Academics
Factsheet
Who We Are
Hotel Ezra Cornell (HEC) is a student-run hospitality conference that has been an 87-year tradition at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration. The three-day conference provides Hotel School students the opportunity to educate and entertain industry professionals while showcasing what they have learned in the classroom.
The mission of Hotel Ezra Cornell is “Showcasing Hospitality Education Through Student Leadership.”
Brief History
- The Hotel Ezra Cornell tradition began on May 7th, 1926 – before the School of Hotel Administration was even established.
- The first ever HEC was envisioned by Howard Bagnall Meek, who led Cornell’s hotel education program at the time.
- Meek hoped that the conference would show hoteliers, whose knowledge of the industry was based on practical experience, that hospitality education comprised of both theory and practice and was a worthwhile endeavor.
- The first HEC was held in Risley Hall, where 125 students served 600 guests.
- Ellsworth Milton Statler was the guest of honor at the second HEC, where he famously said, “I’m converted. Meek can have any damn thing he wants.”
- After E.M. Statler died, his wife, Alice Statler, became the Hotel School’s most important benefactor.
Purpose
The weekend focuses on “Showcasing Hospitality Education through Student Leadership,” allowing students to practice the skills they have learned in the classroom and demonstrate their talents to industry professionals.
HEC presents a unique learning environment that fosters interaction between guests, faculty, and students, helping to foster a stronger Hotelie community. HEC is the one link every Hotel School student – past and present – can relate to.
What to Expect
Guests can expect to experience hospitality at its finest through events and guest services such as the following:
- Personal Concierge: Select students are chosen to act as hosts for guests who share similar career interests.
- Gala Banquet: Experience HEC’s signature culinary event.
- World-Class Amenities: Guests' rooms are accented with luxury amenities such as gourmet chocolate truffles and a commemorative HEC plate – all prepared and designed by students.
- Roundtable Discussions: Guests can learn about the latest trends in the hospitality industry in intimate roundtable discussions.
- Student Concept Fair: Hotel School students display their marketing and restaurant concepts that they have collaborated on throughout the year.
Partnerships
Hotel Ezra Cornell partners with the following organizations to offer a truly informative and well-rounded hospitality summit:
- The Center for Hospitality Research
- The Culinary Institute of America
- The Leland C. and Mary M. Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is made up of upperclassmen who, in addition to managing their respective areas, strive to provide learning and development opportunities that empower other students to find their passion.
This year’s Board of Directors includes:
Managing Director Ali Hoyt '12
Food and Beverage Director Celia Erickson '12
Rooms Director Chad Wemischner '13
Communications Director Danielle Foster '12
Procurement Director Kate Adie '13
Design Director Katie DeVantier '12
Human Resources Director Katie Satinsky '13
F&B Service Director Kelly Armstrong '13
Marketing Director Kevin Dame '13
Program Director Lindsey Brous '12
Executive Chef Michael Jurgielewicz '13
Business Affairs Director Rebecca Stewart '13
Guest Services Director Sam Eisenman '13
