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STHM Honors Alumni at the 5th Annual Alumni Association Awards
Written by: Margaret Mastrogiacomo
A school is only as distinguished as the people who fill its halls and create its history. This is why the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) honored these remarkable alumni and students at the 5th Annual STHM Alumni Association Awards Dinner on April 25, 2008.
The evening began with reminiscing about the school’s history. “STHM was born ten years ago at a time when STHM students weren’t even a twinkle in my eye,” said Associate Dean, Betsy Barber. “On April Fool’s day in 1997, I received the surprising news that we would be forced to change our existing school structures. So, in February 1998, we put together a task force to figure out the new program, within two months we presented the plan to the Board of Trustees, and on July 1, 1998, became a school.”
Originally equipped with just five full-time faculty and one academic advisor, STHM has made its students the top priority since day one.
“It is amazing how far we have come as a school in these past ten years, and how many strong relationships STHM has built with its students and alumni,” said Assistant Dean, Jeffrey Montague. “Just a few weeks ago some students were out running around collecting sponsorships in Center City, and an STHM alumnus gave them money on the spot because he really respected what the school was doing. The connection between our alumni and the school is remarkable.”
The evening, celebrating this strong connection, honored 13 students and alumni with 11 awards highlighting outstanding accomplishments. Many alumni were presented their awards by their mentors.
Assistant Director of Student Services, Jennifer Thiel who recently won the Temple University Outstanding Professional Advisor Award, presented the STHM Promising Leader Award to Tara Miller, one of the many students she advises. “Tara and I were born and raised in the same small town called Lititz, PA,” said Thiel. “We sometimes discuss how there are so many good people in our town. It is quite an honor to be able to present an award to one of these people who truly is an outstanding student and a great promising leader.”
The hard work and dedication of the recipients also did not go unnoticed. Director of Graduate Programs in Sport and Recreation Administration, Michael Jackson, presented the David Bitman Endowed Scholarship to graduate student, Krystal Kenner. He spoke of his admiration for Kenner. “Krystal is an outstanding student who works with City Group in New York City,” said Jackson. “She received this award for her dedication to the community, but even more astounding is her hard work and dedication to her education. Everyday, she takes the Chinatown Bus to campus and back to New York. These are the kind of students and alumni we have here at STHM, the kind that would pursue their education all the way from Brooklyn.”
One undeniable truth about STHM, is the love and respect of the school from industry. The Joel and Lenore Lewis Abels Tourism Management Endowed Scholarship presented to Tourism and Hospitality Management student, Lisa Kerr is proof of just this. “I am honored to present this award in the name of Joel and Lenore Abels who loved each other and loved the travel industry,” said Travel Trade Magazine’s Sue Shapiro. “Joel died in January 2007 and his wife died ten days after his funeral. I’ve never known a couple more close to each other, or one who gave out more love for the people in the travel industry. Joel came to Temple and spoke for STHM, and he said it was one of the best things he ever did in his life, so it was only fitting that we offer a scholarship in his name for a student like Lisa Kerr who exemplifies Joel and Lenore’s spirit and professionalism.”
Another important scholarship is the STHM Senior Seminar Endowed scholarship. “This award is special because it is a scholarship raised for students by students,” said Assistant Dean, Jeffrey Montague. “We now have about $40,000 raised for the fund by our Senior Seminar Class, and the money goes to a Senior Seminar student who combines academic promise with financial need during their internship.”
Throughout the evening, the pride in STHM’s accomplishments and the excitement for STHM’s bright future was a reoccurring theme. To date, the school has a growing alumni base of 2,610, and every year their connection to the school grows stronger. “I have an undying respect for all of the alumni who come back and support the school, and it’s a pleasure to be able to recognize their great accomplishments,” said Montague.
Echoing Montague’s emphasis on loyalty, President of the STHM Alumni Association, Miten Negandhi said, “I want to thank everyone who displayed their loyalty to STHM by being a part of this event and everyone who helped honor all of our amazing students and alumni. STHM is a family environment, one e-mail from Mr. Montague or Dr. Barber and you’re there, giving back.”
2008 STHM Award Recipients
- Outstanding Senior in Sport and Recreation Management Award: Jenna Heasley
- Outstanding Senior in Tourism and Hospitality Management Award: Lauren Ziemba
- Outstanding Graduate Student in Sport and Recreation Administration Award: Stephen Jackson