Bradford Capuozzo, an undergraduate student at FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, presented research guided by Dr. Howook Chang at one of the nation’s largest graduate research conferences. Research presented: An exploratory investigation of particular matter pollution in restaurants In his own words| Bradford Capuozzo As an undergraduate student attending the 24th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism was eye-opening experience. By seeing the drive for deeper understanding of intricate areas of the hospitality industry, my own drive was ignited. Having first-hand experiences with individuals who are doing research, asking and answering questions, in relevant parts of hospitality has made me realize how much there is still left out there to uncover. Having the opportunity to network with these individuals was a bonus in addition to all the information and ideas I had already learned. While graduate education seemed something far out in my future, attending and presenting at the conference has sparked my interest in pursuing a graduate degree in the more immediate future.

FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management resumes renowned lecture series with visit from industry icon By Lazaro Gonzalez Hospitality industry giant, Michael A. Leven, spoke to FIU hospitality students, followed by an engaging Q&A session. His visit to the school on January 30, 2019 marks the revival of the school’s Michael E. Hurst Distinguished Hospitality Leaders Lecture Series. Co-founder of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, the largest hotel owners association in the world, Leven today serves as CEO of the Georgia Aquarium after a very successful career as a hotel executive and entrepreneur. He began his career in 1963 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. Through the years, he climbed to the highest executive levels and ran the franchising businesses of companies like Days Inn and Holiday Inn. He has reinvigorated multiple hotel properties, including the Las Vegas Sands, and he also founded and sold a successful hotel franchising business. As he recounted his professional journey of more than five decades, Leven encouraged students to focus on developing diverse skills and knowledge about different areas of the industry and to be willing to take risks. “Brains are not a substitute for hard work. You have to believe that the work ethic you put in is going to amount to something,” he said. “You should not fear failure because making a mistake is not failure. Making a mistake can be a learning experience. If you never do things because you fear making a mistake, you’ll never do anything.” Dave Bordes, a junior hospitality management student, was part of a selected group of students who shared an intimate lunch with Leven. “It’s a tremendous opportunity being able to meet and speak [...]

THE Cabinet Office has announced the appointment of Michael Foulkes as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, effective from January 30. As Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Foulkes will be responsible for... read more on tribune242.com.

Last week, Florida International University invited AAHOA Young Professional Director Eastern Division Purvi Panwala to speak at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management on the topics of Hospitality Marketing Strategy, Hospitality Facilities Management, and Hospitality Management in general. by: Purvi Panwala As I arrived on the FIU campus, and I could see the students in line for their morning coffee and rushing off to their classes. I received a warm welcome from... read more. Sourced from todayshotelier.com

Beverage connoisseurs agree: finding a great beer can be incredibly rewarding. For Paige Wuensch ’12 MS ’14, beer gave her a career and a future husband, too. Wuensch, now a regional sales manager for BrewHub, was at a pre-planning meeting for the 2013 North Miami Brewfest when she spotted William Rivera. She was a student, and he was the venue’s point of contact. They didn’t talk then, but they would meet later among friends at Falcon Pub in Davie. They ended up getting engaged. “It was very unexpected, but definitely welcome at the time. We met about beer and then we officially met with beer in hand,” Rivera said. Wuensch’s adult life has truly been... read full story

By Lazaro Gonzalez  |  Image courtesy of bcellars.com Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management alumnus Duffy Keys ’75 will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award at the 17th Annual Torch Awards Gala on Saturday, November 17, 2018. The celebration pays tribute to alumni who are making an impact in their professions, in the community and at the university. Duffy Keys is Principal and Co-Founder of B Cellars Vineyards and Winery in the Napa Valley. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine Spectator consistently rate the company one of Napa Valley’s prominent vintners. He is an honorary member of the Board of Directors for Casa de Amparo, a California nonprofit whose mission is the treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect. He also serves as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board Council at the Chaplin School. “We are proud of our alumni who, like Duffy, continue to do so many great things in their careers and the community. We are particularly proud and honored to have Duffy’s support to our school and our students,” said Dr. Michael Cheng, interim dean. For more information and to register to attend the event, please click here. Net proceeds from the annual Torch Awards Gala benefit the future construction of the FIU Alumni Center at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus and the First-Generation Scholarship Program at FIU, which supports undergraduate students who are the first in their families to attain a college degree.

Dr. Carolin Lusby has been working with Conservation International on a project and grant to protect primary rainforests in the Amazon through the establishment of small scale ecotourism development in the Kayapo Indigenous Territories. These forests are under enormous threats of illegal mining, ranching and logging. She also has two presentations at the 15th World Leisure Congress from 8/28 - 9/1 in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Quilombo culture and community based tourism and attributes of a cruise vacation.

By Lazaro Gonzalez Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management surprised its incoming freshman class with a $500 scholarship for each student. The scholarship announcement came during the school’s annual pinning ceremony for freshman, held on August 19. The Lee Brian Schrager Aim Higher Scholarship, named in honor of the founder and director of the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival, is funded by proceeds from the annual gourmet gathering. “We’re extremely lucky and proud to be able to do this for our students,” said Michael Cheng, interim dean of the Chaplin School. “It would not be possible without the support of the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Many FIU students come from low-income families. We hope to provide some financial relief and motivate them toward a timely graduation.” To date, the festival has raised more than $28 million for the Chaplin School. “Providing scholarship support like this to the school is the foundation on which the festival was created,” said Schrager, who also serves as Senior Vice President of Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “These incoming students are the future leaders of the hospitality industry, and we are pleased to be able to support them as they embark on their interactive educational journey.” The Chaplin School plans to award the scholarship to all future incoming freshmen. The students will receive the $500 after completing their first 30 credits.

It was the final round of the 2016 Chopped Teen Tournament. The only thing that stood between Eliana de Las Casas and the grand prize was a basket. When she opened it, it was filled with mangoes, graham crackers, cream cheese and gelatin. It was the basket of de Las Casas’ dreams – literally. “The night before the finale, I had a dream that those exact ingredients were in my basket, and I made mango float – a Filipino dessert – that my Nana taught me how to make,” de Las Casas said. As the clock ticked down, de Las Casas plated her mango float and presented it to the judges. While she may have dreamed about the challenge, she never could have imagined what came next. She was named the Chopped Teen Grand Champion. Read more.