Gala 2009 - World's Fair
Friday March 27, 2009
Holiday Inn, Big Rapids, Michigan
Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres begin at 5:30 p.m.
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- Gala Executive Board
Elizabeth Block - Chief Operation Officer
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- Graduation: May 2009
- Major: Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Minor: Special Events and Meeting Planning
- Hometown: Tinley Park, IL
Affiliations/RSOs:
- President of National Society of Minorities in Hospitality
- Member of Professional Convention Management Association
- Habitat for Humanity
- Eta Sigma Delta
- Omicron Delta Kappa
- Newman Center for Catholic Students
Elizabeth Block sees herself in ten years being a General Manager of a Marriott Brand Hotel because of her passion for the industry.
Rebecca Oldani - Director of Operations
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- Graduation: May 2009
- Major: Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Minor: Special Events and Meeting Planning
- Hometown: Macomb, MI
Affiliations/RSOs:
- Treasurer of National Society of Minorities in Hospitality
- Professional Convention Management Association
- Hospitality Business Student Association
Rebecca Oldani chose to participate in Gala completely for the experience. Gala is a perfect way to put students in a real life situation to experience what it is like to organize every single detail of such an enormous event.
Michelle Stearns - Chief Financial Officer
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- Graduation: May 2009
- Major: Resort Management
- Minor: Special Event and Meeting Planning
- Hometown: Paris, MI
Affiliations/RSOs:
- Community Member Chair of Hospitality Business Student Assoc
- Vice President of Professional Convention Management Assoc
- Eta Sigma Delta
- Student Liaison of Michigan Lodging and Tourism Conference
- Gala Executive Guest Chefs
Ginnie Burger, Pastry Chef, Churchill's Bar & Bistro, Grand Rapids
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Originally from Sitka, Alaska, Ginnie traveled the world as a "Navy Brat". She graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in 1989 with a Baking major. After spending time on the east coast, from Massachusetts to Florida, working for yacht clubs and private clubs, she returned to Grand Rapids. She currently teaches classes to emotionally challenged kids at the Kent Education Center. She is also a board member of the Advisory Committee at the Kent Career Tech Center.
Rock Dandeneau, Director of Service Industries for Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids.
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Rock is a Certified Executive Chef who graduated with his B.S. in Hospitality Management from Ferris. He also studied Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales and Grand Rapids Junior College. Prior to his present job he was Senior Corporate Campus Chef with Compass Group and Executive Chef at Herman Miller. He is a member of the Michigan Restaurant Association and Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Rock's current role is overseeing Goodwill Hospitality Services and Building Service programs, developing business connections, writing business contracts, job placement, and instruction for Service Industries participants with barriers to employment.
Steve Dorey, Executive Chef, Spectrum Health Services, Grand Rapids
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Steve is a chef for the Spectrum Health Butterworth and Blodgett Campuses, Meijer Heart Center and Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, totaling over 7,500 meals a day. Chef Steve is a Certified Chef de Cuisine with the American Culinary Federation. He has a B.A. in Public Relations from Central Michigan University. Steve has served as Executive Chef for The Embers, Mt. Pleasant, The Comfort Inn Conference Center in Mt. Pleasant, The Lord Fox in Ann Arbor, and Holiday Inn of Big Rapids.
Don Henderson, Chef Instructor, Kent Transition Center, Grand Rapids
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Don graduated from Grand Rapids Community College in 1988 with his degree in Culinary Arts. He is currently working on his Masters in Special Education at Ferris. Prior to his present position he was Executive Chef at The Embers in Mt. Pleasant and Gutherie's in Grand Rapids. Don has also taught Business Management courses at Davenport College for the past six years.
Derek Rettell, Owner, DMS, Chicago
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Derek graduated from Ferris with a B.S. in Hotel & Restaurant Management. After leaving Ferris he worked for Houston's Restaurant, ESPN Zone, Red Stone Grill and Bandera while living in thirteen different states. Today, he is a partner in Dunlays on Clark, D.O.C. Wine Bar, Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar, Smoke Daddy, and Dunlays on the Square. Smoke Daddy's has been featured on BBQ with Bobby Flay and Rachel Ray's Tasty Travels.
Bob Rodriguez, Great Lake Culinary Academy, Traverse City
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A native of Philadelphia Bob has 40 years experience in the Food Service industry. He received most of his training in the Philadelphia area training under European chefs for 8 years. He has worked in private clubs, public restaurants and resorts in Philadelphia, Houston and Detroit and has been certified as an Executive Chef since 1988. He is currently an instructor at the Great Lakes Culinary Institute where he teaches Garde Manger. Bob has also taught "Intro to Cooking" and "International Cuisine". He also serves as the Executive Chef of "The Hagerty Center", a conference center located at the college.
