Educational Institute Honors 2012 Leaders in Hospitality Training and Education
June 14, 2012 - The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) has announced this year's winners of its awards for leaders in hospitality training and education. The following people were honored at the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) Summer Summit during the AH&LA Stars of the Industry Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, June 13.
David Kong, president and CEO of Best Western International, is the 2012 recipient of the Arthur Landstreet Award. Named after the Tennessee hotelier who founded the Educational Institute, the Arthur Landstreet award is presented to an individual who has made a lasting impact on the quality of education and training in the hospitality industry.
Dawn McGiffen, associate professor at Sullivan University's National Center for Hospitality Studies in Louisville, Kentucky, is the 2012 recipient of the Anthony G. Marshall Award. This award recognizes an individual who has made significant long-term contributions to the hospitality industry in educating future leaders.
Tommy Cheng Chee Leong, CHA, general manager of the Crystal Crown Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was honored with title of CHA Emeritus.
EI presented five Lamp of Knowledge Awards this year. These awards are given to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to advancing the quality of professionalism and education in the hospitality industry. This year's honorees are:
Outstanding Educators (International): Jade Hwang and Joon Park, leaders of H.R. Academy, EI's Hospitality Education Partner (HEP) master licensee in South Korea.
Outstanding Educator (U.S.): John Pelletier, former dean of Newbury College and founder of the college's Roger A. Saunders School of Hotel and Restaurant Management.
Outstanding Educator (High School): Patricia LeCompte, instructor at Monroe Career & Technical Institute in Bartonsville, Pennsylvania
Outstanding Student (Distance Learning): Laura Shivers, operations clerk, U.S. Navy's Pacific Beach Resort and Conference Center.
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