Alumni Awards

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

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

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, IHG

2018

Jamie Moore, '96, Eat'n Park Hospitality Group
Jack Moyer, '89, 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa
John Rubino, '86, Interstate Hotels and Resorts

2017

Bart Berkey '89, Marriott International
Doug Gehret '92, Hilton Worldwide
Marc Goldberg '84, Compass Organization

2016

Rob Carl `85, Felcor Lodging Trust, Inc.
Nina Doumani `89, Marriott International
Heather Seasholtz `98, Talley Management Group

2015

Richard Budney '85, Sodexo
Daniel Entenberg '01, Gramercy Park Hotel
Rob Tannenbaum '89, DiamondRock Hospitality Group

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 International

2017

Melissa Navarro '12, Expedia Inc.
Don Pearse '11, Ecolab
Maci Schau '12, Hilton Revenue Management Consolidated Center
Allison Stuebing '10, Hillstone Restaurant Group

2016

Jessica Byars `10, Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Emily Johnson `06, Korman Communities
Aparna Kuckreja `10, Marriott International
Rudy Lasher `06, CulinArt Group

2015

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 Restaurants

2013

Dant Hirsch '03, St. Regis (Starwood Hotels & Resorts)
Alexandra Barton '06, Spiaggia (Levy Restaurants)
Katy Goldin '09, Vista Host

2012

Chris Edwards '06, Potbelly Sandwich Works
Leighan Blaede '03, IHG
Ryan Spear Ritz '02, Carlton

2011

Leigh Silkunas '08, Kimpton Hotels
Michael Pajak '06, Hilton Worldwide

2010

Shannon Egan '07, Marriott International
Marcello Khattar '04, Four Seasons
Chris Schubert '05, W Hotel
Shawn Smith '02, JBG Companies

2009

Jason Bayona '05, W Hotel
Ed Buttacavoli '03, ARAMARK
Amy Miller '04, Restaurant Associates
Julie Muchoney '99, Doubletree

2008

Lawrence Hartman '98, Micros
Ryan Chrissis '99, Pinnacle Entertainment
Anna Berdel '00, ARAMARK
Jonathon Zottola '03, Vista Host

2007

Steve Morgan '04, Interstate Hotels & Resorts
Josh Crandall '99, Cura Hospitality
Samantha Shaeffer '98, Marriott Hotels
Ryan Spear '02, Ritz Carlton

2006

Leon Rimmey '02, Marriott Hotels
Jamie Moore '96, Eat'n Park
Amber Hartman '04, Hillstone Restaurant Group
Julius Ridgley '03, Eat'n Park

2005

Eudora Wu '96, Ritz Carlton
Allison Menges '96, ARAMARK
Ben Shank '00, Four Seasons
William Yahr '01, Ritz Carlton

2004

Matt Hummer Sheraton '01, Manhattan Hotel
Jennifer Leonard '94, Marriott Hotels
William McClintock '99, Marriott Hotels
Jessica Park '96, ARAMARK

2003

Trevor Clark '98, Marriott Hotels
Aden King '97, Phillips Foods and Seafood Restaurant
Jennifer Tracy '95, ARAMARK

2001

Carrie Jankowski '98, Marriott

2000

Jamie Decker '97, NBC Universal, Orlando
Elizabeth Winstanley '97, Waldorf Astoria

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

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.

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

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

Joanne Budge

Melanie Miles

Maggie Crispell