Student Profile: Kelsy Norman (BA ’08)

Kelsy Norman, from Cincinnati, OH, is the 2008 executive director of Les Gourmets, and a standout volunteer and student. Transferring to MSU after her freshman year from Miami University in Oxford, OH, Kelsy sought out The School’s opportunities to study and learn the restaurant industry."

"One thing in particular that sold me on The School was looking at the company list for CAREER EXPO, our annual hospitality business career fair on campus. I couldn’t choose! There were SO many awesome opportunities."

Kelsy immediately became involved with Les Gourmets, serving in a variety of capacities, including as wine pourer her first year and as front of the house director last year. She says the experience has prepared her well for her leadership role as executive director of the 57-year-old black tie reception and dinner this year. In addition, Kelsy has completed two internships; the first with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises in Chicago, IL, and the second with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants in Lansing, MI. She hopes to use what she’s learned, both in the classroom and out, to make a difference in the restaurant industry.

In academics, Kelsy has been a standout, earning several prestigious scholarships, including the 2007 International Gold & Silver Plate Society Scholarship, the 2007 Richard Cregar Outstanding Hospitality Student Endowed Scholarship, the Lindus L. Caulum II Memorial Fund Grant, and The Handlery Foundation Scholarship for spring semester 2008. She also serves as a research assistant for Professor Carl Borchgrevink.

Alumni who were active student leaders such as Kelsy say that their involvement in School organizations and clubs created a life-long connection to The School, prepared them for their careers, and made their undergraduate years fun and engaged. Kelsy agrees. In addition to her leadership with Les Gourmets, Kelsey has been involved with many other School clubs, and this year helped spearhead a brand-new program, the Student Leader Mentor Program, pairing six senior hospitality business seniors with six first-year students. Also this year, she is the undergraduate student representative to The School’s Culinary Business Learning Lab revitalization committee.

Chef-Professor Alan Sherwin (BA ’64) has been very impressed with Kelsy’s professionalism and work ethic. “She’s certainly one of the top students I’ve worked with,” he says. In fact, Kelsy was recently chosen to be one of only three students in the world to attend the International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin March 3 – 5, 2008, and to participate on a panel titled, “The Hotel Leaders 2028,” addressing the issues important to the next generation of industry leaders. The conference is produced and hosted by the Burba Hotel Network, whose president and founder is Alumnus Jim Burba (BA ‘77). Jim was inducted into The School’s Alumni Association Wall of Fame last November.

"This will be a life-changing experience for Kelsy,” says Dr. Ron Cichy, director and professor of The School. “We’re confident that she will represent The School well in Berlin."

As for Kelsy, she is grateful to have been chosen for this unique experience. "What an incredible opportunity to learn about the hospitality industry in an international setting. I will take a lot away from the conference and trip, including another reason I know I made the right decision in coming to The School and MSU. I’m truly honored to be a part of this school and this program."