcraft from Sea Blue at the MGM Grand. I served as a food and beverage director in charge of the front of the house operation and the expediting for the kitchen. “The last series I worked was with Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Prime Steakhouse in the Bellagio featuring Head Chef Sean Griffin. The last two
Fall 2011 Chef Artist Series WHAT: Chef Artist Series dining event featuring Las Vegas’ original celebrity chef André Rochat of André’s at the Monte Carlo and Alizé at The Palms. Photography by Geri Kodey WHEN: Tuesday, November 8, 2011 dinners gave me the opportunity to consider this an extremely beneficial WHERE: Stan Fulton Building at work in these restaurants and obtain a course to my career in the hospitality UNLV, off of Flamingo Road and feel for how they operate. It was a great industry and will always remember what insight to the industry with some of the Swenson Avenue I learn though these experiences.” best restaurants in Las Vegas. I would
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FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER G r e e n C o r n e r Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA
Focus on Sustainability for the Future
n November 2010, the hotel college’s he noted. “I connect what’s going on Ad Hoc Sustainability Committee with the community at large with UNLV. I he UNLV Sustainability hosted a luncheon and panel discussion I tend to look at sustainability with a Council was appointed for faculty, staff, administration, and comprehensive approach and introduce it T in 2009 to continue the work student leaders in the college. The into existing programs where I can.” initiated by the 2007–2008 topic was sustainability, the potential for Stephen Brown spoke of some President’s Advisory Task long-term maintenance of well-being, observations he has made: “We tend to Force on Sustainability. which has environmental, economic, think about renewable resources, and we The council is charged with and social dimensions. Representing the have a sense of the replenishment rate promoting environmental hospitality industry was Cindy Ortega, ’91, that nature provides,” he began. “But are management and sustainable senior vice president of the energy and we offsetting investments or developing development at UNLV and environmental services division of MGM new technology to continue to approach with recommending specific Resorts International. Stephen Brown, sustainability?” activities to the president to director of the Center for Business and The second observation he discussed allow UNLV to appropriately Economic Research at UNLV, spoke on was that “anything that’s pulled from the address sustainability issues for the impact of sustainability on the state natural environment will eventually be the future. and region, and Tom Piechota, director returned to the environment.” With that of the Urban 21 Initiative, addressed said, we have the potential to either let the issue of sustainable development these resources become waste or recycle in both the overall community and the them. Brown is concerned about recycling campus academic community. Tara Pike- on a state and local level and wonders if ith a predicted local Nordstrom, who is the campus recycling we are setting ourselves up to be ready Wpopulation of 4 million manager and sustainability coordinator for for a decline in natural resources. by 2036 and 72 percent of UNLV, covered the state of the university’s “At the state level, there is less Nevadans now living in the Las sustainability efforts — past, present, and opportunity to adopt technological Vegas metro area, Southern future. innovations,” he said. “At the city level, Nevada has become a very urban state that faces many Ortega noted that while we understand recycling is happening on a larger challenges if it is to achieve a the world’s resources are finite, the scale, and at the company level, many sustainable community. These demands on these continue to grow. may choose the technology route challenges include: “Building strategic frameworks at our for sustainability or risk going out of • Economic growth and company has taught our employees business.” diversification to appreciate those resources,” she Pike-Nordstrom has long been • Labor training said. “We formed a ‘green team’ at a proponent of sustainability and • Affordable housing MGM Resorts International, and we renewable resources. “After I started • Water supply didn’t expect it to turn into an employee UNLV’s recycling program, I worked on • Air quality • Traffic and congestion motivation program, but it did. The a food recycling program for campus. • Security and safety message that ‘conservation begins I am dedicated to the advancement of • Health care at home’ really resounded with our sustainability in higher education.” She • Immigration employees.” also commented on the fact that hotel • The best use of land Piechota discussed how he is leading college students have been very helpful to • Public places • Recreation a campuswide effort at UNLV when it her research and projects, even taking an comes to sustainability. “I work with local inventory of trash around campus. Source: http://urban21.unlv.edu/ governments and utility organizations who are also embracing this notion,” 32
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011 I n M e m o r i a m
Brian Ellison
Professional Golf Management (PGM) student Brian Ellison passed away October 19, 2010. With aspirations of owning a golf practice facility in his home state of Tennessee, Ellison was always happiest on the golf course and with his family. Last December, the PGM program held the first annual Brian Ellison Memorial Tournament at Primm Valley Golf Club.
