Gala Features Hall of Fame Inductions, Valuable Experiences for Students

ORLANDO – The Rosen College of Hospitality Management inducted the two inaugural members of its Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame Saturday evening at a gala that gave students valuable experience in planning events and serving guests.

William C. Peeper, former president of the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Richard J. Walsh, who retired last year as Darden Restaurants’ senior vice president for corporate affairs, became the first members of the Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame. Walsh is the chairman of the University of Central Florida’s Board of Trustees.

Peeper and Walsh, who received Crystal Pineapple Awards, were selected after consultations with the faculty and staff of UCF’s Rosen College and industry executives. Inductees’ names and photos will be added to the hall of fame at the Rosen College.

About 65 Rosen College students from many hospitality disciplines staffed the gala. In addition to gaining valuable experience, students also met industry professionals who may become resources for them as they pursue jobs.

The gala began with a garden reception featuring Nova Era, an exhilarating ensemble of classical music, and Rosen College student servers in tuxedos who offered the evening’s signature drink, the SeaBreeze, and butler canapés. Guests then participated in the electronic Grande Boutique Silent Auction.

Rosen College students stood near each table and waited for the guests to arrive at dinner at 7 p.m. Entertainers showcased vignettes from “Chicago,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “Mama Mia” at the start of the dinner, which featured “An Evening on Broadway” theme.

Proceeds from this event supported the Dick Pope Sr. Institute for Tourism Studies at the Rosen College. The institute was founded in 1979 and was funded through a donation by the Orange Blossom Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association in honor of Dick Pope Sr., the owner of Cypress Gardens and the first commercial tourist entrepreneur in Florida. Pope was a visionary who forged a path for tourism development in Central Florida. The institute’s mission is to improve the quality of the tourism product and increase the benefits of the tourism industry to the State of Florida.

Photo Gallery         Gala Poster 2007

For Immediate Release
Contact: Ashley McMeel
407.903.8189 or amcmeel@mail.ucf.edu