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Valencia Hospitality Students Celebrate Mardi Gras and Visit Amway Center With Disney Recruiters

Mar

16

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Wednesday, March 16, 2022

A Message from Terri Graham, Interim President, West and Downtown Campuses

Valencia Hospitality Society Mardi Gras 

On Tuesday, March 1, 2022 — in celebration of the first day of Mardi Gras — the Valencia Hospitality Society (VHS) offered free waffle bento boxes on our Downtown Campus. Special thanks to the club leadership, students Danielle Tatham, Teagan Holland and Emily Tatham (all hospitality majors), Student Engagement, and to the VHS student volunteers who started at 8 a.m. and put together 100 boxes for the giveaways.

Students, staff and faculty were encouraged to stop by one of the two tables set up (one in UnionWest and one in the courtyard of the Dr. Phillips Academic Commons) to pick up a box that contained a homemade, fresh waffle, maple syrup, caramel syrup, fresh banana and strawberries.

The VHS club has been actively engaged in reconnecting with their fellow students since COVID-19 has impacted the hospitality industry so much. This term, VHS has offered a scavenger hunt at Disney Springs, has volunteered at the Arnold Palmer “Invitational Wine & Dine on 9” and is offering several drawings for students for Universal Orlando tickets. In May, the club plans to bring 9 students to the National Restaurant Show in Chicago, the premier food and beverage trade show in the U.S.

Hospitality Students and Disney Recruiters Visit the Amway Center

At the Downtown Campus, the Hospitality program enjoys some perks of close relationships with our industry partners. Walt Disney World Corporate Social Responsibility and Rita Maldonado, career program advisor, invited students to sign up for an exclusive opportunity, thanks to this relationship.

On Monday, February 28, 2022, 18 Valencia College hospitality students enjoyed an Orlando Magic game at the Amway Center from the Disney suite and met with Disney recruiters. Students chatted with recruiters about employment and growth opportunities, received resume feedback and networked in a small group setting. Students were also treated to food and beverages provided by Disney, and after speaking with recruiters, students enjoyed a game where the Orlando Magic won. Feedback from students was all positive. For many, it was the first time seeing a game at the Amway, and for all of them, the first time in a suite! They dressed to impress and asked great questions.

Partnerships like this are what strengthen educational and industry relationships and enhance learning opportunities for students. There will be additional future opportunities for the recruiters to come on campus to speak with students in the classroom.

Related Tags: community, student club