Rosen College of Hospitality Management Receives $1.5 M from Marriott Foundation

The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation has made a commitment of $1.5 million to help fund construction of a new foodservice lab at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. The facility will be named the Marriott Foodservice Lab.
The new 3,500-square-foot lab is needed to accommodate rapid growth in the college. Currently more than 1,400 students in six different courses learn about design, catering, franchise development, food preparation, cost controls and managerial skills in two existing foodservice labs, which closely resemble modern restaurant kitchens. But as teaching labs they are also equipped with video monitors and other instructional enhancements. The new lab is expected to be completed in 2019.
Viewing the hospitality and tourism industry as one of the world’s most important drivers of economic growth, the Marriott Foundation seeks to help educate and prepare the next generation of hospitality leaders by supporting programs that offer exceptional curricula, real-world experiences, and opportunities for students to engage with mentors in the field.
“The Rosen College of Hospitality Management not only offers an excellent education, but also emphasizes access and opportunities for students from all backgrounds,” said Marriott Foundation executive director Anna Gunsteens. “That aligns closely with our Foundation’s priorities.”
The Rosen College of Hospitality Management opened the doors of its new campus in 2004 to just 75 students. Today, it is ranked among the top five hospitality management programs in the world, enrolling more than 3,700 students and offering five undergraduate and two graduate degrees, in addition to a Ph.D. in hospitality management.
“The Marriott Foundation’s support of the Rosen College is an endorsement of our programs and an investment in the hospitality leaders of the future in foodservice operations and food industry management,” said Dr. Abraham Pizam, Dean of Rosen College. “The Foundation recognizes the importance of stellar educational facilities and the challenges of growth, and we are extremely grateful for their partnership and support as we prepare our students to take on the challenges of accommodating and entertaining the 666 million visitors that make Orlando their destination of choice each year.”
About the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management
The UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management located in Orlando, offers students an unrivaled opportunity to learn and work in the heart of hospitality. Ranked in the top five hospitality management programs worldwide, Rosen College has been an educational leader for over 30 years. Uniquely positioned in America’s top tourism destination, we educate the next generation of industry leaders through internationally-recognized faculty, innovative academic programs, cutting-edge research and strong industry and community partnerships. To learn more, visit hospitality.ucf.edu.