Alumni Awards
- PSHRS Honors 2023 Alumni Award Recipients
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Alumni of the Year
Thomas Garvin, '91, president and CEO, Waverly Heights LTD
Entrepreneur of the Year
John Flannigan, '96, founder and CEO, Wylder Hotels
Alumni Industry Achievement
MaryBeth Jones, '88, senior vice president, human resource operations, Marriott International
Mike Schugt, '88, president, Teneo Hospitality Group
Adam Tegge, '00, vice president of operations, Ashford Inc.
Emerging Professionals-Graduates
Lisa Gao, '17g, associate professor, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Emerging Professionals- Undergraduates
Stacey Dangel, '16, feasibility, Host Hotels and Resorts
David Irish, '19, area coach of operations, Panda Restaurant Group
Dominique Newton, '15, senior manager, Global Operations Property Management Systems, Marriott International
Madeline Parks, '14, senior account executive, Marriott International
Erica Teddone, '18, global travel and meetings strategist, Estee Lauder Companies
Paige Witt, '15, director, global pricing, Hilton Hospitality Group
PSHRS Awards Criteria & Past Recipients
- Alumni of the Year Award
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Criteria
- Graduate of any Penn State program and received a degree more than ten years ago
- Current Member of PSHRS
- Actively participates in various activities, with Penn State and PSHRS
- Demonstrates consistent career progression and leadership in their job in the hospitality industry
- Had a leadership role in a community service organization through company-sponsored events or personal pursuits
Past Recipients
2022:
Ron Gorodesky ’79, CEO, Refined Hospitality
2021:
Ken Young, ’72, Executive Chairman, Spectra Food Services and Hospitality
2020:
Tom Neely '87, General Manager, Nittany Lion Inn
2019:
George Dabney, '88, Thayer Lodging, Brookfield Hotel Properties
2018:
Hugh Roth, '87, PepsiCo Global Food Service
2017 :
John Metz, Jr. '90, Sterling Hospitality
2016:
Tom Martini '88, Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh Hotel
2015:
Bill Kohl ’85, Greenwood Hospitality Group
2014:
Tom Smith ’82, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
2013:
Debbie Ulrich ’77, Sysco Central Pennsylvania
2012:
Ted Farrand ’71, Cini-Little International, Inc.
2011:
Bruce Thomas ’80, Geisinger Health Systems
2010:
Dave Scypinski ’77, Conference Direct
2009:
Lea Ann Kish ’87, Milestone Hospitality
2008:
Ed Book, Jr. ’79, Marriott
2007:
Bill Kidd ’87, Host Hotels and Resorts
2006:
Joe McCann ’78, Optimum Hotel Brokerage
2005:
Bart Bartlett ’76, Penn State School of Hospitality Management
2004:
Jim Purdum ’75, Penn State Hospitality Services
2003:
Tom Ruff ’77, Biltmore Resort
2002:
Ed Brown ‘58
2001:
Franco Harris ’72 Super Bakery
2000:
Harvey Kamp ‘70
1999:
Darlene Brady ’75, Disney
1998:
Jim Moore ‘57
- Alumni Industry Achievement Award
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Criteria
- Graduate of any Penn State hospitality program and received a degree more than ten years ago
- Demonstrates consistent career progression and leadership in their job in the hospitality industry
- Had a leadership role in a community service organization through company-sponsored events or personal pursuits
Past Recipients
2022
Denise Buxton Bradley ’83, Regional Vice President of Sales, Hyatt
Scott Wiseman ’89, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Apple Leisure Group
2021
Joe Bocherer, ‘96, Chief Commercial Officer, George World Congress Center
Jill Ferguson, ‘98, Associate Vice President - Conference and Registration, Mortgage Bankers Association
Dan Stone, ‘99, Chief Operating and Development Officer, Front Burner Brands
2020
Sarah Cannon-Foster '86, Vice President, HR, Global Business Transformation, Walgreens Boots Alliance
Gregg Caren '84, President and CEO, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau
Gail Frazer '91, Vice President, Global Sales, Corporate Accounts, Marriott International
2019
Tim Colligan ‘86, Oracle Hospitality
Glenn Lewis ‘77, Marriott International
Jay Lynn ‘89, IHG2018
Jamie Moore, '96, Eat'n Park Hospitality Group
Jack Moyer, '89, 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa
John Rubino, '86, Interstate Hotels and Resorts2017
Bart Berkey '89, Marriott International
Doug Gehret '92, Hilton Worldwide
Marc Goldberg '84, Compass Organization2016
Rob Carl `85, Felcor Lodging Trust, Inc.