Andrew Voss, Executive Sous Chef, JW Marriott Grand Rapids
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Andrew graduated from Grand Rapids Community College in 2004 with his degree in Culinary Arts. After graduating from culinary school he traveled to Meliha, Malta for a short internship before returning to open the Grand Woods Lounge as Executive Chef. When the opportunity arrived to continue
his culinary career he moved on to help open the prestigious JW Marriott Rapids as a Sous Chef, later moving into his current role as Executive Sous Chef and chef de cuisine for six.one.six, JW's signature
seasonal restaurant.
- Gala Managers
Audra Budzynski - Dining Room Manager
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- Graduation: May 2009
- Major: Hotel Management with AAS in restaurant and food industry
- Hometown: Scottville
The reason why you decided to pursue a career in Hospitality:
I enjoy working with people and working in the food industry.
Ashley Abrahamson - Dining Room Assistant Manager
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- Graduation: December 2009
- Major: Hotel Management with AAS in Restaurant and Food Industry Management
- Minor: Finance
- Hometown: Ludington
The reason why you decided to pursue a career in Hospitality:
I grew up the restaurant industry and enjoy the fast pace atmosphere and the experience it brings to people.
Tiffany Beckmann - Food and Beverage Manager
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- Graduation: May 2010
- Major: w/ AAS in Restaurant Food Industry Management
- Hometown: Midland, MI
Affiliations/RSOs:
- Sigma Delta
- NSMH
- Delta Sigma Pi
The reason why you decided to pursue a career in Hospitality:
I decided to pursue a career in hospitality because I have always worked in restaurants and I enjoy making and presenting great quality foods while ensuring guests have an incredible experience!!!
Matt Bright - Food and Beverage Assistant Manager
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- Graduation: May, 2010
- Major: Hotel Management with Associates in Restaurant and Food Service Management
- Hometown: Niles, MI
Affiliations/RSOs:
- Member of National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH)
The reason why you decided to pursue a career in Hospitality:
The reason why I decided to pursue a career in Hospitality is because I have been involved in the food service for a number of years, holding numerous positions. Throughout these years, I have been able to advance myself into management roles where I can apply what I believe are my best attributes; planning, staying task oriented, and organization. I enrolled in the Ferris State Hospitality program, because I have witnessed the upper level management careers that can be obtained from having an advanced degree. This program allows me to use the experience I have gained in the "real world," while improving my overall knowledge of the Hospitality Industry and its many different sectors.
Leanne Davidson - Theme and Decor Manager
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- Graduation: May 2010
- Major: Resort Management
- Minor: Event & Meeting Planning
- Hometown: Rockford, MI
Affiliations/RSOs:
- N.S.M.H: Vice President
- P.C.M.A: Secretary
- AH&LA: Member
The reason why you decided to pursue a career in Hospitality:
To be a part of an industry that focuses on making a positive difference every day in someone's life.
Mindy King - Production Manager
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- Graduation: May 2009
- Major: Hotel/Restaurant Industry Management
- Minor: Special Events and Meeting Planning
- Hometown: Lakeview, MI
Affiliations/RSOs:
- PCMA: President
- NSMH: Member
- Eta Sigma Delta: Vice President
The reason why you decided to pursue a career in Hospitality:
I decided to pursue the hospitality industry because of my passion for helping others. I love working with people and creating an atmosphere and experience guests will enjoy and remember.
Ryan Paquette - Marketing and Logistics Manager
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- Graduation: May, 2010
- Major: Hotel Management
- Hometown: Bridgman, Michigan
Affiliations/RSOs:
- Hospitality Programs Student Ambassador
- President of Club Managers Association of America
- Member of Eta Sigma Delta International Honor Society
The reason why you decided to pursue a career in Hospitality:
The hospitality industry will allow me to surround myself with humble colleagues who wish to work as a team, accomplish great things, and live in a world of smiles. Ferris State University has opened the window for this dream, and with the help of my instructors and fellow peers, this dream may become reality.
Kaitlin Russell - Marketing & Logistics Assistant Manager
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- Graduation: May, 2010
- Major: Hotel Management with Associates in Restaurant and Food Service Management
- Hometown: Marshall, MI
Affiliations/RSOs:
- Secretary for NSMH
- Member of Eta Sigma Delta
The reason why you decided to pursue a career in Hospitality:
I wanted a career that would allow me the opportunity to make an impact in people's life, while traveling around the world.
Alicia Freye - Special Services Manager
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- Graduation: May 2009
- Major: Resort Management
- Minor: Meeting and Event Planning
- Hometown: Big Rapids, MI
Affiliations/RSOs:
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Up 'Till Dawn
- Honors Program
The reason why you decided to pursue a career in Hospitality:
I love being around people.
Becky Swem - Special Services Assistant Manager
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- Graduation: December 2009
- Major: Resort Management
- Minor: Special Event and Meeting Planning
- Hometown: Grand Rapids, Mi
The reason why you decided to pursue a career in Hospitality:
I have always had a passion to work for my customers and to plans to pursue a career in Event Planning.
