Kayti Stanley ’18
The Hotelie for Life® Prize (formerly known as the Joseph Drown Special Prize) is awarded to a Hotel School senior that has demonstrated academic excellence, extracurricular leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, social responsibility and well-conceived career goals and aspirations. The award is sponsored by the Cornell Hotel Society (CHS) and the CHS Foundation.
At the Saturday night banquet of Hotel Ezra Cornell 93, Ms. Kayti Stanley ’18 was announced as winner of the 2018 Hotelie for Life® prize. Kayti is a Hotelie that meets, and exceeds, all the stated requirements of the award.
Kayti was born and raised in Friendswood, Texas, a suburb of Houston. Like most Texans, Kayti participated in many football tailgates which kindled her love for people, food, and hospitality. Despite coming from a split Aggie/Longhorn family, Kayti emphatically states that she bleeds orange all the way.
When looking at colleges, Kayti said that she, “wanted to get out of Texas and have an adventure.” Friends of her grandparents attended Cornell, and knowing Kayti’s appreciation for hospitality touted the great virtues of the Hotel School. She recalls her first visit to campus. It was a snowy day, so her parents stayed back in the hotel. Kayti persevered through the snow, and even got a chance to see the Dragon Day parade.
Kayti was also fortunate to have Lee Pillsbury ‘69 walk in on her prospective student orientation session. After hearing Lee’s passionate description of the contributions and successes of Hotelies while on campus, and after graduation, she was sold on becoming a Hotelie for Life®.
In addition to achieving great success in the classroom, Kayti has been involved in numerous extracurricular activities. She has served as a teaching assistant in multiple classes, tutored students, and served as a Dean’s Student Assistant her senior year. One of her most enjoyable experiences was her involvement with the Mortar Board Der Hexenkrieis Senior Honor Society which provided her the opportunity to meet student leaders outside of the Hotel School.
Because of her love for Cornell, Kayti wanted to become involved in the new and prospective student experience. “You only have four years on campus, time here is so precious and there is never a lack of opportunities. Make the most of it. Cornell is a place to succeed and fail comfortably. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” she advises. Accordingly, Kayti has served as a Hotel School ambassador, a leader on the University’s Orientation Steering Committee, and as a Campus Tour Guide where she learned to walk backwards and talk at the same time. (Editor’s note: You want her on your Cornell trivia team.)
Kayti’s thoughts regarding her career path have changed from year-to-year, influenced by all the new professors and classes she got exposed to. Over her four years her career interests have gone from banquets and events, to hospitality design, to technology. “Try everything and see what you are passionate about” is one of her mantras.
After graduation, Kayti is going to take a few months off and then begin her career in Dallas with Deloitte. She has attained the position of Business Analyst in the Strategy and Operations Consulting Group. “I’m not exactly sure what businesses I will be working with, but I hope to focus on bringing people and service practices into industries where that culture does not currently exist,” Kayti says.
As winner of the Hotelie for Life® Prize, Kayti has the honor of addressing the faculty, parents, family, friends, and her fellow classmates at the Hotel School commencement ceremonies. When asked what her parting words will be, Kayti responded, “I don’t care for endings, but I do really like beginnings. I plan to speak about the importance of gratitude, and how what starts at the Hotel School is just the start for each of us.” Similar to the advice she has given to numerous new and prospective students, she wants to tell the 2018 class of Hotelies that, “the future is going to be full of challenges and successes.”
How is Kayti going to remain a Hotelie for Life®? “I was wowed by the alumni events I got to attend in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. I am so excited to become active in CHS.” Kayti also hopes to return to campus as a guest speaker, and continue to advise students as she has done for the past four years.
“Gratitude is an important value to have. I am extremely grateful for my time at Cornell, and what is to come,” Kayti concludes.
Kayti’s speech during the May 2018 SHA graduation ceremonies can be found here:
KaytiStanley_Grad Speech_Final
* * *
The Cornell Hotel Society and Cornell Hotel Foundation congratulate Kayti, and wish her the best of success on her journey as a Hotelie for Life®. This interview conducted by Robert Mandelbaum ’81.
On May 4 a luncheon was held to honor all nominees for the 2018 Hotelie for Life® Prize. In attendance were (left to right) Associate Dean Cathy Enz, Dean Kate Walsh, Tim Dick , Cheryl Boyer, Christie Choy’18, Elena Mandry’18, Kayti Stanley’18, Alex Levy’18 and Rick Adie.
Georgia Chapter Celebrates CHS At 90
/in Uncategorized/by Robert MandelbaumThe Georgia Chapter celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Cornell Hotel Society on May 12, 2018. First, the group gathered at Highland Fine Wine for a tasting led by owner Nick Salpekar – HumEc ‘’96. Afterwards, the group crossed the street to enjoy Hors D’oeuvres and specialty cocktails at Whiskey Bird, a relatively new restaurant owned and operated by Hotelie classmates Chad Crete ’07 and Tony Vipond ’07.
