Students, faculty, alumni and University of Denver executives attended the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management building dedication ceremony on Friday. The ceremony was held in order to honor those people who contributed to the building’s construction.
The ceremony began with a trumpet fanfare and an introductory speech by Peter Rainsford, director of the School of HRTM. Rainsford congratulated all members of the DU community that took part in the innovative idea of constructing a unique HRTM building geared toward laboratory facilities and hands-on experience. He also acknowledged that the building was designed to last 500 years.
The introduction was followed by speeches from both Chancellor Robert Coombe and former Chancellor Daniel L. Ritchie.
“This building is dedicated, above all, to DU students. It’s a place that will provide the finest education possible for them,” Coombe said.
Karen L. Newman, dean of the Daniels College of Business, noted that although the HRTM building is made for student purposes, it could also be used as a venue for business meetings. The building’s unique atmosphere creates an intimate setting, and incorporates more personal service, making it an ideal location for gatherings.
“Our goal is for our HRTM school to be in the top five, nationally. This building and the people we put inside it are going to get us there,” Newman added eagerly.
The ceremony continued with remarks on behalf of the campaign for HRTM, with speeches from HRTM Chair Richard R. Kelley and Honorary Chair Joy Burns. Both Kelley and Burns expressed their sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the building’s production.
Ella Allen, an HRTM student from the Class of 2006, stated how pleased she was for the building’s accomplishment, and how it will serve as an excellent educational experience for her fellow HRTM students.
The speeches ended with Professor Robert Christie Mill, who commented on behalf of the faculty. Mill mentioned that the new HRTM building will allow students to truly apply their knowledge in a practical setting that will resemble a real-world job experience.
A tour of the building was offered for all audience members. Tours were conducted by current HRTM students. Beverages and snacks were also provided.
The building is comprised of 300,000 bricks, and encompasses 46,000 square feet. As of now, the University of Denver’s HRTM School is among one of the top fifty hotel programs in the nation. The pineapples on the building represent the ancient symbol for hospitality.
