The Collins College of Hospitality Management, Cal Poly Pomona

09/01/2026

Reina Grunfeld came to The Collins College knowing she loved food, but she didn’t know where that passion could take her.

Through hands-on experience, coursework across hospitality and connections with the Collins College community, Reina discovered new possibilities. Today, she’s beginning her career with Wolfgang Puck Catering in a role she didn’t know to look for when she started college.

🔗 Read Reina’s story: https://bit.ly/3T6fDKP

08/21/2026

You may have seen this special offer during Hospitality Uncorked. Here’s another chance to support a Collins College student as they prepare to begin their hospitality career. 💚💛

Donate $50 to support Suited for Success, a program that provides a graduating senior with a complete professional outfit for interviews and the start of their career.

As a thank-you for your support, you’ll receive a $50 Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar gift card while supplies last. 🍽️

Your gift can help a student walk into that first interview prepared and confident.

Make your gift today: https://bit.ly/3Skz7uL

08/14/2026

08/06/2026

After graduating from The Collins College of Hospitality Management, alumna Corrine-Marie "Coco" Ramirez continued her culinary journey at The Pastry Academy in Las Vegas, where she learned advanced chocolate artistry from world-renowned pastry chef and chocolatier Amaury Guichon.

Coco credits her confidence to the experiences and support she found at Collins.

"I couldn't have done any of what I am doing currently as a pastry chef without the Collins community."

Stories like Coco's are possible because of dedicated faculty, engaged alumni, industry partners and supporters who invest in the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Congratulations, Coco. We're excited to see where your journey leads next.

08/01/2026

Spring at The Collins College was filled with moments worth celebrating.

From Commencement and our first-ever Senior Send-Off to industry field trips, faculty achievements, new members of the Dean's Advisory Board and the generosity of our philanthropic partners, the spring 2026 edition of Collins À La Carte highlights the experiences that helped shape another memorable semester.

Whether you're celebrating a recent graduate or following your student's journey, we invite you to take a look back at everything our Collins community accomplished together.

Read the newsletter here: https://bit.ly/4yPXRM3

07/28/2026

This is Collins in the News — where we spotlight how our community is making headlines beyond campus.

Lexi Riss, Collins College alumna and owner of Riss & Whisk Bakery, was featured in Voyage LA Magazine, sharing how she built something meaningful for her family by taking a leap outside her comfort zone.

Professor Linchi Kwok, Ph.D., was featured in Hospitality Net on zero-click search, explaining how hospitality brands can build trust with people while creating content that works for AI platforms.

Professor Kwok was also featured in Hospitality Net on hospitality’s talent crisis, discussing why the industry must align career promises with employees’ actual experiences.

He was also interviewed live on CGTN America about China’s tourism boom and what makes the country an increasingly accessible destination for international travelers.

See the full features:

Hidden Gems: Meet Lexi Riss of Riss & Whisk Bakery: https://bit.ly/3U0pDVX

Zero-Click Search: https://bit.ly/4x2XmfJ

Hospitality’s talent crisis: https://bit.ly/3S3gprs

China tourism boom: https://bit.ly/4yKT1j7

07/28/2026

At The Collins College of Hospitality Management, students learn about our six sectors of hospitality: Lodging & Resorts, Food & Beverage, Travel & Tourism, Sports & Recreation, Country Clubs & Golf Clubs and Special Events & Meetings. They'll get real-world experience, industry connections and opportunities that prepare them for meaningful careers around the world.

If you have a student exploring colleges or considering a career in hospitality, we hope this gives you a glimpse into the opportunities waiting for them.

We'd also love to hear from our alumni, industry partners and Collins community. Share this post or comment below and tell us: Where has hospitality taken you?

07/23/2026

The Collins College was proud to participate in the 2026 International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education Global Conference in Las Vegas.

Dean Margie Ferree Jones, Ph.D., Faculty Chair Linchi Kwok, Ph.D., and Professor Andrew Yoon, Ph.D., connected with hospitality educators and industry leaders from around the world while attending sessions focused on research, collaboration and best practices in hospitality education. Dean Jones also represented the American Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation Board of Trustees as its academic representative during the conference, while Professor Yoon convened for the Eta Sigma Delta Board of Governors meeting.

07/18/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Wan Yang, the James A. Collins Distinguished Professor at The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona, and her international research team on receiving the Best Proposal Award at the 2026 International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE) Global Research Marathon!

Their award-winning research addresses one of hospitality's biggest workforce challenges: attracting, onboarding and retaining Gen Z employees. By tackling real-world industry issues, Dr. Yang and her collaborators are helping shape the future of hospitality.

For our Bronco families, this recognition is also a reminder of the outstanding faculty who mentor and inspire students every day. Learning alongside professors whose work is recognized on the global stage helps prepare students to graduate with the knowledge, experience and confidence to make an impact in their own careers.

Read more about Dr. Yang's award-winning research: https://bit.ly/3TrFfBH

07/15/2026

Great hospitality leaders never stop learning.

The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona is proud to offer the Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination exclusively for Broncos — an opportunity for alumni to sharpen their expertise, expand their professional credentials and reconnect with the Collins community.

This immersive two-day course explores far more than tableside wine service. Participants gain foundational knowledge in wine, food pairings, beverage program management and hospitality operations. Those who successfully complete the course and examination will earn the Introductory Sommelier certificate and become eligible to sit for the Certified Sommelier Examination.

Whether you're growing your career, expanding your network or investing in the next chapter of your hospitality journey, we'd love to welcome you back to campus.

Sept. 19 – 20
7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.**
Wine Auditorium (79A-1263)

Register today: bit.ly/Somm26