Whiskey Bird
Highland Fine Wine
Korea Chapter Celebrates CHS At 90
/in Uncategorized/by Robert MandelbaumOn May 12, 2018, the Korean Chapter toured Seoul Dragon, and celebrated the 90th birthday of the Cornell Hotel Society.
CHS Korea celebrates CHS at 90.
CHS Korea celebrates CHS at 90.
CHS Korea celebrates CHS at 90.
CHS Korea celebrates CHS at 90.
CHS Washington DC / Baltimore Celebrates The Spring
/in Uncategorized/by Robert MandelbaumIn April the Washington DC/Baltimore chapter gathered for their first event of the year at Franklin Hall on 14th street in an up and coming part of Washington DC. They enjoyed drinks, food, and conversation at this American style beer hall.
Franklin Hall beer hall.
Finland, Russia and Baltics Chapter Celebrates CHS at 90
/in Uncategorized/by Robert MandelbaumThe CHS Finland, Russia, and Baltics chapter celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Cornell Hotel Society at the terminal for the Silja Symphony ferry. Silja handles over 4 million passengers from Helsinki to Stockholm and back on daily basis. They also operate numerous ships between Helsinki and Tallinn each day. The host for the event was Pasi Nakki Vice Managing Director of the Silja Line.
CHS Finland, Russia and Baltics celebrates CHS at 90.
CHS Germany Celebrates CHS at 90
/in Uncategorized/by Robert MandelbaumThe CHS German Chapter was the first chapter to kick off the 90th Anniversary! They celebrated on April 24 at Oscar’s Brasserie Moderne in Frankfurt.
CHS Denver Celebrates CHS at 90
/in Uncategorized/by Robert MandelbaumOn May 10th the Rocky Mountain Chapter gathered to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of CHS. Chad Wemischner ’13 gave an overview of the four different Champagnes and then guests enjoyed a tasting! A spring menu of small bites was prepared by Mara Jaffe ’17. It was a fun and festive evening in Denver!
CHS Rocky Mountain Chapter celebrates CHS at 90.
CHS Rocky Mountain Chapter celebrates CHS at 90.
CHS Rocky Mountain Chapter celebrates CHS at 90.
CHS Rocky Mountain Chapter celebrates CHS at 90.
CHS London Celebrates CHS at 90
/in Uncategorized/by Robert MandelbaumOn May 10 CHS London celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Cornell Hotel Society by hosting a reception in the Pinafore Room at The Savoy Strand. The evening’s festivities included a champagne toast and canapes.
CHS London Celebrates CHS at 90
Central Florida Chapter Kicks Off 2018 With Spring Event
/in Uncategorized/by Robert MandelbaumThe Central Florida Cornell Hotel Society event hosted by the elegant “Rosen Plaza Hotel” located in Orlando Florida was held on April 27th, 2018. The event was sponsored by our honored fellow Cornellian Harris Rosen ‘61, General Manager & fellow Hotelie Derek Baum ‘88, and Catering & Convention Services Director Crystal Grice a true professional. This was our 2018 spring event, kicked off our year with class and style. Our event opened with a color guard who presented arms & colors to the national anthem. Tom Cleary ‘89 also provided a special tribute to our honored guest “Cay Dermody” with a life time achievement award for her partnership with her beloved late husband Emeritus Professor Donal Dermody ‘53. It was a touching moment for all Cornellians. Larry then invited Mike McLaughlin ‘13 (incoming President) up on stage to acknowledge the passing of the Presidential torch, which Mike provided enthusiasm to serve beside Lisa Szeto (chapter VP), support and commit in taking our chapter to the next level. In close, Peter Yesawich ‘72 provided the most eloquent wonderful tribute to Larry Stuart ‘76 for his 10 years of service as president of the chapter as well as accolades for his newly pre-released book “The Spirit Of Hospitality.” In close, it was the most prestigious, wonderful event we have ever hosted over the last decade. Hotelies for life ~ Life is Service!
CHS Central Florida Spring 2018 Event
CHS Central Florida Spring 2018 Event
CHS Central Florida Spring 2018 Event
CHS Central Florida Spring 2018 Event
CHS Central Florida Spring 2018 Event
CHS Rocky Mountain Chapter Tours Kimpton Hotel Born
/in Uncategorized/by Robert MandelbaumOn April 17 the Colorado Rocky Mountain Chapter toured the Kimpton Hotel Born in downtown Denver. The group enjoyed Happy Hour in the hotel’s bar, Citizen Rail, and then toured the unique meeting spaces and the Centennial Suite. The hotel opened in August as the newest luxury hotel near Union Station. Each guest room features floor-to-ceiling windows and a curated, entirely original art collection.
