Bruce Blum ‘82 was recognized at FIU’s 15th annual Torch Awards Gala for his notable achievements in hospitality. During his illustrious 32-year career, Blum has held principal-oriented leadership positions within private and public hotel platforms that capitalized early upon emerging trends, such as spa resorts in the ‘80s, conference resorts in the ‘90s, distressed investments post 9/11 and independent, lifestyle hotels since 2011. He co-founded GB Lodging four years ago after his 10-year run at The Chartres Lodging Group, where he rose to Partner and was instrumental in its aggressive portfolio growth, capital raising, asset management and advisory activities while serving as Managing Partner of Kokua Hospitality, LLC and its property management affiliate. Before Chartres Lodging, Blum served as CEO of Doral Hotels & Resorts. He is a member of the GFI Executive Committee, Doral Arrowwood Board of Directors and New York Hospitality Council. Blum graduated from the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management with honors, was awarded the FIU Medallion by FIU’s board of trustees for exemplary professional and civic endeavors, serves on its Advisory Board and is Task Force Leader, Real Estate Master’s Program Development.   From left to right - Duane Wiles, Associate VP and Executive Director, FIU Alumni Association; Bruce Blum, Co-Founder, GB Lodging; Mark Rosenberg, FIU President