SDSU-The largest donation ever!

Gift is largest ever to a hospitality school or program in the western United States

San Diego State University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) has received a $2.4 million donation from The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, the largest-ever gift to a hospitality school or program in the western United States. The gift will endow the school’s Student Center for Professional Development, which will be renamed The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Student Center for Professional Development. Bill Marriott, chairman and C.E.O. of Marriott International, will present SDSU with the $2.4 million check at a naming ceremony on January 28 at 3 p.m. in the College of Professional Studies & Fine Arts Dean’s Office. This new endowment is the seventh gift of $1 million or more received by HTM since its inception seven years ago.

‘Marriott is synonymous with high ethical standards and premier leadership,’ said Carl Winston, director of the School of HTM. ‘It’s also recognized for commitment to workplace diversity, mentorship of individuals and creating opportunities for those interested in joining the hospitality industry. These are values we share and the values we strive to develop in our students.’

The Student Center for Professional Development helps HTM students to find internships required to earn their degree and assists students in finding part-time, summer positions and full-time employment after graduation. More than 100 HTM students have completed internships with Marriott, and there’s a strong correlation between internship and job placement, said Brian Blake, director of the Student Center for Professional Development. The HTM program boasts a 99 percent placement rate.

SDSU graduates who now work for Marriott have impressed Steve Bauman, vice president, North America talent acquisition for Marriott International.

‘They’re bright, energetic and knowledgeable,’ Bauman said. ‘They come to Marriott with a great understanding of and passion for the industry, which is clearly the result of solid preparation.’

With the center’s funding now guaranteed in perpetuity, future HTM students can turn to its resources for networking assistance.

Students are not the only group to benefit from the center’s activities. The school’s community partners, and the industry in general, profit from this pipeline of potential employees, Blake said.