CHS Rocky Mountain Tours Kimpton Hotel Born
CHS Rocky Mountain Tours Kimpton Hotel Born
CHS Rocky Mountain Tours Kimpton Hotel Born
Kayti Stanley ‘18 – Hotelie for Life® Prize Winner
/in Scholarship/by Robert MandelbaumKayti Stanley ’18
The Hotelie for Life® Prize (formerly known as the Joseph Drown Special Prize) is awarded to a Hotel School senior that has demonstrated academic excellence, extracurricular leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, social responsibility and well-conceived career goals and aspirations. The award is sponsored by the Cornell Hotel Society (CHS) and the CHS Foundation.
At the Saturday night banquet of Hotel Ezra Cornell 93, Ms. Kayti Stanley ’18 was announced as winner of the 2018 Hotelie for Life® prize. Kayti is a Hotelie that meets, and exceeds, all the stated requirements of the award.
Kayti was born and raised in Friendswood, Texas, a suburb of Houston. Like most Texans, Kayti participated in many football tailgates which kindled her love for people, food, and hospitality. Despite coming from a split Aggie/Longhorn family, Kayti emphatically states that she bleeds orange all the way.
When looking at colleges, Kayti said that she, “wanted to get out of Texas and have an adventure.” Friends of her grandparents attended Cornell, and knowing Kayti’s appreciation for hospitality touted the great virtues of the Hotel School. She recalls her first visit to campus. It was a snowy day, so her parents stayed back in the hotel. Kayti persevered through the snow, and even got a chance to see the Dragon Day parade.
Kayti was also fortunate to have Lee Pillsbury ‘69 walk in on her prospective student orientation session. After hearing Lee’s passionate description of the contributions and successes of Hotelies while on campus, and after graduation, she was sold on becoming a Hotelie for Life®.
In addition to achieving great success in the classroom, Kayti has been involved in numerous extracurricular activities. She has served as a teaching assistant in multiple classes, tutored students, and served as a Dean’s Student Assistant her senior year. One of her most enjoyable experiences was her involvement with the Mortar Board Der Hexenkrieis Senior Honor Society which provided her the opportunity to meet student leaders outside of the Hotel School.
Because of her love for Cornell, Kayti wanted to become involved in the new and prospective student experience. “You only have four years on campus, time here is so precious and there is never a lack of opportunities. Make the most of it. Cornell is a place to succeed and fail comfortably. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” she advises. Accordingly, Kayti has served as a Hotel School ambassador, a leader on the University’s Orientation Steering Committee, and as a Campus Tour Guide where she learned to walk backwards and talk at the same time. (Editor’s note: You want her on your Cornell trivia team.)
Kayti’s thoughts regarding her career path have changed from year-to-year, influenced by all the new professors and classes she got exposed to. Over her four years her career interests have gone from banquets and events, to hospitality design, to technology. “Try everything and see what you are passionate about” is one of her mantras.
After graduation, Kayti is going to take a few months off and then begin her career in Dallas with Deloitte. She has attained the position of Business Analyst in the Strategy and Operations Consulting Group. “I’m not exactly sure what businesses I will be working with, but I hope to focus on bringing people and service practices into industries where that culture does not currently exist,” Kayti says.
As winner of the Hotelie for Life® Prize, Kayti has the honor of addressing the faculty, parents, family, friends, and her fellow classmates at the Hotel School commencement ceremonies. When asked what her parting words will be, Kayti responded, “I don’t care for endings, but I do really like beginnings. I plan to speak about the importance of gratitude, and how what starts at the Hotel School is just the start for each of us.” Similar to the advice she has given to numerous new and prospective students, she wants to tell the 2018 class of Hotelies that, “the future is going to be full of challenges and successes.”
How is Kayti going to remain a Hotelie for Life®? “I was wowed by the alumni events I got to attend in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. I am so excited to become active in CHS.” Kayti also hopes to return to campus as a guest speaker, and continue to advise students as she has done for the past four years.
“Gratitude is an important value to have. I am extremely grateful for my time at Cornell, and what is to come,” Kayti concludes.
Kayti’s speech during the May 2018 SHA graduation ceremonies can be found here:
KaytiStanley_Grad Speech_Final
* * *
The Cornell Hotel Society and Cornell Hotel Foundation congratulate Kayti, and wish her the best of success on her journey as a Hotelie for Life®. This interview conducted by Robert Mandelbaum ’81.
On May 4 a luncheon was held to honor all nominees for the 2018 Hotelie for Life® Prize. In attendance were (left to right) Associate Dean Cathy Enz, Dean Kate Walsh, Tim Dick , Cheryl Boyer, Christie Choy’18, Elena Mandry’18, Kayti Stanley’18, Alex Levy’18 and Rick Adie.