Alumni Stories News

For Honduran soccer management professional Juan Saybe, EMSSB ’22, graduating in December from Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) was not merely a milestone. It was practically miraculous.

Jamar Root ’22 was invited to do a senior internship at the prestigious organization Destination DC, as part of the Tourism Diversity Matters’ Diversity Apprenticeship Program. He sat down with distinguished STHM alum Sherman Neal II ’20—an attorney, marine corps veteran, college football coach and higher ed leader—to talk about career choices and finding a meaningful path.

Alumnus Sean McClatchy turned a conversation after class into a networking opportunity, ultimately landing a job at the Philadelphia Phillies that’s since led to a highly coveted position.

The Center for Hospitality Resilience’s brought students in as partners to serve the community through her capstone class in the Master in Hospitality Management program. Center Co-Director Dr. Ceridwyn King devised last fall’s version of the course to be a hands-on learning experience that lent post-pandemic support to a key industry partner.

We spoke recently with several who are working at Philly’s new Live! Casino & Hotel and Maestroe Sports & Entertainment, who were eager to share how their STHM experience has translated directly into a career opportunity that’s as exciting and it is valuable.

Kay Walten (MSTT ’20) was named the only U.S. finalist in an international competition on social entrepreneurship in travel.

Ameena Soliman (FOX ’17, STHM ’19) was one of two alumni honored this spring with a Young Alumni Diamond Excellence Award—just one of the ways that she stands out as an alumna as well as a scouting pro in the NFL. She has shown her leadership and accomplishments to be exceptional in numerous ways in the two years since she earned her master’s at STHM.

Gina Vorgiatzidis ’15 had a flourishing career in gaming after earning her BS in Tourism and Hospitality Management. When the pandemic dealt a blow to the industry, as it did in so many, she used her initiative and creativity to transform a tourist experience into a lucrative side gig in online marketing.

Now in his second year as director of basketball operations for the Stetson Hatters, Guzman has forged an interesting path that draws on all his various experiences in sports

This spring, the COVID-19 crisis provided an opportunity for STHM alumna and adjunct professor Angelise Stuhl to involve students in a crucial aspect of her business, Philly Sports Digest.