Nina Doumani `89, Marriott International
Heather Seasholtz `98, Talley Management Group2015
Richard Budney '85, Sodexo
Daniel Entenberg '01, Gramercy Park Hotel
Rob Tannenbaum '89, DiamondRock Hospitality Group
- Emerging Professional Undergraduate Award
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Criteria
- Graduated within the last 10 years from Penn State from a hospitality bachelor’s degree program
- Actively participates in various activities, either with Penn State or PSHRS
- Demonstrates consistent career progression and leadership in their job in the hospitality industry
- Documented community service through company-sponsored events or personal pursuits
Past Recipients
2022
Megan Casey ’12, Director, F&B Support, North America, Oracle Hospitality
Lauren Goodrich ’12, Director of Design & Development - Global Brand Operations, Marriott International
Shanttel Liberato ’13, Market and Engagement Project Manager – Diversity Design, Herman Miller
Kayla Molitoris ’12, Clubhouse Manager, Bent Creek Country Club
Natalie Wainger ’14, Senior Manager – Finance Business Partner | Consumer Operations – Global Brands & Marketing, Marriott International
2021
Aidan Aktouf, ‘12, Area Manager, Expedia Group
Dan Palella, ‘12, Director of National Marketing, Aria Casino and Resort (MGM Resorts)
Jose Preza, ‘14, University Recruiting Technology and Operations Lead, Danaher Corp.
Megan Taylor, ‘13, General Manager, The Kinney San Luis Obispo (Pacifica Hotels), Tapestry Collection by Hilton
MJ Worsham, ‘11, Director of Restaurant Technology, Five Guys Enterprises
2020
Abby Estevez '13, Senior Luxury Travel Sales Manager, Conrad New York Midtown
Justin George '10, Director of Operations, Peak Beverage
Felicia Kelly '15, Food & Beverage Manager, Operations Support Services, Marriott International
Yaheng Li '16, Product Design and Brand Standards Director, Radisson RED (China), Jinjiang International
Samantha Moore '12, Senior Director, Meetings and Education, American Bakers Association
Juliana Titon '14, Chief Operating Officer and Owner, Spedini Trattoria and It's Grill, Brazil
2019
Daniel Brauer, ‘14, Marriott International
Megan Kehler ‘10, Hilton
Meredith Ortals, ‘13, Great American Restaurants
Kayla Shull ’11, Ecolab
John Ventura, ‘13, Convene
2018
Patrick Keenan, '08, B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group
Danielle Marulla, '12, The Club at Park Avenue by Convene
Micah Smith, '08, Courtyard by Marriott Arlington Rosslyn (Marriott International)
Sara Quinteros-Fernandez, '09, University of Maryland Medical Center
Tim Vogelbacker, '12, Marriott International2017
Melissa Navarro '12, Expedia Inc.
Don Pearse '11, Ecolab
Maci Schau '12, Hilton Revenue Management Consolidated Center
Allison Stuebing '10, Hillstone Restaurant Group2016
Jessica Byars `10, Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Emily Johnson `06, Korman Communities
Aparna Kuckreja `10, Marriott International
Rudy Lasher `06, CulinArt Group2015
Chris Talley '09, Aramark
Deborah Surden '05, Expedia
Dana Katz '09, Host Hotels & Resorts
April Judy '08, Candlewood Suites (IHG)2014
Ashley Akright '09, Gaylord Hotels ( Marriott International)
Catherine Kruegler '09, Shack Shake (Union Square Hospitality Group)
Jack Lindemuth '04, Kimpton Hotels
Justine Schmider '07, Pappas Restaurants2013
Dant Hirsch '03, St. Regis (Starwood Hotels & Resorts)
Alexandra Barton '06, Spiaggia (Levy Restaurants)
Katy Goldin '09, Vista Host2012
Chris Edwards '06, Potbelly Sandwich Works
Leighan Blaede '03, IHG
Ryan Spear Ritz '02, Carlton2011
Leigh Silkunas '08, Kimpton Hotels
Michael Pajak '06, Hilton Worldwide2010
Shannon Egan '07, Marriott International
Marcello Khattar '04, Four Seasons
Chris Schubert '05, W Hotel
Shawn Smith '02, JBG Companies2009
Jason Bayona '05, W Hotel
Ed Buttacavoli '03, ARAMARK
Amy Miller '04, Restaurant Associates
Julie Muchoney '99, Doubletree2008
Lawrence Hartman '98, Micros
