Philadelphia serves as a real-world classroom filled with opportunity for students at Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM). And partnerships between STHM and industry are what make these experiences possible for students.
The start of this academic year proved no different as new students dove head first into the city during their first week on campus—particularly those in STHM’s Living Learning Community (LLC). The one-year program provides new students with benefits such as peer mentoring, exclusive programming, priority selection for industry opportunities and a tightknit support system.
Incoming LLC students, current STHM students and staff went on a trip to Citizens Bank Park during Temple University’s Welcome Week, the week students move-in and explore the campus and city before the semester begins. Through a connection with an STHM alumnus, Richard George, BS ’13, students gained industry exposure and networking opportunities over the course of the outing.
An exclusive meet and greet was held with Philadelphia Phillies employees from an array of areas including event management, sales and business analytics. STHM alumna Alexis Sullivan, BS ’17 and current STHM student Mark Manera, joined George to share their experiences transitioning from university life to working in the industry. Temple alumnus Phil Feather, MEd ’92, also joined the gathering to emphasize the importance of networking and connecting with those in the industry.
“In addition to navigating the city, networking with alumni and gaining industry exposure,” noted Dr. Jarvis Bailey, STHM’s Director of Student Services, “students received their first STHM lesson—how to carry yourself in a professional yet fun environment.”
After the meet and greet, students were given an all-access tour of the ballpark, including entrance into the Hall of Fame Club. As players warmed up for the game taking place that night, the group explored Citizen Bank Park’s facilities while learning the history and context behind baseball in Philadelphia. At the end of the day, the students and staff gathered to watch the Phillies beat the Miami Marlins 8 to 0.
If you are interested in partnering with STHM to provide students opportunities such as this, please reach out to Andrew Lovell, Senior Associate Director of Industry Relations, at andrew.lovell@temple.edu.