Left to right: John Wolper, Eric Opron, William Petrella, Derek Wood, Doug Kramer, Paula Wolper

The hospitality management program hosted five of its senior executives from the general advisory board Nov. 4 and 5. This executive committee represents some of the top-tiered companies in the world.

All members are former students of John Wolper, Ed.D., director of hospitality management and associate professor of business, and have remained a close source of support for program and industry practices.

Attending members included:

• Doug Kramer, regional vice president of human resources, North East Division for Carlson Companies/TGI Friday’s;

• Eric Opron, director of marketing and sales, Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Hotels, Orlando, Fla.;

• Bill Petrella, general manager of Westin’s five star, five diamond La Paloma Resort in Tuscon, Ariz.;

• Sam Veneziano, vice president of franchising and guest relations, Marriott Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Washington, D.C.; and

• Derek Wood, president of Guest Check Inc., Golden, Colo., (a top mystery shopping company for upscale boutique hotels and restaurants).

The two-day meeting began with a themed student reception Nov. 4 prior to the first business session. Students in a meetings and conventions class, taught by Paula Wolper, assistant professor of hospitality management, hosted the sports-themed event, which included sports decorations and tailgate-style food. Approximately 30 undergraduate and 7 graduate students were in attendance to meet the executives.

On Monday, Nov. 5, the committee met in a closed session to assist in the refocusing of UF’s hospitality management program to make sure UF students and the curriculum are both current and forward-thinking in meeting industry standards and needs.

Additionally, the committee addressed three business classes on Monday, discussing the elements of a successful career and what it takes, in addition to a solid education, to succeed as both a senior-level executive and an entrepreneur in the world of business.

The meeting was hosted by the Wolpers, as well as the Hospitality Management Club and students of the program.