Joel Hiser

Joel Hiser (BA ’73)

"Look for and act upon unique business opportunities when and where they may present themselves."
The Legacy of the Leader

The Legacy of the Leader-

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

The School of Hospitality Business
Alumni Association

The School of Hospitality Business Alumni Association provides active leadership in support of the mission of The School through membership participation, image enhancement, financial commitment, and promotion of synergies among students, faculty, alumni, and friends. The objectives of The Association are exclusively educational and charitable.

The School of Hospitality Business Alumni Association is open to all alumni of The School. The Executive Board of Directors, consisting entirely of alumni, oversees the activities of the Alumni Association. The Appointed Board of Directors consists of graduates and non-graduates from all segments of leadership positions within the hospitality industry who act as a group of advocates for The School and its mission.

The Alumni Association fulfills its mission in a number of ways that benefit The School. It sponsors several major events:

  • Executive Board of Directors Meetings each May in Chicago, and each October on campus
  • Homecoming parade and barbeque, game day reception and game each fall
  • Celebration of Leadership during the November New York International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Show in New York City
  • Annual Auction (sponsored jointly by the Alumni Association and the student Hospitality Association) each February
  • Annual Gathering of Leaders Reception during the May National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago
  • Patriarchs Breakfast each June on campus

Each year, the Alumni Association also recognizes:

  • Inductees in its Wall of Fame
  • Industry Leader of the Year
  • Alumnus/a of the Year
  • Emerging Alumnus/a Leader of the Year
  • Honorary Alumnus/a of the Year

The Alumni Association is responsible as well for naming the Alumnus/a of the Month and the Annual Faculty/Staff award.