AHLEI honors hospitality education leaders

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) named the 2010 winners of its awards for champions of hospitality training and education. The winners were honored at the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) Summer Summit during the AH&LA Stars of the Industry Awards Luncheon on June 16.

And the winners are:

• Arthur Landstreet Award for a lasting impact on hospitality training and education. Consultant Jay S. Witzel, CHA, former president and CEO of Carlson Hotels Worldwide
• Anthony G. Marshall Award for long-term contributions to educating future leaders in hospitality. Richard Ghiselli, Ph.D., associate professor at the Purdue University School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

AHLEI presented four Lamp of Knowledge Awards for commitment to advancing the quality of professionalism and education in the hospitality industry. The winners are:

• Outstanding Educator (International). Ramesh Takulia, CHE, director, learning and development, luxury division, Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, India;
• Outstanding Educator (U.S.). Jennifer Calhoun, CHE, assistant professor and director for the Hospitality and Tourism Institute at Prince George's Community College, Largo, Md.;
• Outstanding Educator (High School). Todd Nakayama, Waipahu High School, Waipahu, Hawaii; and
• Outstanding Student (Distance Learning). Siddhi Khajuria, food and beverage manager, Imperial Palace Hotel, Rajkot, India.

"The foundation for every individual or company success in our industry begins with great teachers, educators and mentors," said Robert L. Steele III, CHA, president and COO of AHLEI, during the awards ceremony. "That is why we take the opportunity to recognize and honor these educators today."