competition Archives - Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

Students and Staff Compete and Win at State Collegiate DECA Conference

Four Chaplin School students made it to the finals at the 2016 DECA State Career Development Conference held in Orlando, Florida. Collegiate DECA prepares student members for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and entrepreneurship. At this year's conference, students engaged in rich professional development programs and competitions in the areas of marketing management, human resource management, and travel and tourism. The event ended with the presentation of awards to students and staff where the Chaplin School received the following recognition: Kimberly Rivera, Outgoing State President, First Place (Marketing Management) and First Place (Travel and Tourism) James Unsell, Third Place (Human Resource Management) John Simpson, State Finalist (Travel and Tourism) Heissel Mayorga, State Finalist (Travel and Tourism) In addition, the Chaplin School's Professor Oren Hertz received Overall State Advisor of the Year and academic advisor Nico Rose was presented with the New Advisor of the Year Award. Collegiate DECA has over 15,000 members across 275 college and university campuses in the U.S. Photo (left to right): John Simpson, Heissel Mayorga, James Unsell, and Nico Rose

Students Find Innovative Applications for Fondant

The American Sugar Refining Group (ASR) Group recently hosted the first Dry Fondant Competition for the Chaplin School, featuring three specialty ingredients in the company's portfolio. Students had to develop new and innovative ways to use the dry fondant outside of baked goods. Seven students participated in the competition and two finalists competed for the grand prize of $1,000. The runner up won $500. Arlyene Ponce was the grand prize winner. Her creation, Chipotle Lime BBQ Shrimp and Cornbread, utilized the product for caramelization as well as volume. Runner up Walter Yu used ASR products as a texturizing agent. This competition highlighted the students capability to adapt and apply their knowledge of using technical ingredients. "We are very excited to collaborate with ASR Group and their innovation center. The student finalists approached their concepts in a very creative way, and they are both very deserving of the awards." said Dr. Michael Cheng, professor and director of food and beverage programs at the Chaplin School. Photo, left to right: Gloria Docilait, Business Analysis Intern, ASR Group Michelle Tittl, Senior Research Scientist, ASR Group Arlyene Ponce, FIU junior, Grand prize winner Walter Navarro, FIU senior, Runner up Warren Yu, Technical Innovation Manager, ASR Group Lynda Law, Marketing Manager, ASR Group Ali Greenman, Receptionist, ASR Group

Chaplin Faculty Invited to Return as Judges at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair

Professors Barry Gump and Patrick "Chip" Cassidy served as professional wine judges for the 41st annual Sonoma County Harvest Fair. The Professional Wine Competition took place on September 15 and 16, followed by the sweepstakes selection on September 17. Dr. Gump and Professor Cassidy joined fellow educators, enologists, and wine professionals tasked with judging more than 1,000 wines in just two and a half days. Both Dr. Gump and Professor Cassidy are sought after wine judges and experts, serving on panels in the past at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in California, American Fine Wine Competition in Florida, Atlantic Seaboard Competition in Virginia, and the International Eastern Wine Competition in New York, to name a few. During this trip, the two professors had the pleasure of reconnecting with Chaplin alumnus Mike Faulk, the winemaker of Engracia Wines, a gold medal winner at this year's competition. Photo: FIU hospitality management professors Dr. Barry Gump and Patrick "Chip" Cassidy with Katie Young of Sonoma County Harvest Fair (right) on the Frei Brothers E. & J. Gallo Ranch in California.

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