Mimi Naghshineh - Fundraising Manager
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To guide the committee in making invitations, name tags, program and coordinating a professional photographer to take posed pictures and a student to take candid pictures the night of the event. This position will be responsible for making a guest data base and will be in charge of registration. This position includes coordinating with Professor Dorey for table assignments and coordinating valet services the night of the event.
Amanda Prill - Fundraising Assistant Manager
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- Graduation: May 2010
- Major: Resort Mgmt
- Minor: Special Events & Meeting Planning, Club Mgmt
- Hometown: Allen Park, MI
Affiliations/RSOs:
- NSMH, PCMA
- Eta Sigma Delta
- Delta Zeta
The reason why you decided to pursue a career in Hospitality:
It's a career path that I am very passionate about. I love that no day is the Hospitality Industry will be the same and each day will be more exciting than the last.
Jessica Struve - Fundraising Assistant Manager
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- Graduation: December 2009
- Major: Resort Management
- Minor: Certificate in Sports, Spa and Entertainment
- Hometown: Grant, MI
Affiliations/RSOs:
- NSMH, College of Business Delegate
- Student worker in the Timme Comm Center
The reason why you decided to pursue a career in Hospitality:
My passion for the spa is the reason I decided to pursue a career in the hospitality field. My dream is to one day be the Spa Director of a hotel/resort spa. I am very thankful to have experienced an internship at a 5 Star, 5 Diamond, and Leading Spa of the World this past summer in North Carolina. It only confirmed my desire to keep pursuing my dream.
- Gala Faculty
Julie Doyle
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Program Coordinator and Associate Professor at Ferris State University
Family: Married to Terry Doyle; Two children Jessica and Brendan
Education
M.S. Ferris State University, Occupational Education Hospitality
B.S. Ferris State University Hospitality Management
A.A.S. Ferris State University, Food Service Management
TIPS Alcohol Awareness Master Trainer
Health Communications CHE
Julie Doyle has taught classes at FSU in Hotel Management and Resort Management for over 25 years. She is the advisor for National Society of Minorities in Hospitality, and Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Honors. She is the current director of the MIHEA Career Fair, State Alliance for all Hospitality Universities and Colleges. She is the past president of Michigan CHRIE and current president of the Michigan Hospitality Educators Alliance. She has served on the national CHRIE committee on student internships and in '94 was awarded the State of Michigan's Outstanding Educator of the Year. She was nominated for The Distinguished Teacher Award at FSU in '04, Who's Who Among American Teachers Award in '02, and Teaching Excellence Award for nominated '01 and '05. Doyle is also a Certified Hospitality Educator through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.
Amy Dorey
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Program Coordinator and Associate Professor at Ferris State University
Family: Married to Terry Doyle; Two children Jessica and Brendan
Education
M.S. Ferris State University, Occupational Education Hospitality
B.S. Ferris State University Hospitality Management
A.A.S. Ferris State University, Food Service Management
TIPS Alcohol Awareness Master Trainer
Health Communications CHE
Julie Doyle has taught classes at FSU in Hotel Management and Resort Management for over 25 years. She is the advisor for National Society of Minorities in Hospitality, and Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Honors. She is the current director of the MIHEA Career Fair, State Alliance for all Hospitality Universities and Colleges. She is the past president of Michigan CHRIE and current president of the Michigan Hospitality Educators Alliance. She has served on the national CHRIE committee on student internships and in '94 was awarded the State of Michigan's Outstanding Educator of the Year. She was nominated for The Distinguished Teacher Award at FSU in '04, Who's Who Among American Teachers Award in '02, and Teaching Excellence Award for nominated '01 and '05. Doyle is also a Certified Hospitality Educator through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.
Lianne Briggs
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Associate Professor at Ferris State University
Family: Married and ten year old son
Education
PhD Higher Education Leadership at Western Michigan University ABD
PhS Career and Technical Education at Ferris State University
MPS Hotel Administration at Cornell
Lianne Briggs came to Ferris State University because she wanted to return to Michigan after living all over the country for ten years. She worked as a Clubhouse Manager for ARAMARK Dubuque Greyhound Park, a Dining Room Manager in the Galena Territories, an Assistant Manager in Greyhound Food Management in Chevy Springs, and a Cafeteria Manager for Canteen Services in Yellowstone National Park. She is also has professional memberships in Club Managers Association of America, Michigan Club Managers Association, and International Food Service Executives Association.
Kathryn Wolfer
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Adjunct Faculty
Family: Married and three children
Education
B.S. Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management at Purdue University
A.O.S. Culinary Institute of America, Culinary Arts
M.S. Career and Technical Education at Ferris State University
Kathryn Wolfer has had various positions in front and back of the house, one being the Executive Sous Chef at Kent Country Club and is currently the owner of the Morley and Remus Subway.
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