05/02/2026
There’s something powerful about closing a chapter not in a classroom; but in the field, where leadership actually lives.
This week, our HA 490C seniors had the privilege of stepping inside the exceptional operation at for one final experiential learning moment before graduation. What better setting to reflect on leadership than an environment where excellence, service, and culture are executed at the highest level every single day?
Our students didn’t just observe: they engaged. They asked questions, challenged ideas, and connected the dots between everything we’ve covered this semester: leadership, operations, culture, accountability, and the responsibility that comes with wearing the title of “leader.”
A sincere thank you to Doug Sutter, Kurt Martin, Tanner McNeese, and Tahlia Murray for investing your time, sharing your insights, and being transparent about what it really takes to lead in today’s hospitality industry. These moments matter more than you know: they shape perspective, confidence, and future decision-making.
Experiential learning is where transformation happens. It bridges theory and practice. It turns concepts into conviction. And most importantly, it prepares students not just to enter the industry, but to elevate it.
To our seniors: you’re ready. Go lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and raise the standards wherever you go. The industry needs you!
