Penn State School of Hospitality Management

10/26/2026

Meet the leaders behind Cafe Laura! 💙🍽️

Our talented staff and interns are the ones helping make it all happen! From guiding student teams to keeping daily operations running smoothly, these interns are gaining hands-on leadership experience while helping students succeed.

Next time you stop by Cafe Laura, know there's a dedicated team working behind the scenes to make your dining experience great!

10/22/2026

Conti Professor Chip Wade spoke to our HM 202 Colloquium in Hospitality Management class! 😊

In this course, students hear from industry leaders and can determine their career directions, learn about requirements for success in the industry, and identify career opportunities.

Wade, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, will be in-residence at Penn State University Park, visiting during the 2026-27 academic year to teach and advise students and faculty. He will also engage in virtual seminars with undergraduate and graduate students throughout the academic year.

10/20/2026

Ken Young, a celebrated hospitality and recreation entrepreneur, received the Penn State Distinguished Alumni Award, which honors alumni whose personal lives, professional achievements, and community service embody their alma mater's values. This is Penn State's highest honor for its alumni.

Young has shaped national standards in food service, venue management, and professional sports. His influence spans national organizations that support sports, entertainment, and leisure facilities ⤵️

https://www.psu.edu/news/health-and-human-development/story/hospitality-management-alumnus-ken-young-receives-distinguished?utm_account=Penn+State+School+of+Hospitality+Management&utm_campaign=&utm_content=1792531320&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

10/13/2026

Check out the unique learning opportunities of our Master of Management in Hospitality during our upcoming webinar!

Join us from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15 to get a behind-the-scenes look and ask our faculty and staff questions about the graduate degree and application process.

Register ➡️ https://psu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4Q3VBBIXS3Ssopc6AfEtCA #/registration

10/01/2026

of our alumni 💙

09/30/2026

Welcoming the best in the biz — our alumni! 😊

This week, we’re hosting our annual Alumni in the Classroom. Students learn from and ask our alumni professionals questions about their experience in the hospitality industry.

09/28/2026

We have named Darryl “Chip” Wade, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, as our 2026-27 Walter J. Conti Visiting Professor.

The Conti Professorship program brings industry leaders and scholars to serve as guest lecturers and mentors to students in the hospitality management program ⤵️

https://www.psu.edu/news/health-and-human-development/story/ceo-union-square-hospitality-group-named-2026-27-conti-professor?utm_account=Penn+State+School+of+Hospitality+Management&utm_campaign=&utm_content=1790622018&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

09/10/2026

We will honor Leland Pillsbury, chairman of Thayer Lodging Group Investment Partners and co-founder and partner of Thayer Investment Partners, and Ira Lubert, founder of Belgravia Management, at the 2027 PSHRS Industry Awards and Reception.

Pillsbury will receive the society’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and Lubert will receive the Hospitality Executive of the Year Award ⤵️

https://www.psu.edu/news/health-and-human-development/story/penn-state-honor-leland-pillsbury-ira-lubert-hospitality-awards?utm_account=Penn+State+School+of+Hospitality+Management&utm_campaign=&utm_content=1789076221&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

08/17/2026

We're hosting our annual Alumni in the Classroom this Sept. 30-Oct. 1! This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students to learn from the best in the business—our SHM alumni.

Alumni in the Classroom has become a favorite event for undergraduate and graduate alumni from all graduating classes and hospitality career paths.

Our alumni can sign up now to share their experiences and expertise with our students ⤵️
https://hhd.psu.edu/shm/events?trumbaEmbed=eventid%3D1370802714%26seotitle%3D21st-Annual-SHM-Alumni-in-the-Classroom%26view%3Devent%26-childview%3D&utm_account=Penn+State+School+of+Hospitality+Management&utm_campaign=&utm_content=1786992002&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

08/05/2026

We're proud to announce this year's alumni award honorees! Congrats to all honorees, from emerging professionals and industry achievers to alumni of the year and entrepreneur of the year.

New in 2026 is the Chairperson's Award, which reflects the commitment of past PSHRS presidents who assumed the role of chairperson at the end of their term. The award recognizes alumni whose dedication reflects exemplary support to the society and school through service, leadership, advocacy and engagement.

The Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society and Penn State School of Hospitality Management will honor alumni and their achievements during the 2026 Alumni Awards Reception on Sept. 30.