Ryan Chrissis '99, Pinnacle Entertainment
Anna Berdel '00, ARAMARK
Jonathon Zottola '03, Vista Host2007
Steve Morgan '04, Interstate Hotels & Resorts
Josh Crandall '99, Cura Hospitality
Samantha Shaeffer '98, Marriott Hotels
Ryan Spear '02, Ritz Carlton2006
Leon Rimmey '02, Marriott Hotels
Jamie Moore '96, Eat'n Park
Amber Hartman '04, Hillstone Restaurant Group
Julius Ridgley '03, Eat'n Park2005
Eudora Wu '96, Ritz Carlton
Allison Menges '96, ARAMARK
Ben Shank '00, Four Seasons
William Yahr '01, Ritz Carlton2004
Matt Hummer Sheraton '01, Manhattan Hotel
Jennifer Leonard '94, Marriott Hotels
William McClintock '99, Marriott Hotels
Jessica Park '96, ARAMARK2003
Trevor Clark '98, Marriott Hotels
Aden King '97, Phillips Foods and Seafood Restaurant
Jennifer Tracy '95, ARAMARK2001
Carrie Jankowski '98, Marriott
2000
Jamie Decker '97, NBC Universal, Orlando
Elizabeth Winstanley '97, Waldorf Astoria
- Emerging Professional Graduate Award
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Criteria
- Graduated within the last 10 years from Penn State from a hospitality graduate degree program
- Actively participates in various activities, either with Penn State or PSHRS
- Demonstrates consistent career progression and leadership in their job in the hospitality industry
- Documented community service through company-sponsored events or personal pursuits
Past Recipients
2022
Laurie (Luorong) Wu, Ph.D, ‘14g, Associate Professor, School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management, Temple University
2021
Alei Fan, Ph.D., ’16, Assistant Professor, School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Purdue University
2020
Choongbeom(CB) Choi '15, Assistant Professor, Sejong University
2019
Landie Qiu, ‘13, Revenue Management Systems an Accelya Group Company
2018
Sean McGinley, '15, Florida State University
2017
Lydia Hanks '12 , Hospitality Management, Florida State University
2016
Nan Hua `07, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida
2015
Qu Xiao ’07, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
2014
Li Miao ’08, Purdue University
2013
Amrik Singh ’04, University of Denver
2012
Coren Burton ’04, Hershey
Seoki Lee ’06, Penn State
2011
Suksan Ruanpattana ’04, Cozy Thai
Peeranee Musigchai ’04, Cozy Thai
2009
Jeff Heim ’99, Penn State
2008
Hae Moon Oh ’97, UMASS
2007
Andrew Hale Feinstein ’99, UNLV
2006
Ki Joon Bak ’01, Univ. of Houston
2005
William Frye ’01, Niagara University
2004
Dr. John Williams ’98, University of New Orleans
2001
Adam Golomb ’99, Eat n Park
- Entrepreneur of the Year
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Criteria
- Graduate of any Penn State hospitality management program.
- Is an active founder, partner, or principal of a going-concern whose primary revenue is derived from a hospitality-centric enterprise or serves the hospitality industry and has been operating for 3 years or more.
- Leadership commitment to social responsibility through company-sponsored or personal pursuits.
- Actively participates in various activities, either PSU, SHM, or PSHRS.
- Hospitality Executive of the Year
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Criteria
- Must be part of the Executive Team of the Company Regardless of Size of Company.
- Nominee has participated, led or executed a merger, acquisition, New Concept within the Hospitality Industry or in some way contributed to the evolution of the industry. Nominee has shaped the industry in some meaningful way, enhancing the industry’s profile & reputation, providing exemplary leadership, achieving performance (service/guest satisfaction, profitability) that transcends the ordinary, responsible for innovations that transform an organization and/or industry segment and gives back to their communities.
- Actively participates in various activities either with their alma mater or via their company’s activities at Universities or Colleges.
