The Celebration of Leadership will recognize C.A. “Bud” Cataldo, chairman of the board and CEO of Hostmark Hospitality Group, as The School’s 2000 Industry Leader of the Year.  Mr. Cataldo is renowned in the hotel and tourism segments of the American economy as a hands-on business leader of one of the foremost worldwide hotel management companies.  His vast expertise was garnered from close involvement with the development, construction, financing, and opening of more than 75 hotels containing over 20,000 rooms during his 32 years in the industry.

The Celebration of Leadership will also induct two members into the Wall of Fame Class of Originators.  Chris Hackem (BA ’77), executive vice president of ARAMARK’s Business Services, will be honored.  Chris has been with ARAMARK over 20 years and her role includes growth and development of $1.2 billion in revenues and providing vision for regional vice presidents and sales, financial, marketing and human resources executives. 

Ben Schwartz (BA ’72), president of Harper Associates in Farmington Hills, Michigan, will be honored as well.  Ben Schwartz began with Harper Associates in 1973, building a nationwide reputation for placing executives, managers and culinary professionals in the hotel, restaurant, resort, country club and food service industries.

These two distinguished alumni will join 35 previously inducted alumni in the Wall of Fame.  The 1995 Charter Class included 14 members; 1996 Class of Founders included 6 members; 1997 Class of Internationals included 4 members; 1998 Class of Builders included 6 members and the 1999 Class of Innovators included 5 members.  A tribute to the Wall of Fame inductees, all Michigan State University graduates, is located at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.

Frank Arthur Banks (BA ’61, MBA ’62), the RIHGA Royal Hotel’s general manager and member of the Wall of Fame Class of Founders, will host the ceremonies at the RIHGA Royal Hotel.  The Celebration of Leadership begins with a reception at 11:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon at 12:15 p.m., and concluding with the formal inductions.  Please phone Lena Loeffler at (517) 353-9211 for reservation information.

Founded in 1927, The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University has more than 8,000 graduates worldwide.  The mission of The School is to be the leader in hospitality business education through teaching, research, and service.  Recognized as the top-ranked business college-based hospitality school in the world, The School offers an exceptionally well-crafted curriculum taught by innovative professors who are leading textbook authors, sought-after consultants and respected researchers.  The School of Hospitality Business Alumni Association was founded in 1948 as the Michigan State College Hotel Administration Alumni Association.  The mission of The School’s Alumni Association is to provide active leadership in support of the mission of The School through membership participation, image enhancement, financial commitment, and promotion of synergies among students, faculty, alumni and friends.