The Musings of a Hospitality Student

An Update From CHAT

2012-02-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!

I'm just sending a little reminder about the next CHAT meeting. It is scheduled to take place on February 23rd at 5:30. Guest speaker Donnie Bulliard will be joining the group. He is known for the planning of Charleston Mardi Gras event and owns Cajun Kitchen. This sounds like it's going to be a fun meeting! So everyone make sure to attend!
Also, the fine dining event at High Cotton is coming up! February 28th is not a date to be missed, so make sure you fill those spots! Enjoy a 3-course dinner at 6:00 pm for only $35. What a steal! Make sure to email Alexa to reserve your spot at this event: argibbon@g.cofc.edu. Only 15 people can go so sign up while there is still time!

Well, that's all the CHAT updates I have for now! Enjoy the weekend!

~Lila

CHAT News

2012-02-07T17:02:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I have some upcoming CHAT-related events to share. This upcoming Thursday, Feb. 9th, the club will be conducting their meeting in Beatty 301. The meeting starts at 5:30 and a guest speaker from A Charleston Bride will be joining to share with the group.

Volunteering opportunities are also available with Kiawah's Friendship Cup golf tournament Feb. 27th- Mar. 3rd! If you would like to participate, email Alexa Gibbons at argibbon@g.cofc.edu with any available shifts you may have.

Enjoy your evening!

~ Lila

Local Foods Survey

2012-02-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday!

In case you haven't heard, Dr. Frash is conducting research with several students in regards to the importance of local food use in restaurants. If you have a few moments to spare, please take the time to complete the survey! Click this link to do so! Thanks!

CHAT Spring Semester 2012

2012-01-30T16:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday!

I heard the first CHAT meeting on Thursday went very well! Looking forward to see what the Club for Hospitality and Tourism has to offer during the rest of the semester. In other news... For those of you who may need to take a Maymester class and didn't see the email...

HTMT 362 Event Management

will be offered

Maymester 2012

*The Event Management class tends to fill up quickly so register early!

Coming Back Full-Swing

2012-01-24T11:08:00.001-08:00

Hello, CofC Students!

I hope everyone is enjoying their classes so far this spring semester. Hopefully y'all are settled in by now and completely back in school-mode. In light of all the attention College of Charleston has received lately in this highly political time, I thought I'd share our fame with you in case you missed last night's episode of The Colbert Report:

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Anyways, more to come in regards to any and all hospitality-related news!

Happy Readings!

--Lila

CHAT Meeting Tonight

2011-09-15T04:21:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I want to remind everyone that the second meeting of the Club for Hospitality and Tourism is taking place tonight! The meeting will be held in Beatty 301 and is planned to start at 5:30 pm. Several recent CofC graduates from the Hospitality department will be joining to share their stories and experiences during their time as an undergraduate. This is a great opportunity, especially for the younger students, to learn tips towards a successful career with the Hospitality department. Free pizza will also be served at the meeting! Keely Laughlin will also be discussing some of the upcoming events CHAT has to offer. It all sounds like a good time, so please make sure to stop by tonight! Hope to see you there.

Happy Readings!

--Lila the Student Blogger

Congratulations, HTMT Department!

2011-09-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone!

I have some fantastic news I'd like to share today. A new global ranking was released yesterday by the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research. According to the recent press release, the College of Charleston School of Business was deemed as "the most prolific institution based on the individual productivity of each faculty member." This is an incredible honor to receive such praise. Included in the press release, two of the Hospitality department's teachers-- Dr. Steve Litvin and Dr. John Crotts--were also ranked globally in tourism research. Dr. Litvin is now ranked #7 globally and Dr. Crotts #28. If you see either of these professors, be sure to congratulate them! I am more than proud to be a part of the Hospitality and Tourism department!! Receiving such wonderful news only reinstates the hard work and dedication that each professor in the department and School of Business shows. Again, congratulations everyone!

Happy Readings!

--Lila the Student Blogger

Back to School!

2011-09-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hello, all!

I hope everyone is finally adjusted back into "school mode" now. For me, it was a little more difficult to transition from my summertime mentality this year. However, this is going to be a great year and I am excited to have the opportunity to continue this blog!

Back to school means the return of many things, and one that is particularly important is CHAT: Club for Hospitality and Tourism. Last night, the club kicked the semester off with its first meeting held in the American Theater. Guest speaker Randall Goldman, the Managing Partner of Patrick Properties Hospitality Group, offered the attendees great advice for progressing in the Hospitality industry. Several of the teachers from the department also took the time to come to the meeting. I had a wonderful time and fully enjoyed the food and refreshments provided by Fish. For those who missed the meeting, I strongly encourage you to take the time if possible to attend the next one. I do realize that school and work schedules are becoming more hectic, but CHAT is an amazing opportunity to rub elbows with fellow classmates and professionals in the Hospitality industry. This year's president, Keely Laughlin, has organized so many wonderful activities and opportunities for involvement with CHAT this semester. I will be sure to post before the next meeting to send out a reminder. She left us with lots to look forward to during this fall semester!

