Richard C. Conti

Richard C. Conti (MBA ’76)

"Make your own good luck by working hard, following your passion, and being respectful of those who work for you. This will make you a successful leader."
The Legacy of the Leader

The Legacy of the Leader-

 Take a delightful, insightful journey through this colorful history of The School . . .

The School Alumni Spread Their Influence

Over 9,000 strong, School alumni lead in every segment of the industry, from hotels to restaurants, from private clubs to contract service companies, and from theme parks to interval management companies-creating an incredibly influential network. Here's a sampling…

  • Chairman & CEO of RARE Hospitality International, Inc.
    (The Capital Grille, LongHorn Steakhouse)
  • Chairman & CEO of Wyndham International, Inc.
  • Senior Event Manager for The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel
  • Senior Vice President of Sage Hospitality Resources
  • President & CEO of Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association
  • President & CEO of the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau
  • President & CEO of the Convention Industry Council
  • Owner & President of Betty Maclean Travel, Inc.
  • President of Food Concepts, Inc.
  • Training Manager for Levy Restaurants
  • Manager of Special Events for Hilton Hotels Corporation
  • President of the Highland Group
  • Owner of Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge
  • President and COO of Boykin Lodging Company
  • President of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc.
    (Maggiano's, Shaw's Crab House)
  • Vice President of State Parks and Resorts of Xanterra Parks & Resorts

The School alumni excel in other service industries, as well, and in graduate schools, as entrepreneurs, and as corporate executives.

The alumni who have shaped the hospitality industry have also helped shape The School. The Alumni Association of The School of Hospitality Business gives back to its alma mater in many ways—alumni return to the classroom as Visiting Leaders, they support students as Spartan Mentors, they provide direction as Alumni Association Executive Board and Appointed Board members, they participate in the many School events and functions, and they provide invaluable financial support through donations.

Our alumni: the heartbeat of The School! To get involved in the Alumni Association of The School of Hospitality Business, email Lena Loeffler at loeffler@msu.edu