Jerry Wilde
Jerry Wilde passed away February 4, 2010. He was excited about his impending graduation from UNLV and had plans to attend law school. According to Harrah Hotel College Lecturer Gary Waters, “Jerry was really focused on getting his gaming degree. He had a lot of responsibilities and it was sometimes difficult to convince him to only take a few classes at a time! I missed having him as a student in the last few classes he would have taken.” Wilde was honored with a posthumous degree and is survived by his wife Wendy and six children.
Michael Ortiz
Freshman Michael Ortiz passed away March 11, 2011. He was an honor roll graduate of the Northwest Career and Technical Academy and enjoyed wrestling and playing football.
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FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER South Korean Students are Drawn to UNLV Robyn Campbell-Ouchida, ’00 MA
ake a look around UNLV’s Students & Scholars, the appeal is internships), they can get permission to campus, and you’ll see that the fact that the hotel college is in Las do so. a large majority of foreign Vegas and that the university requires “In addition, UNLV is relatively less Tstudents hail from South Korea. work experience. “I have been at UNLV expensive than other notable schools This rings especially true within the for 10 years, and South Korea has with hospitality administration programs,” Harrah Hotel College, whose student been the most represented country continues Young. “UNLV offers several population includes 25% international of international students since the late choices (hotel administration, food and students. Of those students, the largest 1990s,” says Young. “International beverage, tourism, and convention number is from South Korea. What’s the students are normally not permitted management), so the students are able university’s draw to students from such a to work off campus because of their to specialize in a specific area, which is distant land? visa requirements, but since UNLV not always an option at other schools.” According to Kristen Young, the requires them to work (1,000 hours Looking through UNLV’s international director of UNLV’s Office of International work experience and the completion of student statistics, South Korea has 34
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011 definitely led the charge. In the past four popularity with student members. “They in the hotel college this fall. “I just love years, the number of students coming to agree that UNLV and Las Vegas are UNLV and Las Vegas. Eventually, I want UNLV from that country has been at least brand names that have become very to teach here and help others realize all twice that from the next-highest country popular in South Korea. The television of the opportunities a UNLV education of origin, Japan. The top-five represented shows and movies coming out of Asia provides.” countries at UNLV are (in descending continue to gain popularity, and many of Since its inception in 2006, the order) South Korea, Japan, India, China, them feature Las Vegas, which is very Singapore campus has also been helpful and Canada. impactful to their viewers. Also, Korean in introducing international students, Young continues, “UNLV does not UNLV graduates have gone on to including many from Korea, to UNLV. actively recruit international students, become some of the more well-known “We have several students who transfer so those who do end up at UNLV do tourism industry leaders, and many of from the Singapore campus to the Las so on their own. The total number of the younger generation want to follow in Vegas campus every semester just for international students (and the number their footsteps.” the experience of studying in Las Vegas of students from South Korea) has What prompted Sam Lee, ’11, to — the best laboratory for hospitality,” remained virtually unchanged over the check out UNLV and, more specifically, says Young. years despite the fact that UNLV does no the hotel college? For this recent In March 2010, Asian Correspondent overseas recruiting. Name recognition graduate, the decision to attend UNLV (a website news source that is a and location are the main reasons.” wasn’t a particularly difficult one. “I had combination of blog content and Another thing that has enticed South already worked in the events industry hard news) named the Harrah Hotel Koreans to look into Las Vegas, and in South Korea for seven years and College (both campuses specifically, specifically UNLV, was the television had the opportunity to travel all over Las Vegas and Singapore) as one of series “Hotelier,” which aired on South the world,” he says. “I knew that some the top global hospitality and tourism Korea’s MBC network in 2001. A series of day I wanted to own my own business institutions. The article read, “It’s one 20 episodes showcased a fictional five- and was familiar with Las Vegas and area of specialism that has defied star property, the Seoul Hotel, and the UNLV from both South Korean television the worldwide recession, especially trials and tribulations of its staff as they dramas and, even more, from its in Asia, where consumer tastes have embarked on an expensive upgrade. proximity to the Las Vegas Strip.” moved away from budget travel and During the program, one of the show’s With his ultimate goal in mind, Lee firmly into the realms of quality and characters is sent to Las Vegas to study will begin as a UNLV graduate