Christopher Muller, MPS ’85 Ph.D.’92

Christopher Muller, MPS ’85 Ph.D.’92, Professor of the Practice, Hospitality, Boston University, tells us what it means to him to be a Hotelie for Life®:

“When I told my father, who was not in Hospitality, that I had been accepted to The Hotel School he said, “Well, you’ll never have to look for a job again.” And, of course, he was right. I met Melinda MPS ’85 in my first week, we were married in Sage Chapel just before graduation (I married the MPS Director!), had our cocktail hour at the AD White house, wedding reception at the Statler Inn. We both worked at SHA, I was her “trailing spouse.”

Many of our lifelong friends grew from that time. Our 3 kids were born in Ithaca and grew up in TCAB, which took up 6 ½ of the best years of my professional life. I still “pal” with Giuseppe, work with Chef Brian and talk to Chase and Nork. Our youngest, Mackenzie ’14, took up where we left off, becoming an MOD at Statler. Now, she recruits executives who were students then, sharing 3 generations of stories. The late Mike Oshins MPS ’85, convinced me to be the Dean at BU where we played the parts of “Statler & Waldorf” together.

I’ve spoken to industry groups around the world, made friends everywhere, brought my family to places unimaginable, all because of the wonderful people who are Hospitality. And, of course, because I am a #hotelieforlife.”

Emily Humphrey ’11

Emily Humphrey ’11 shares with us what it means to her to be a Hotelie for Life®.

“Being a Hotelie for Life means I am part of a passionate community, both near and far, that share the common love for travel and creating unique and memorable experiences and connections. I continue to meet Hotelies throughout my career that I may not have been on campus with at the same time, but who are willing to help, support, and network with for the benefit of our industry and our Hotelie community.”

Pictured: Emily and her boyfriend in Ireland last summer celebrating her completing grad school.

Michael P. Doyle ’79

Michael P. Doyle ’79, Managing Director, EVP CHMWarnick, shares with us what it means to him to be a Hotelie for Life®.

“The Hotel School allowed me to find my passion, make life-long friends, develop some skills and give me the confidence to pursue my interests. Opening doors along the way, the reputation of our program and the influence of our alumni helped me navigate the many opportunities and challenges presented during my journey.

I never appreciated the power of our Alumni until I began to tap the network. With so many Alumni to thank, supporting the network remains a key priority for me as my way to give back to others. The Hotel School has made a unique difference in my life and I am dedicated to make a difference in others: professionally and personally.”

Michael is pictured here with his family.

Sarah Morris ’06

Sarah Morris ’06, Fifth Generation Host at Basin Harbor, shares with us what it means to her to be a Hotelie for Life®.

“Family was important to me before Cornell, but when I became a Hotelie my family grew exponentially in all of you. For me, Hotelie for Life®. means nurturing my communities. Beyond our alumni network, there are the communities we live and work in which support us. I aim to perpetuate our CHS community in all my work and social groups; collaborating, learning, and supporting for a stronger core. It’s a commitment of service to others and a curiosity to never stop learning. I believe we are stronger as a community and now more than ever I’m thankful for the relationships that Cornell brought into my life.”

CHS Hawaii Tours Waikiki’s Newest Hotel

On February 27, 2020, 13 alumni and guests were treated to a private tour and reception at the new Halepuna Waikiki hotel with GM, Julie Arigo. Halepuna Wakiki, located across the street from its sister property, the Halekulani, opened in October 2019 and is considered the Halekulani company’s first foray into boutique luxury. Following the tour, we were provided a delicious spread of menu favorites by Chef de Cuisine, Aaron Furuto, and Restaurant Manager, Nicole Mackay. Needless to say, we left happy and full and will certainly be back again soon!

CHS Hawaii Tours the Halepuna Waikiki Hotel.

2nd Annual Cornell Hotel Society Breakfast at Adria Hotel Forum

A group of Hotelies gathered for food, beverage and camaraderie at the Doubletree by by Hilton Zagreb during the 2020 Adria Hotel Forum.  Big thanks to Tobias Brown for getting the gang together again and Silvija Iliskovic Balagovic for organizing and hosting such a lovely event!!

Special thanks also to Marina Franolic, organizer of AHF (and future CHS member!) for pushing the conference schedule back to give us more time!  I loved meeting new members, updating Hotelie news, and sharing updates about Roma 2020, the Annual EMEA Regional Meeting in Rome April 2-5!

CHS AlpAdria Get Together During 2020 Adria Hotel Forum

CHS Japan – 2020 Annual Meeting and New Year’s Party

On February 13, 2020, the CHS Japan chapter held their annual General Meeting and New Year’s Party.  Sixty-nine alumni and their family and friends enjoyed the new Okura Tokyo hotel which just reopened in September of 2019 after four years of renovation.  Participants enjoyed not only the luxurious room at the top floor of the hotel, but the great food made of specially selected ingredients.  No food was left by the end of the party.

CHS Japan Celebrates the 2020 New Year

CHS Pan-Hellenic Chapter’s 2020 Dinner

On February 11, 2020, members of the CHS Pan-Hellenic Chapter gathered for the annual dinner engagement at the rooftop Premiere Restaurant of the Athens InterContinental Hotel.

Pictured clockwise from lower left are:

  • Evan Pezas ‘72
  • Sofia Kalfopoulou MMH ‘14
  • Irini Varda ‘95
  • Panos Panayiotopoulos ‘91, CHS Pan-Hellenic Chapter President
  • Themis Trakas ‘95, CHS Pan-Hellenic Chapter Vice President
  • Christos Seferiades ‘95

CHS Pan-Hellenic 2020 Annual Dinner

CHS Hawaii Reception for Neil Tarallo

On May 16, 2019, the Hawaii chapter gathered at the Prince Waikiki hotel to welcome Neil Tarallo, SHA Senior Lecturer of Entrepreneurship and Academic Director of the Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship. Mahalo to Neil and his wife, Paula, for making the trip out to Hawaii and for spending time with us.

CHS Hawaii Welcomes Prof. Neil Tarallo

CHS Reception at FITUR 2020 Conference

On Wednesday, January 22, 2020, Hotelies from around EMEA attending the FITUR Conference in Madrid gathered for food, beverage and networking. The event was held at the Posada del Dragon in the Caja Baja.

This event was supported again by Eduardoi Igueras and Jean Frabcois Marbrut of Continuum Hotel Services, Albert Grau and Bruno Hallée of Cushwake and their great network. Thanks to all we were very succesful with a great number of participants.

We would also like to express our sinceres thanks to the host of this Get Together – Lars von der Wettern, co-owner of the Posada del Dragon who once again provided superb finger food and selected wines prepared by his excellent team lead by Maria Florez. We would like to mentioned as well, that the participation fee will be again donated to people needing this help.

CHS Reception During FITUR 2020