Nine Things To Know
About the School of Hospitality Business Management on its 90th Birthday
More than 260 students are certified majors or minors in a hospitality-related field. The school offers programs in hospitality business management, senior living, wine and beverage business management, and event planning.
A longstanding relationship with César Ritz Colleges Switzerland led to a dual degree program in 2012. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in hospitality business management from WSU and an international business degree from César Ritz. Spending a semester at the renowned Swiss college is also a popular study abroad option.
School of Hospitality Business Management faculty are internationally known for their research. Their work extends to artificial intelligence in the hotel industry, restaurants and food safety, best practices in wine tasting rooms, and COVID-19’s impact on hospitality workers.
The folded tip on hotel toilet paper is called the “Tucker point,” and credit goes to Georgina Tucker (’33 Home Econ.). Tucker was the first woman to take hotel management classes at WSU. During a trailblazing hospitality career, she is recognized for professionalizing housekeeping as part of the guest experience.
Last year, the School of Hospitality Business Management awarded more than $188,000 in scholarships to students.
The Granger Cobb Institute for Senior Living prepares students to work in the fast-growing industry. The institute invites faculty from across WSU to contribute expertise and insights, ensuring instruction reflects the needs and trends in the senior living industry.
Hospitality students swept the field during the 2021 Intercollegiate Wine Business Invitational, picking up first, second, and third place wins for WSU against peers in top hospitality programs.
Hospitality students also run the Atrium Café in Todd Hall. Working in the café gives students practical experience in areas such as staff recruitment, customer service, inventory management, and cost controls.