student luxury.” hotel management at UNLV. According to Young, “This show gave UNLV some name recognition in South Korea that not Lee Establishes Scholarship for International Students even the best marketing campaign could After conducting some research, garner.” Hae Un Lee, owner of the Lee’s Another television drama, titled “All In,” Discount Liquor stores in the Las aired in South Korea in 2003. With the Vegas area, decided to establish popularity of “Hotelier” still fresh in the a scholarship fund available only to minds of former viewers, this show was international students studying in the also a hit. Harrah Hotel College. He was aware of These reasons for UNLV’s draw to the fact that many international potential South Korean students were students choose the college and backed up by Assistant Professor wanted to provide a motivation for Yen-Soon Kim, who added another: them. “When Korea hosted the 1988 Summer “I hope to help them begin paying for Olympics, it presented an opportunity their education,” he says. “I just wish to bring international consideration to there were more available scholarship the country. This meant that much more opportunities for international attention was paid to the hospitality students.” industry and symbolized a new legitimacy The Sun and Hae Lee Foundation of Korea in world affairs,” says Kim. “After international scholarship program the Olympics, studying abroad became recognizes up to five Korean students a year and awards funding to assist more popular for Korean students, with the students’ tuition and educational expenses. It honors their work and and the United States has become determination and provides validation that their achievements are recognized. the number-one destination for that The first two recipients of the honor, Heesun Kim and Jae Hyo Park, are education.” Korean. Both were referred to the college – one by a professor at her previous Kim serves as the faculty advisor for university and the other by a top culinary professional – and have goals of the Hospitality Association of Koreans becoming industry professionals. and has discussed the issue of UNLV’s 35
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UNLV Brings Prestigious Tourism Research Conference to Singapore Jennifer Weinman NLV Singapore hosted the 10th Asia UPacific Forum (APF) for Graduate Students’ Research in Tourism July 14 – 17. With over 100 research- oriented conference attendees from more than 15 different countries worldwide, this year’s forum was one of the largest showcases of tourism-related academic research in the Asia region. This year’s theme, “Emerging Tourism and Hospitality Trends,” covered a variety of areas including sustainability, medical tourism, information technology, tourism behaviors, and marketing trends. Inaugural Career Fair Held at UNLV Singapore The wide coverage of topics reflected the commitment of this conference to on Snyder, dean of UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration, stay at the forefront of hospitality and Dand Gerry Koh, ’95 MS, director of the UNLV Singapore Centre for Hospitality tourism academic research. Excellence (CHE), officially opened UNLV Singapore’s annual career fair on June APF founding Chairman Dr. Kaye 17 at its campus in the National Library Building. Chon, dean and chair professor of Attended by over 250 students and alumni from UNLV Singapore’s the School of Hotel and Tourism undergraduate, graduate, and Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) classes, Management at The Hong Kong students were able to meet and interview with 24 of UNLV Singapore’s industry Polytechnic University, reflected on partners for potential internships, part-time job opportunities, and full-time Asia’s growing influence in the tourism employment. Attendees participated in a drawing which earned one lucky sector. “The increased inter-Asian student a trip with Contiki Holidays. traveler has changed the tourism A new annual event for UNLV Singapore Campus, its external relations team landscape tremendously,” he says. will be looking forward to a larger event next spring. Stay tuned for details! “You now see more schools in Asia developing new programs to integrate tourism and hospitality management. APF was created with the vision to develop Asian leadership in these areas.” UNLV Singapore’s Chief Academic Officer Dr. Nicholas J. Thomas comments, “UNLV prides itself on being a leader in tourism education and research globally. We look forward to continued strong relationships with our partners in Singapore that make events like APF possible. UNLV’s presence in Singapore draws world-class activity to the country and it creates a strong On Friday, June 10, UNLV Singapore held its commencement ceremony bridge between the State of Nevada and and reception at the Raffles City Convention Centre. Fifty students Singapore as well.” were conferred degrees.
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UNLV Singapore Hosts Hotel College Alumni Luncheon Dean Don Snyder and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Nicholas Thomas welcomed 26 UNLV alumni to UNLV Singapore’s first alumni luncheon held on June 10 at the Raffles City Convention Centre. UNLV Hotel College faculty and alumni from the undergraduate and graduate programs from both the Las Vegas and Singapore campuses enjoyed lunch together. UNLV Singapore looks forward to welcoming more regionally-based alumni to future networking events.
