KAMLOOPS-The UCC School of Tourism has announced the nominees for the 1st Annual Tourism Awards. A dinner and ceremony to honour these nominees, who have distinguished themselves in the tourism industry or in tourism education, will be held on Friday, March 19th in the UCC Culinary Arts Building, with colleagues of nominees urged to attend to support their colleagues.
Coordinated by students in UCC’s Events & Conventions Management Diploma program, the gala event includes cocktails at 6:00 pm, a five-course dinner prepared by the UCC Culinary Arts department beginning at 7:00 pm, with the awards ceremony to follow at 9:00 pm.
Awards will be presented to winners in seven categories, with four nominees in each category: Industry Representative who has contributed most to UCC School of Tourism Committees: Tim Rogers, GM, Best Western Towne Lodge and the Executive Inn; Jan Petra, Jungle Travel; Kimberley Hughes, Sun Peaks Delta Resort; and Bryce Herman, BC Restaurant Association.
Tourism Operation that has contributed to graduates/students on practicum/co-op and the School of Tourism: Sun Peaks Resort, Fairmont Hotels, Delta Hotels, and Rocky Mountaineer.
Industry Leader who has contributed to the UCC School of Tourism and its Students through Donation and Support: Rob Norton, Chapters Viewpoint; Neil MacDonald, Interior Display; Andre Gorjeu, Save on Foods; and Marilyn Mlazgar, Sherlock Pub.
Tourism Leader who Best Exemplifies the characteristics and traits the School of Tourism wants its graduates to emulate: Lael Robillard, Coopers Foods; Bernard Casavant, Whistler Valley; Jamie Tattersfield, Sun Peaks Resort; and Al Raine, Nancy Greene Cahilty Lodge at Sun Peaks.
UCC School of Tourism Graduate: Christine Buzinde, Nanette Weir, Jen Reilly, and Sarah Radloff
UCC School of Tourism Current Student of the Year: Virginia Jensen, Luke Ward, Chelsea Smith, and Rebecca Stanley
UCC Department that has helped the School of Tourism over the years and epitomizes the character of Support Services at UCC: Facilities Services, Admissions, Audio-Visual, and Print Shop.
“We hope that people will attend this event to support their colleagues and associates in the industry,” said UCC School of Tourism instructor Philip Schettini. “Any profits from the event will go toward UCC Tourism student scholarships, but the main intent of the evening is to honour the industry, and to say thank you for all that they’ve done for us.”
Industry supports education in active and interactive ways, explained Schettini, including hiring UCC co-operative education students, speaking to classes, evaluating presentations, sitting on committees, participating in program advisory and evaluation, accommodating field trips, donating to scholarships and bursaries, and making tourism show tickets available to students free of charge.
Tickets for the evening are $45 each, or $260 for a table of six. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Heather Wilson at 250-828-5132.
