HTM Holds Annual New Student Breakfast

The Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) Department at Isenberg School of Management welcomed this fall its largest enrollment of new majors in over a decade. On Sept. 26, the department held its annual New Student Breakfast and greeted 51 new first-year students, 35 new double majors, and 19 new transfer students.

Department Chair Melissa Baker, Ph.D., noted that this momentum is due to the HTM department’s academic distinction as well as the opportunities it offers students to enter the largest industry in the world.

“You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do and who you want to be,” she said. “That is exactly why Isenberg HTM is the best place; you have so many options to explore, and we encourage you to explore everything that this dynamic industry can offer over the next four years.” 

To further welcome, support, and create community, 23 student HTM ambassadors,12 HTM leadership board members, and HTM faculty were on hand to meet the new students.

A leadership panel led by moderator Fred Mitzner ’86 (senior vice president, Conference Direct) featured HTM alumni Victoria Vega ’88 (senior vice president of operations at Compass Community Living Hospitality Group), Todd Barry ’88 (owner of Moby Dick’s Restaurant), and Shawn Scanlon ’24 (food and beverage manager at Four Seasons). The panel highlighted their experiences as former students and current industry leaders.

“Go to Career Day, and take leadership roles on and off campus,” said Barry. “This business is all about people. Try different jobs, and you will learn what energizes you.”

Said Vega: “What differentiates all firms is the customer experience. This is where a degree in hospitality creates the best leaders and students.”

She also noted that what makes HTM special is that there is something inside of everyone that inspires them to be the best part of someone’s day.

Scanlon recommended students get involved in the many opportunities offered through the HTM Department and university.

Professor Baker emphasized: “Get involved, build connections, explore the #HTMPossibilities. It all starts here with UMass Amherst’s HTM. Be part of the best industry in the world, because every business is in the business of people.”

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