Noryati Durame has recently been promoted Noelle Lai has been promoted to manager of as office and human resources (HR) manager UNLV Singapore Campus’ Centre for Hospitality at UNLV Singapore. A staff member since Excellence (CHE). The CHE is a continuing August 2006, Durame is now overseeing the education and training centre that is supported management of daily office operations and by the Singapore government’s Workforce human resources. Her HR responsibilities include Development Agency. Lai works alongside the formulating, implementing and reviewing of HR policies and director to oversee the administration of the Workforce Skills procedures and implementing effective recruitment and Qualifications (WSQ) programs. She has been with UNLV retention strategies to meet the growing campus’ needs. Singapore since 2008 and in her new position, she manages Jonathan Galaviz has been appointed as new program development, marketing activities, and all interim head of campus. In this role, he reports student administration matters in CHE. to Dean Don Snyder at UNLV’s hotel college at Jennifer Weinman has been promoted the main campus. He will be primarily focusing to director of external relations and executive on strategic business initiatives for the Singapore education. An employee since 2009, her expanded campus. Galaviz comes from the private sector portfolio covers all external communications of where he is chief economist at Galaviz & Company and the university in Singapore and greater Asia, has consulted to the senior management teams of Fortune developing the executive education arm in 500 companies that operate internationally. He frequently conjunction with the Las Vegas campus, and overseeing appears on CNBC, Bloomberg TV, and BBC as a recognized career services for the growing undergraduate, graduate, and commentator on international economics. He holds an MBA government-sponsored student body in Singapore. Originally from the University of Oxford, England. from the United States, she is pursuing her doctorate of Percy Huang has been promoted to the education with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. director of information technology (IT) and facilities. Lee Hon Yang has been promoted to faculty He began as an IT intern at UNLV Singapore services and academic operations manager. Yang from Temasek Polytechnic in 2006. Huang has is responsible for all matters related to faculty grown with the campus, overseeing all university services and he manages general academic building infrastructure and IT development. He operations, which includes taking care of is responsible for implementing IT policies and constantly undergraduate timetable scheduling, classroom improving technologies and facilities to promote UNLV and allocation, and textbook supplies. He has been with UNLV the hotel college as a leading-edge and renowned high tech Singapore since 2008. university campus globally.
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FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER A l u m n i U p d a t e s Submit your updates to [email protected]
1990s Acromagician College of California in can be reached at tnalewak@ Seth Grabel, December 2010, where cox.net. Peter Arceo, ’05, advanced he also served as the ’96, has joined to the assistant mens’ golf Christine Paciolla, ’05, Casino Arizona Hollywood coach. is the director of sales and at Talking Stick finals of NBC’s marketing for Hotel College Resort as the America’s Tracee Nalewak, ’02 Catering at the University senior director Got Talent. Peter Arceo MS, is the executive of Nevada, Las Vegas. She of sales and He performed director of marketing has been working in special marketing. He was previously during the for Angel Management events and catering in Las a partner with Strategic reality competition’s live Group (AMG). AMG owns Vegas for more than 10 Gaming Advisors and broadcast July 26. and operates nightlife/daylife years. She may be contacted executive director of casino venues and restaurants in at Christine.Paciolla@unlv. marketing for the Las Vegas Las Vegas and beyond. She edu. Hilton. Arceo recently earned his MBA and relocated to Scottsdale, Ariz. Friends may contact him at peter.arceo@ talkingstickresort.com 2000s Natasa Olivier Morowati, ’09, has Christodoulidou, worked in the hospitality ’06 Ph.D., is an industry for fifteen years and assistant professor recently opened a gourmet of marketing at popcorn shop, Popped, in California State Henderson, Nev. Along with University in the Natasa food, Morowati has always Christo- Los Angeles been interested in science and doulidou metropolitan area. an introduction to molecular Christodoulidou specializes gastronomy allowed him to in teaching and researching merge his two passions with internet marketing and also Popped. Previously, he served Rick Schioldager, ’73, Sunny Awazuhara-Reed, ’04, gives seminars on internet as a captain at The Eiffel and Jerod Richards, ’09, show their Rebel spirit in marketing and social media Tower Restaurant. Alaska around the world. When she Congratulations