News & Photos
STHM Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Written by: Julie Achilles
On September 13, 2008 atop The Phoenix on the Rooftop Terrace in center city Philadelphia, Temple’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) celebrated its 10th anniversary party. Industry partners joined STHM faculty, staff, and alumni as we gathered to enjoy food, drink, and exceptional music, as well as to participate in a silent auction and to donate items for the 2008 STHM time capsule.
The evening’s events were sponsored by members of the STHM Board of Visitors, including John Kroll of Keating Hospitality, Shelly Margolis, and Harith Wickrema of Harith Productions, with refreshments by Stephen Starr of Starr Events. Additional sponsorships were from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, and the Philadelphia Coca-Cola Company.
Dr. Elizabeth Barber, Associate Dean of STHM, greeted attendees, offering, “You were all invited for a special reason, for everything you’ve done for STHM. We’re now 10 years old and we couldn’t be prouder of everything we’ve accomplished.”
One of STHM’s many accomplishments include building its tremendous reputation, not only in Philadelphia, but nationwide, as a prominent school and research environment in the tourism and hospitality and sport and recreation management industries. Since 1998, STHM’s student body has grown from a mere 100 students to 700 in the undergraduate and graduate programs, and the faculty has since doubled in size. Currently, there is a 100 percent employment placement rate for graduating students.
Dr. Ira Shapiro, STHM professor, explained that because of STHM’s structured and successful internship program, as many as 70% of the graduating students are extended job offers from businesses where they interned. “Industry professionals speak very highly of Temple students,” said Shapiro.
Isaac Satten, former president of the STHM Student Association and STHM 2008 alumnus elaborated on this idea. “You see the industry reaching out to interns, and within the next 10 years, our alumni will be the VPs, CEOs and sports organizers of the city!”
Also attending the event were representatives from many of STHM’s business partnerships. Patty Kryscha of Southwest Airlines explained how, in cooperation with STHM, Southwest aids in sending students to many national and international destinations. “We always try to help as much as possible,” said Kryscha.
This type of partnership and cooperation is truly appreciated by STHM’s current students, many of whom are involved in either their junior or senior internships. Lisa Kerr, a senior STHM major, spoke about her experiences while monitoring the silent auction. “Everyone’s amazing. STHM goes above and beyond to get you where you need to go. They have connections you can rely on.” Kerr just finished her internship abroad in England’s Ripley Castle focusing on events held in the castle and hotel operations.
Along with industry professionals, many of STHM’s faculty members attended the party. When asked what he would contribute to the STHM time capsule, Dr. Dan Fesenmaier laughed, “I’m going to bury myself!” This type of dedication from the tremendously experienced and knowledgeable STHM faculty and staff has truly helped the school flourish in the ever-changing industry.
M. Moshe Porat, Dean of the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management and the Fox School of Business, also spoke during the evening, applauding STHM on its accomplishments. “What a wonderful 10 years it’s been,” he said. “STHM is the best program of its kind in Philadelphia, and beyond! It’s our job to let the world know. Thank you for pushing the school to be the best it can be.”
Echoing Dean Porat’s congratulatory attitude, special guest Steve Korman, Chairman of the Board of Tourism, said, “What none of us realize is that we shouldn’t be celebrating the 10th anniversary, we should be celebrating the 70th! No school has accomplished what we have in this time period.”
Temple has a history of graduating expert leaders and enhancing diversity within the industry. “We’re leading the way when it comes to offering the highest quality of education, while others follow us,” said Korman.
Truly appreciative of STHM’s work in the community was Pennsylvania Governor and former Mayor of Philadelphia, Ed Rendell, whose letter of congratulations stated, “This school has helped to establish Philadelphia as a national leader in tourism and has further distinguished Temple as a world-class university.”
As the night wound down, the jazz band MFSB played their rendition of the hit “I’ll Take You There,” a likely theme song for STHM’s decade of excellent service to their students and to the community. As guests departed through a hallway lined with 10 years of photographs, Assistant Dean of STHM, Mr. Jeffery Montague said, “I always say ‘I don’t make friends, I make alumni,’ but when they graduate, I truly have made friends for life.”
Korman summed up the evening’s sentiments by pointing to the brightly lit city skyline surrounding the terrace. “You look out, and this represents everything. We’re celebrating something amazing here!”