Past Recipients
2024:
Jim Risoleo, President & Chief Executive Officer of Host Hotels & Resorts
2022:
Mit Shah, Founder and CEO, Noble Investment Group
2020/21:
Chris Nassetta, President and CEO, Hilton
2019:
Dawn Sweeney, National Restaurant Association, President and Chief Executive Officer
2018:
Arne M. Sorenson, Marriott International, Inc., President and Chief Executive Officer
2017:
Leland C. Pillsbury, Thayer Lodging Group, Co-Founder and Chairman
2015:
Jon Luther, Arby's Restaurant Group, Chairman
2014:
Michael Leven, Las Vegas Sands Corporation, President & COO
2013:
Jim Abrahamson, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, CEO
2012:
Steve Rushmore, HVS, Chairman and Founder
2011:
Randy Smith, STR, Chairman & co-Founder
2010:
Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association, President and CEO
2009:
Niki Leondakis, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, President and COO
2008:
Andrew Kerin, ARAMARK, President
2007:
Tom Giannopoulos, Micros, Chairman and CEO
2006:
Richard Schnieders, Sysco, CEO
2005:
Jim Broadhurst, Eat'n Park, Chairman and CEO
2004:
Robert Cotter, Starwood Hotels and Resort, President and COO
2003:
Denise Fugo, Sammy's, Chairman and CEO
2002:
Al Schuman, Ecolab, Chairman and CEO
2001:
Michael Landel, Sodexo, President and CEO
2000:
Mariyln Carlson Nelson, Carlson Worldwide, CEO
1999:
Skip Hartman, Loews, Vice President and Managing Director
1997:
Joseph Neubauer, ARAMARK, CEO
1996:
Henry Silverman, Cendant Corporation, CEO
1995:
Herman Cain, Godfather's Pizza, CEO
1994:
Ray Schultz, Promus Hotel Corporation, Chairman and CEO
1993:
John Farquharson, The International Food Safety Council, President
1992:
Elaine Etess, Elaine G. Etess Associates, President
1991:
Michael Hurst, 15th Street Fisheries and Boathouse, Owner
1990:
Steven Reinemund, Pizza Hut Worldwide, President and CEO
1989:
Carl Mottek, Hilton Hotels Corporation, President
1988:
William Hulett, Stouffer Hotel Company, President
1987:
J.W. Marriott, Jr., Marriott International, Chairman and CEO
1986:
Michael Rose, Darden, Director
1985:
Robert Richards, Seabreeze Restaurant, Owner
1984:
Edward Book, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, Chairman and CEO
1983:
Richard Holtzman
1982:
Howard James, Sheraton Corporation, President and CEO
1981:
Walter Conti, Conti Cross Keys Inn, Owner
1980:
Richard Benefield, Hotel Magee, General Manager
1979:
Grace Buscher, Coco Palms Resort Hotel, General Manager
1978:
Alphonse Salomone, Hilton Hotels Corporation, Senior Vice President
1977:
Thomas Lennon, The Homestead, President
1976:
Chef Louis Szathmary, The Bakery, Chef & Restaurant Owner
1975:
James McLamore, Burger King Corporation, Board Chairman
1975:
Harry Mullikin, Western International Hotels (Westin Hotels & Resorts), Chairman and CEO
1974:
James Bobb, Hershey Estates, President
1973:
William Fishman, ARA Services, Inc., President
1972:
Howard Johnson, Howard Johnson CO., Chairman of the Board
1971:
George Washko, Marriott Hotels, Inc., Regional Vice President
1970:
Edmond Leach
1969:
Barron Hilton, Hilton Hotels , President and Chairman of the Board
1968:
Preston Robert Tisch, Loews Hotel Corporation, President
1967:
J.W. Marriott, Jr., Marriott Corporation, President
1966:
Stuart Kines, Marriott Motor Inn, Rochester, NY, General Manager
1965:
James Johnson
1964:
Charles A.B. Heinze, Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse, President
1961:
Milton Fritsche, Horn and Hardart, President
1960:
M.C. Matty Mateer, Hotel State College, Managing Partner
- Lifetime Achievement Award
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Criteria
Hospitality executives who have been pioneers in the hospitality industry, individuals who have enjoyed long and successful careers. The award pays tribute to individuals who have had an impact on the hospitality industry, on their community and have achieved national recognition for their endeavors. Recipients are persons of great moral character and individuals of high integrity and have made significant contributions to professional hospitality education.
Recipients
2024:
Ted Balestreri
2017:
Ray Schultz
2012:
Ned Book
2005:
Walter Conti
1998:
Kemmons Wilson
1997:
Chef Louis Szathmary
1995:
Richard Benefield
1992:
Frank Wangeman
- Honorary Lifetime Members
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Joanne Budge
Melanie Miles
Maggie Crispell
For more information about PSHRS Alumni Awards, please contact:
Ben Jellison, Director of Industry & Alumni Relations | bdj101@psu.edu.