to Sunny Awazuhara-Reed and Jerod Richards both is not teaching or researching, Kendall Murphy, work for Chena Hot Springs Resort near Fairbanks, Alaska. she enjoys traveling to exotic ’08, who was Originally from Japan, Awazuhara-Reed spent a summer places. This year, she has been recently hired as a working in Denali National Park during college and fell in to St. Martin, the Bahamas, Performancetrak love with the state and its wilderness. In 2009, she began St. Thomas, France, Cyprus, representative by working seasonal resort jobs in Alaska before obtaining her Kendall Slovenia, Germany, Australia, the national office current position as a restaurant server and photographer Murphy New Zealand, and Indonesia. of the Professional at Chena, a year-round resort. She is also the owner She can be reached at Golf Association (PGA). In of Spirit Photography, specializing in nature and wildlife [email protected]. this position, he’s in charge of photography. rounds played and revenue Operations Manager Jerod Richards grew up in a small Kainoa Daines, data collection and analysis community, Two Rivers, not far from the Chena Hot Springs ’02, is the director for the 41 sections of the PGA Resort. He first worked at the resort in 2007 as a front desk of sales for the of America nationwide. In agent to fulfill his UNLV work experience requirement. After Oahu Visitors addition, he is the first African- graduation, he worked in West Virginia before moving back Bureau. Friends are American PGA professional to Alaska. invited to contact to work at the national office. Until recently, Rick Schioldager served as Chena’s food him at kainoa@ Kainoa Daines Murphy received his masters and beverage manager. visit-oahu.com. degree from St. Mary’s 38
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011 You Have What It Takes! Lisa (Young) manager. Food and beverage Thomas, partners include TAO Group, Master’s of Hospitality ’07 MS, which also has nightclubs ’10 Ph.D., and restaurants in Las Vegas: Administration Program and Nick Marquee, Tao and Lavo. Thomas, ’02, Courses offered completely online ’06 MHA, Miranda Kitterlin Lynch, Complete in 18 to 24 months ’10 Ph.D., have finished their ’10 Ph.D., is a visiting UNLV Singapore contracts assistant professor in the GRE/GMAT not required for admittance and accepted positions Chaplin School of Hospitality teaching in the Hospitality and Tourism Management Qualifies for financial aid Leadership Program in the at Florida International Take classes & study on YOUR schedule College of Commerce at University’s Biscayne Bay DePaul University in Chicago, campus. Friends are invited Choose from a range of elective courses Ill. to contact her at mkitterlin@ hotmail.com. Michael Vakneen, ’07, is a junior broker at CB Richard Jennifer Meyer, ’11, is Ellis, focusing on industrial beginning her future with commercial real estate. He Starwood Hotels and Resorts can be reached at michael. at The Phoenician as a food [email protected]. and beverage supervisor. In addition, she earned her Jason Roth, ’08, recently associate’s degree from The accepted a position at The Culinary Institute of America Venetian | The Palazzo Hotel and her Level II Sommelier as a catering and conference Certification through the manager specializing in International Sommelier Guild. social, public relations, and government relations events. The Venetian | The Palazzo is the largest resort convention facility in the world with over 2.2 million square feet of meeting space. Roth was previously the assistant director for Alumni Special Events and Student Involvement at UNLV. Roth can be emailed at jason. [email protected]. It’s Career Power 2010s Ayo Akinsete, ’10 MS, was at Your Fingertips! recruited by Vickram Chatwal hotels to open Dream 702.895.5430 Downtown, a $250 million [email protected] project on the border of the http://hotel.unlv.edu Meatpacking District and Chelsea in Manhattan, New York. It is the brand’s flagship property. Akinsete was hired as a pre-opening specialist and is now the front desk 39
FALL/WINTER 2011 PREMIER C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s
The official publication of is the highest honor awarded for his accomplishments Operating OfficerScott the Association of Gaming by the chapter. and support of the local Sibella, ’88, for going Equipment Manufacturers hospitality industry. McBeath undercover as a frontline (AGEM) recently selected Assistant Professor Mehmet is the president and chief employee at his property 11 women they feel have Erdem was awarded the operating officer of Aria for the CBS reality show distinguished themselves in 2011 John Wiley & Sons Resort & Casino. “Undercover Boss.” The their respective positions. Award for Innovation in program aired in March. This group was highlighted Teaching by the International Judy Nagai, ’11 Ph.D., in the July 12 issue of Council on Hotel, Restaurant, earned her doctorate in Congratulations to Courtney Gaming Today. Of the and Institutional Education educational leadership in Suess, a Ph.D. student and group, five were named “The (CHRIE) in July. He also May. Nagai has worked for graduate assistant in the Great Women of Gaming received the 2011 Global the hotel college since March hotel college. She recently Proven Leaders.” Patricia Information Technology 2002. served as a collaborator on a Becker, executive director Management Association project with the UNLV School of the International Gaming (GITMA) Organizational Congratulations to Professor of Architecture’s Hospitality Institute and compliance Leadership Award in Patti Shock who received Design Program which was committee chairwoman at June for his efforts in IT the Lifetime Achievement chosen as a finalist in the Bally Technologies Inc. was conference organization. Award from the Las Vegas United States Institute for part of this distinguished In addition, Erdem was Chapter of the National Theatre Technology (USITT) group. Colleen Birch, recently presented with the Association of Catering “Ideal Theatre” International ’99, who serves as The 2011 Innovation in Teaching Executives (NACE) in Student Design Competition. Cosmopolitan’s director of Award by the International November 2010. In addition, This is the second year in revenue management and Council on Hotel, Restaurant, she was awarded lifetime a row that UNLV has had distribution, was honored as and Institutional Education emeritus status as a certified two teams place in this one of the “Great Women of (I-CHRIE). Since 1993, this professional catering prestigious competition. Gaming Rising Star Awards” award has been granted to a executive from national The project includes tourism in the same publication. hospitality educator in higher NACE and is only the second planning and development, education in recognition person to achieve this status. architecture, and hospitality UNLV PGA Golf Management of innovation and creative facility design and Director Christopher technology use in the Kudos to MGM Grand management. Cain was chosen by the classroom. President and Chief PGA of America to serve as a member of the PGM Congratulations to Executive University Accreditation Chef and Adjunct Professor Team. Cain will serve a four John Gremo, ’02, for year appointment joining the becoming a finalist for the PGA director of accreditation Culinarian of the Year Award Premier and university programming, from the Nevada Restaurant a PGA national board of Association in October 2010. director, and an industry Over the past year, Gremo wants to hear consultant responsible has traveled to many Asian for site visitations and the locales, including Singapore, evaluation of self study Macau, Hong Kong, from you! materials of PGM university Thailand, and Taiwan, to programs nationwide. Cain’s learn about Asian culture and service to the accreditation cuisine. He also attended the team will provide UNLV South Beach Wine & Food Please send your accomplishments with valuable insight to Festival in February and best practices and market appeared on KVVU Fox 5’s to the Director of Alumni & College trends. In addition, Cain was MORE television show with Relations Robyn Hadden recognized by the Las Vegas students. Chapter of the Southwest at [email protected]. Section of the PGA as The Epicurean Charitable Professional of the Year at its Foundation Las Vegas annual awards banquet. This honored Bill McBeath, ’87, 40
PREMIER FALL/WINTER 2011 Meetings… Hotel College Catering with high expectations University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The next time you’re looking for the perfect space to host BUSINESS MEETINGS, WEDDINGS, UPSCALE your special event, look no DINNERS, MIXERS — the possibilities are endless, thanks to the more than 6,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space further than the experts at the available at the Stan Fulton Building and the professional and Harrah Hotel College. With the experienced catering staff of Hotel College Catering. We can host small gatherings as well as receptions for 400 people and full- range of services and room service dinners for 250. The Stan Fulton Building is also home to a hip yet comfortable lounge-style bar available for after-work get styles available, there is certain togethers. Conveniently located at the edge of the UNLV campus on the corner of Flamingo Road and Swenson, fi ve minutes from to be one that fits your needs the Las Vegas Strip, the Stan Fulton Building is an ideal setting for perfectly. Proceed with high your special event. Let Executive Chef John Gremo and his talented culinary team deliver an unforgettable dining experience, whether expectations! it’s a continental breakfast, a working lunch, or an elegant dinner.
Take a peek at what we can do for your event: http://sfbevents.unlv.edu Expec t the best.
For information please contact: Christy Paciolla, Director of Sales & Marketing 801 E. Flamingo • Las Vegas, NV 89154 • Main (702) 895-3903 LL M ollege of L M N S N U n i v e r s i t y o f N e va d a , L a s V e g a s
Box 456013 4505 S Maryland Parkway Las Vegas, NV 89154-6013
We can be a little dramatic
Check out the new events calendar go.unlv.edu/calendar