American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute Honors 2010 Leaders in Hospitality Training and Education
The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) has announced this year’s winners of its awards for champions of hospitality training and education. The following people were honored at the AH&LA Summer Summit during the AH&LA Stars of the Industry Awards Luncheon on June 16.
Consultant Jay S. Witzel, CHA, former president and CEO of Carlson Hotels Worldwide, is the 2010 recipient of the Arthur Landstreet Award. Named after the Tennessee hotelier who founded the Educational Institute, the Arthur Landstreet award is presented to an individual who has made a lasting impact on the quality of education and training in the hospitality industry.
Richard Ghiselli, Ph.D., associate professor at the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Purdue University, is the 2010 recipient of the Anthony G. Marshall Award. This award recognizes an individual who has made significant long-term contributions to the hospitality industry in educating future leaders.
EI presented four Lamp of Knowledge Awards this year. These awards are given to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to advancing the quality of professionalism and education in the hospitality industry. This year’s honorees are:
Outstanding Educator (International): Ramesh Takulia, CHE, director, Learning and Development, Luxury Division, for the Taj Hotels, Resorts, and Palaces, India.
Outstanding Educator (U.S.): Jennifer Calhoun, CHE, assistant professor and director for the Hospitality and Tourism Institute at Prince George’s Community College, Largo, Maryland.
Outstanding Educator (High School): Todd Nakayama, Waipahu High School, Waipahu, Hawaii.
Outstanding Student (Distance Learning): Siddhi Khajuria, food and beverage manager, Imperial Palace Hotel, Rajkot, India.
“The foundation for every individual or company success in our industry begins with great teachers, educators, and mentors,” said Robert L. Steele III, CHA, president and COO of AHLEI, during the awards ceremony. “That is why we take the opportunity to recognize and honor these educators today.”