OSU School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration - OSU Welcomes First AH&LA Student Chapter in Country

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OSU Welcomes First AH&LA Student Chapter in Country

Joe Martin, AH&LA Chairman; Taylor Kirk, AH&LA Student

AH&LA members Adrienne Larson, Griffin Santino, Liz Ray, Carli Sharp

Seated: Krystal Burt, Chris Raymer; Standing: Andrew Mungul, John Williams of the Skirvin Hilton

Officers and Board: seated - Katie Emard, Kristyn Sliger, Taylor Kirk, Lauren Lotspeich, Charity Headrick; standing - Jake Noell, John Williams, Joe Martin, Mike Farney, Tyler Parsons

From the first shopping cart to the yield sign and the electric guitar, Oklahomans are known for creating firsts. The list of "firsts" continued in August as AH&LA recognized students from the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration at Oklahoma State University as being the first student chapter in the country.

Joe Martin, AH&LA Chairman, made the announcement at the Student Chapter's Meet and Greet Membership event on Thursday, August 27th. The event marked the first, official gathering of the chapter. In attendance were OH&LA Chair, Mike Farney, and OH&LA Treasurer, John Williams along with OH&LA executives Jim Hopper and Patti Colley. Twenty-two students participated in the social gathering where they had an opportunity to mingle and learn more about the upcoming activities for the chapter during the semester.

A highlight of the event came when Lauren Lospietch, Student Chapter Secretary, announced that the chapter's Board of Directors has created the Joe Martin Leadership Award. The award will recognize a member of the chapter who demonstrates a commitment to the organization through their service, support, and participation. The award will be made annually and presented to the outstanding student at the end of the spring semester.

The Student Chapter will be meeting twice monthly and have a focus on professional development. Upcoming activities include panel discussions on Government Affairs and leaders under 30. The group will also be touring hotel properties to gain a deeper understanding of operations. Various fund-raising and community service projects are also scheduled for the group.

Leadership for the chapter is comprised of a Board of Directors including four executive officers positions. Officers for the 2009-10 school year include Taylor Kirk - President, Katie Emard - Vice President, Kristyn Sliger - Treasurer, and Lauren Lospietch - Secretary. Faculty advisors for the chapter are Rebecca Eastham, OH&LA Board member, and David Davis.

If you are interested in providing support for the chapter or participating in student chapter activities, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .