OUR OPPORTUNITIES

New College Environment…Sophisticated (NAPSM)-Walking through the doors of the brand-new Herbert J. Sugden Hall to pursue their passion for hospitality at Florida Gulf Coast University in sunny Fort Myers, Fla., students feel more like they have entered an upscale, contemporary boutique hotel or private club rather than an academic institution. The sophisticated facility design functions as a working laboratory to prepare students for high-demand careers in all aspects of the industry from resort, private club, spa, hotel, event, time-share, restaurant and tourism destination management to a PGA-accredited Professional Golf Management program. Florida, known internationally as a top hospitality destination, has several thriving university hospitality programs. The focus of the Resort & Hospitality Management (RHM) program at FGCU is on resort management, blending traditional food, beverage and lodging education with recreation amenities management courses to prepare students for the complex responsibilities of 21st century management. Once in the program, students can find more than 40 high-end resorts, 160 exclusive private clubs and a myriad of top-of-the- line restaurant and hospitality companies in the area at which they can seek out internships to complement their academic learning. The program is fortunate to have the strong backing of a 45-member Resort & Hospitality Advisory Board, created to assist in curriculum design, fundraise and provide students with a network of industry professionals. Dr. Sherie Brezina, RHM's director, said the new $11.4 million, 37,000-square-foot Herbert J. Sugden Hall will include a Wine and Food Technology laboratory and a unique, functioning prototype spa laboratory area in which students can learn about managing and operating resorts and day spas. The spa laboratory-equipped with wet and dry treatment rooms, a hair and nail salon, along with a steam and whirlpool area-is one of the first university hospitality programs in the country to have an operational spa lab on campus where students can learn the complex details of spa management. The new building will provide RHM majors with the latest technology and innovations in kitchen, restaurant, spa, meetings and golf management teaching facilities to accompany their academic learning. The building also outfits the Professional Golf Management Program, one of 20 in the country, with the very latest in golf equipment and technology in the building's club repair shop, simulated full-swing stations, putting green area and retail operation pro shop. Besides stopping by faculty and staff offices, Resort & Hospitality Management majors may take advantage of the Cyber Café, a designated spot for laptops, class projects and coffee. As envisioned by philanthropists Herbert and Margaret Sugden, the building is abuzz with activity and learning.

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