Hotel School Alum Tom Thomas Advises MSU Students
Named Honorary Faculty
East Lansing, MI - March 17, 2010 - When Alumnus and Visiting Leader Tom Thomas (BA '78) returned to campus in February to address students in The School of Hospitality Business at MSU, they heard from someone who has done it all.
For 32 years, Tom has pursued his passion for hospitality, beginning with Hyatt Hotels right after he graduated in 1978. Through 20 different positions with numerous iconic companies, he excelled in nearly every segment of the industry. Food and beverage, private clubs, resorts, suites and extended stay, fullservice urban hotels, conference centers, and now real estate and development - Tom has experienced it all, and with his wife Brenda, has learned to see life - including 15 different moves - as an adventure, with something new around every corner.
Most recently the general manager of the legendary Drake Hotel in Chicago, Tom is now the president of Herrington Hospitality, headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, which specializes in the ownership and management of hotels, resorts, and clubs.
“The hospitality industry provides choices,” he told the students in Adjunct Instructor Joel Heberlein's HB 237 - Management of Lodging Systems course. “It is a great industry, especially if you're not yet sure about what you want to be. Career opportunities exist in food and beverage, rooms, marketing and sales, finance, retail, and more.”
Tom advised students to remember that the industry is “about customer service,” and no matter how technically sophisticated our society gets, “this is still, and always will be, a people business.”
“Continually improve,” he urged. “Your versatility will increase your value.”After he addressed the students, Tom was named an Honorary Faculty Member in The School. The next day, he visited several memorable spots on campus, including the office of MSU men's basketball Coach Tom Izzo, with whom he visited before enjoying dinner with Brenda at the Tip-Off Cafe in the Breslin Center and watching the Spartans play Purdue that evening.
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