CHICAGO, IL � May 20 � James B. Singerling, CCM, CEC, Chief Executive Officer/EVP of the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) has been named Michigan State University�s The School of Hospitality Business 2002 Industry Leader of the Year, The School Director and Professor Ronald Cichy announced today.  In addition, some of the club community�s most successful business leaders today were granted The School�s Distinguished Alumni award at a lavish Chicago ceremony to recognize their contribution of time and talent back to The School.

James B. Singerling

At the celebration Cichy said, �Today we are delighted to honor these alumni during our alma mater�s 75th Anniversary Year.  They studied and learned under remarkable faculty, and then went out and not only succeeded, but furthered MSU�s good name and reputation.  We thank them for giving back to their alma mater with their time, talents and treasures.� 

Some of the club community executives receiving the Distinguished Alumni award include John Guy, General Manager, the Standard Club; John Spidalete, General Manager, The University Club of Chicago; M.A. �Mic� Bossler, General Manager, The Union Club; Neil Smith, Assistant General Manager, Union League Club; Allegra Johnson, CCM, Club Manager, Dunwoody Country Club; Jeffrey Anderson, General Manager, Traverse City Golf & Country Club; John Jordan, General Manager, Cherokee Town & Country Club; Kevin Kennebeck, General Manger, Blythefield Country Club; Richard Kolosa, CCM, General Manager, Skyline Country Club, Inc.; Hugh Van Veen, CCM, General Manager, Eau Gallie Yacht Club; and Mac Winker, Owner, CEO, The Racquet Club of Memphis.  Other club industry professionals were recognized as well. 

Concluded Cichy, �Since our School was founded 75 years ago, we have produced many of the luminaries of our industry � chairmen for dozens of the most prominent hotel and food service companies around the world, for example, are all graduates from The School of Hospitality Business.  Today we are delighted not only to recognize many of our School�s stellar alumni, but to thank them for all they have contributed to our industry and our School.�  

Founded in 1927, The School is celebrating its 75th Anniversary Year in 2002.  The School is recognized as the top-ranked business-based hospitality school in the world. The School has more than 8,500 graduates worldwide, including a number of leading academicians and industry executives.  The mission of The School is to be the leader in hospitality business education through teaching, research, and service.  The School offers an exceptionally well-crafted curriculum taught by innovative professors who are leading textbook authors, sought-after consultants, and respected researchers.