Administrator, Author at Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

New Brewing Science Lab, New Levels in Research and Innovation

The Chaplin School celebrated the opening of the Brewing Science Laboratory alongside Brooklyn Brewery’s American brewmaster and best-selling author, Garrett Oliver, at an introduction event on April 3. The new lab will enhance the School’s existing Brewing Science Program and provide the necessary facilities to position the School as a worldwide leader for education and applied research in this burgeoning industry. With advanced technology and equipment, the lab will allow for research in the brewing industry. With advanced technology and equipment, the lab will allow students and faculty to participate in innovative brewing research, the creation of new brews, collaborations with local craft brewers, and participation in public events such as the Chaplin School's Institute for Hospitality & Tourism Education & Research (IHTER) South Florida BrewFest. In the Media: Watch the NBC 6 report "FIU Launches Beer Making Program" and see how Dr. Barry Gump inspires students in the science of beer making. Read what the South Florida Business Journal wrote about the Brewing Science Lab in "Students, Teachers Get Entreprenuerial at FIU's Chaplin School". Check out other facilities at the Chaplin School.

Hospitality Student Leads Peers on a Guided Tour of Miami

Ralph de la Portilla recently led a group of 52 Hospitality Management students on a sightseeing tour of Miami. From Miami Beach to Coral Gables, students traveled by bus and experienced Miami as many of the region's tourists do with their instructor Nancy Del Risco, Ph.D., tourism lecturer at the Chaplin School. In Miami Beach, the group received a comprehensive understanding of the city's history, its Art Deco architecture, visited cultural landmarks such as the Versace Mansion and hotel properties. After a short trip over the bridge back to the mainland, the tour continued into Downtown Miami and Miami's financial district in Brickell. As the tour wove in and out of the narrow Downtown streets, students experienced a bit of past and present with sites like the Freedom Tower, Tequesta Indian history in the area, the American Airlines Arena, and the new Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts which all sit in close proximity. Students also went on a walking tour of Little Havana's Domino Park and stopped to have a classic guarapo (Cuban sugar cane drink), cafecito, and croquetas as the locals would do. They also visited Cuban art galleries and a tobacco factory. In Coral Gables, students got a glimpse of the landmark Biltmore Hotel. When asked about his experience leading his peers, student Ralph de la Portilla said: "In my 10 years of guiding visitors throughout South Florida, this particular tour was unique: the group was comprised of locals! I really didn't know what to expect. It turned out to be as pleasurable as any other group I've worked with over the past decade! The pleasure I'm afforded being a professional guide is that I get to see Miami each and every time [...]

Hospitality Students Awarded for Leadership at the 2014 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival

Recipients of the 2014 Lee Brian Schrager Excellence in Leadership Awards were recently presented with their certificates at an award ceremony at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. The seven students, (left to right) Sylvia de Ovin-Berenguer, Rossy Ambe-Cohen, Paige Wuensch, Debra Kuhn, Angelie Rodriguez, Javier Nolla, and Malcolm Prude, pictured with Lee Brian Schrager (center) were recognized for their efforts during the 2014 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE. FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management annually recognizes the outstanding leadership that Mr. Schrager has exemplified as founder and director of the world-renowned Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Shrager's vision and leadership as one of the nation’s preeminent event producers and public relations experts, has provided Chaplin School students with the encouragement, motivation, and inspiration necessary for them to become future leaders in their fields. His vision and exceptional dedication to the wine and culinary world continues to provide a beacon to shine on our community, and to benefit the students of FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. Students received awards for their efforts in the following categories: Excellence in Special Event Management Javier F. Nolla was nominated for his exemplary management of the North Venue Lead Team and Recruiting, placing, and supporting Culinary Management students onsite. Angelie Rodriguez was nominated based upon her exceptional work assisting with planning and execution of seven events throughout the festival. Excellence in Culinary Management Rossy Ambe-Cohen was selected for her efforts as Lead Student Volunteer for The Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Lab Inaugural Dinner, Best of the Best, Sammy Hagar, and Best of the Munchies events, Debra Allan Kuhn performed as a Culinary [...]

On the Move: Hospitality Alumnae Promotions

The goal of any student while in college is to secure or advance a career in their chosen field after college. For two Chaplin School alumni, that has been exactly the case. Catalina Orozco B.S. '07 (pictured left) and Zhiran "Nature" Liu B.S. '13 (pictured right) both recently shared news of their respective promotions in the hospitality industry with the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Career Development Program at the Chaplin School. Originally from Miami, Ms. Orozco, began her career in hospitality with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Miami as an Employee Relations Manager. In 2010, she accepted a position as Human Resources Manager at the Four Seasons. Now, at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, she has been named as the new Assistant Director of Human Resources. Ms. Liu's hard work at the InterContinental Miami Hotel was rewarded with a promotion to Loyalty Speciality/Rooms Controller. During her time at FIU, Ms. Liu was an international student from China majoring in Hospitality Management. She credits the Chaplin School's career development team for referring her to the IHG Academy which led to her position at the InterContinental Miami Hotel. The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Career Development Program offers career assistance to both current students and alumni who have graduated from the hospitality program. To learn more about the services offered, visit hmcareer.fiu.edu.

Hospitality Professors Recognized for Outstanding Scholarly Achievements

Three members of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management faculty were recently nominated as Top Scholars at FIU. Professors Miranda Kitterlin, Patrick Cassidy, and Aaron Welch were nominated in honor of their outstanding scholarly contributions to the academic community. Professor Kitterlin, who won Best Paper for her publication Festival Motivation and Loyalty Factor at the TMS Algarve 2013 Tourism & Management Studies International Conference, said, “It is a great honor to be recognized as an FIU Top Scholar, especially with so many other amazing researchers within our institution. However, the research endeavors for which I am being recognized would not have been possible without the support of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management's administration team and my research partner and colleague, Dr. Michelle Yoo.” Assistant professor Miranda Kitterlin, Ph.D. was nominated for her award-winning publication, Festival Motivation and Loyalty Factor, which won the Best Paper Award at the TMS Algarve 2013 Tourism & Management Studies International Conference. Assistant professor Aaron Welch, Ph.D. received the nomination for Young Faculty with Significant Funding as a result of his research. His grant was awarded by the National Institute of Food & Agriculture. Professor Patrick Cassidy, Ph.D. was nominated for being honored by the Society of Wine Educators with The Grand Award, which recognizes wine luminaries. Along with other distinguished nominees, the hospitality professors will be recognized by President Mark B. Rosenberg at a reception on March 28.

On the Bay After Dark

What do you do when you're away from the books? When the sun goes down, Campus Recreation's underlit paddle boarding and kayaking excursions are the perfect way to take advantage of warm Miami temps and a unique activity on the Biscayne Bay campus while hanging out with friends. Daytime activity seekers can also kayak and paddle board. Activities are free for FIU students. Visit the Biscayne Bay Campus Recreation's Adventure X website for rate and contact information.

Hospitality Alumnus Takes British Airways to the Top

Under the leadership of managing director of Brands & Customer Experience, Frank van der Post '84, British Airways has been voted UK's 2014 Consumer Superbrand of the Year in a Bristish national survey. When asked about the honor, Mr. van der Post said, "We are thrilled to be named the Consumer Superbrand of the year. It is the greatest accolade that the hard work of our teams has been recognized by the public to receive this coveted award." Watch the Video

Professor Cassidy Receives “Grand Award” for Teaching

The Society of Wine Educators (SWE) recently presented Professor Patrick "Chip" Cassidy with "The Grand Award" at their 37th Annual Conference in Orlando. The award recognizes Professor Cassidy's achievements as a wine professional and his nearly thirty-year commitment to excellence in wine education at the Chaplin School. Past recipients of “The Grand Award” are Robert Mondavi, famous winemakers Warren Winiarski and Mike Grigich, and Jancis Robinson the noted British wine critic. Professor Cassidy will celebrate thirty years of teaching at the Chaplin School. SWE profiled Professor Cassidy in their official blog Wine, Wit, and Wisdom. Photo courtesy of The Official Blog of the Society of Wine Educators Read More

Badia Spices Contest Challenges Chaplin Students to Innovate

Chaplin and Badia Spices recently hosted a spice rub competition that put students’ imaginations to the test in a challenge that called for students to create a unique spice rub that Badia Spices will sell and distribute. “It is very rewarding to be able to help develop the next generation of industry professionals,” said Joseph Badia, owner of Badia Spices. Jenifer Bound, a senior majoring in hospitality management, was declared the winner and the recipient of the $5,000 Soul of Cooking Scholarship from Badia. Bound’s original spice combination of smoked paprika, white pepper, roasted garlic powder, cumin, smoked sea salt, cocoa powder, chipotle chili powder, and brown sugar will be launched at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE in February 2014. A percentage of worldwide sales of the unique spice blend will benefit FIU students in perpetuity. “I am thrilled and honored to be named the winner of this contest,” Bound said. “It was an amazing opportunity for me to test my imagination and my ability to contribute original ideas to the industry.” In addition to the grand prize, Badia Spices also awarded $2,000 scholarships to each of the five semifinalists.

Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation Donates $1 Million Naming Gift to School

The Foundation made the announcement at the 33rd Wine Experience, an annual event that gathers leaders in the wine industry for an evening of honor and recognition. The generous gift supports the training of future innovators in the newly named, state-of-the-art Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Laboratory. Read More

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