NEWH - April 2006 - (Page 21)

lead by example and touch by Nancy K. Bohnett, Best Western International In the past, students relied on teachers to educate and prepare them for the job market in their selected fields. Today, students benefit from educators who enhance the learning experience and broaden the educational curriculum with an emphasis on business acumen, social skills and – most importantly – real-world experience. Lecture halls are no longer the only venue for learning, but are augmented through technology labs, the Internet and onthe-job training. Today’s schools rely heavily on the ability to partner professionals with students to share practical industry experience and maximize the skills, talent and passion of each student. Anna Perryman, the 2003 NEWH Scholarship recipient for the Chicago chapter and the first National Icons of Industry Scholarship in 2004. For professionals who choose to mentor students, they see value in enabling a new generation of leaders with the motivation, direction, skills and insight to continually move the industry forward. These professionals also build relationships with upcoming talent. As we have seen in the last year, there has been huge growth in the hospitality industry, leaving the labor pool depleted. With many companies, the once full resume folder is thin, and all fields of the hospitality industry are in need of talent. In preparing students for success in the field, professionals invest in the longevity of their own organizations and the future growth of the industry. Carl Winston, Director of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at San Diego State University, is an ongoing mentor who offers his students first-hand knowledge of industry programs and overall hospitality trends. Mr. Winston can describe many success stories from his “Experience the Industry” scholarships. These scholarships are not monetary-based, but time-based. Professionals contribute to students’ awareness of the industry by interacting with them and sharing major conferences, trade shows and exposure to industry leaders. The ability of educators to increase students’ awareness of the hospitality industry can be furthered through efforts of scholarship programs and professional organizations. This is a perfect example of providing true value to both mentors and students through relationship development and interaction between established professionals and a new generation of young professionals. Our own NEWH scholarship programs provide a similar forum for interaction and relationship development. In looking at some of the past NEWH scholarship awardees, it is heartening to see that their interest remains with hospitality and with NEWH for the gift of continued education and friendships. Michelle Gellas was honored with the Cheryl Rowley Design scholarship from the Los Angeles chapter NEWH, and upon acceptance said, “NEWH allowed me to make new associations in the profession as well as compete in an important studio class. The connections I made through the scholarship led to a job interview and a job offer by a prestigious design firm. While I was grateful for the opportunity, I chose to remain with Ralph Gentile Architects to further increase my design skills and knowledge in the hospitality industry. I will be forever grateful to NEWH for all the work they do and the contributions that they make towards the education of the next generation of designers.” Ralph Gentile shares, “A new employee can awaken the passion within the office, and a professional can foster collaboration between the new and the experienced to better all within the office. A professional today equally values a student contributing to their development and insight. Students from today’s schools come equipped with how to develop the experience through tools which were not available in previous years. The generations of “instant gratification,” come equipped with three dimensional capabilities ranging from technolo21

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - April 2006

NEWH - April 2006
Letter From the President
Upfront
Contents
Hospitality News
Insights From ALIS 2006
Giving Back to Move Ahead
Lead by Example and Touch
Developments of the Future Will Focus on the Emotional Connection
NEWH Sessions at HD Expo
NEWH/Los Angeles Founding Chapter 2005 Gala Fundraiser
Innovative Sales Event Mirrors Innovative Market Trends
Coming Events
IH/M&RS Gold Key Awards Honor Leaders in Hospitality Design
All That Glitters … Is You!
Contributors

NEWH - April 2006