Ania wanted me to forward this to you Dan for possible publication…thanks, todd

Three Parts of the Puzzle His broad, thick frame extending far beyond the confines of a green chair, Horace “Andy” Divine sat hunched over his desk in Columbine Hall, while speaking of the issues University of Denver business programs will encounter over the coming years. “Facilities, faculty and students are most important,” he said. Divine is a professor and former director of the University of Denver’s School for Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management. After working in the restaurant industry during the 1970s, Divine turned to teaching what he loved. Ever since his arrival at DU, he has been a popular and well-known face on campus. “I’ve been here for over 15 years now,” he says with a smile. His tenure at DU has not always been so happy, though. He is quick to note that not until recently did the HRTM department start to receive the type of recognition he feels it warrants. “When I first came here, enrollment was dropping. Other hotel and restaurant programs at schools across the country were getting new buildings and we still were working out of lab from the 1960’s,” said Divine. That all changed when current HRTM director Dr. Peter Rainsford struck up a relationship with former Chancellor Dan Ritchie. According to Divine, the two hit it off, and along with Joy Burns, former chair of the DU board of trustees, are responsible for a reenergized HRTM program and raising funds for a new HRTM building. In Divine’s mind, the building serves an important purpose. “The building is very impressive and very beautiful. It is one of the most important aspects of our program because we can make it more than just a building,” said Divine. As he whipped out an extra pair of blueprints from behind a bookshelf, Divine elaborated on what he meant when he said “we can make it more than just a building.” “The newer facilities are great but the trick is you need a great faculty too. And they should have unique backgrounds as well. Then, of course, you need a good student body,” said Divine. “That is not to say we haven’t had a great student body in the past but with higher entrance expectations, the tide rises.” For Divine, making the building come to life and enlisting a top-notch faculty from around the country will ensure a great student body. According to him, tackling these three issues will be pivotal for the success of the HRTM department and the Daniels College of Business alike. “All three things are parts of the puzzle essentially. They just need to fit together,” said Divine. “We need to move things forward, specifically quality in all areas.” As he flipped through the pages of blueprints, and pointed to the new lab from which he will be teaching wine classes, Divine paused for just a moment and stared at the blueprint. “It really is just impressive. We’re going to make this place a great facility,” he said.