Happy Readings!

--Lila the Student Blogger

Internship Opportunity!

2011-06-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I hope summer is going swimmingly for everyone. This is my first summer living in Charleston and I am absolutely loving it so far! I was recently contacted by Randi Weinstein, the Events and Logistics Manager for the Charleston Wine and Food Festival. This company is looking for a student intern (Junior or Senior standing) during the fall semester. If anyone is interested, please contact Randi at randi@charlestonwineandfood.com.

Last Day of Classes

2011-04-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

   Good afternoon!

   Today is the day... The last day of classes. Nostalgia fills the College of Charleston campus for graduating seniors. All morning I've been overhearing the same gist of conversations:

   I can't believe it. I just took my last class at C of C.
   Last class! Woohoo! Just a few finals to tackle until summertime!
  Where has the time gone?   I'm done. Now I graduate...


   The last days of classes and finals are odd. Students are anxious, excited, nervous, overwhelmed, giddy, and all-in-all incredulous that the spring semester is coming to a close. I know I'm feeling that right now. The majority of my friends are graduating on May 7th. I've been hearing the reflections and future plans for the past couple months. It's an odd pairing of past and future: already holding the memories near and dear before embracing what your future holds. I still have another year at the College, and I am honestly glad I do. I was talking to a graduating classmate of mine today. We were engaged in casual conversation of "life after graduation" and the advice he left me with to ensure I have a successful Senior year was simple: Don't rush it.

   I love the summer. This will be my first summer in Charleston, actually. I'm excited for my friends and classmates in the hospitality world! Summertime is always booming with fun opportunities. I hope everyone takes full advantage of whatever possibilities come their way!

Happy Readings!

--Lila the Student Blogger

The Good News Just Keeps On Coming!

2011-04-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

I just acquired some great news in one of my classes earlier today! For graduating seniors within the Hospitality and Tourism major, they must complete the HTMT 488 capstone course: Strategic Hospitality and Tourism Management. This class focuses on utilizing all skills and knowledge acquired throughout the entirety of the student's education The final project is to create a usable business plan for local hospitality organizations within the greater Charleston area. At the end of the semester, each team must present their business plan to a board of judges selected by the course's teacher, Dr. Robert Frash. Among the judges were figures from local banks, investment groups, food and beverage establishments, event planning companies, etc.
The winning team,--Michael Dion, Jenny Hepp, and Lauren Vinciguerra,--received the Hospitality and Tourism Management Outstanding Business Plan Award. Their plan was focused around a dessert and wine bar establishment, Corkscrews & Confections. The group received a cash prize and plenty of recognition within the department. This is quite an accomplishment! Congratulations!

--Lila the Student Blogger

CofC DECA

2011-04-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

It is turning out to be a great Monday!

I just received some wonderful news regarding one of the college organizations within the School of Business: CofC DECA. Before I share what I have learned, I think an introduction is in order to what the CofC DECA really is!

DECA is an organization for both high school and collegiate students. As I wandered through the main DECA website I found that their mission statement is to prepare "emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management... around the globe." What an awesome organization!

Our collegiate chapter of DECA recently participated in the national conference--the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, FL. Over 200 students participated in this competition. The students competed in a role play type situation. They were asked to assume the role of a sales manager of a hotel. In this position, each student was required to formulate a plan to increase the hotel's RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room). Now, there was a second competition for the top ten participants in this challenge. These students participated in another role play situation as the marketing manager of a hotel. Their job was to then develop a plan to increase reservations on the hotel's website and through phone calls directly.

One of the students in the DECA chapter at the College of Charleston, Kristen Rayner, won 2nd place in this competition! How exciting is that??

There were so many different elements involved during this competition that required knowledge from the Hospitality and Tourism department. Students were required to use managerial skills, problem-solving methods, and implement plans to increase profits. So many other skills were necessary to succeed in this competition! This is a great example of how well-prepared students are coming out of the Hospitality and Tourism department of our school! The School of Business should be very proud!!

Congratulations Kristen for representing the College of Charleston in such a positive light!

If anyone is interested in joining CofC DECA, you can access their Facebook page here!

-- Lila the Student Blogger

The Final Push!

2011-04-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hello hello!

   I apologize for my absence lately! As we are all aware, school is coming to a close... and that means schoolwork, schoolwork, and more schoolwork! If it's not a paper that needs work, it's a test that needs studying for. And if it's not a test, it's a group meeting that requires your attendance! My social life is slowly closing its doors, and I'm sure lots of you know exactly what I'm talking about! However, I did have the opportunity to attend two very fun events this past weekend in the midst of all the madness.

   Friday night I attended Pride and Prejudice, which was held in the Emmett Robinson Theatre, to support several of my friends who were in the show. This is a CofC production, so tickets for students and faculty are only $10! The show was absolutely remarkable! If you are looking for something to do either tonight or tomorrow night at 8:00 pm, I suggest seeing it! The director puts a fun spin on the story by adding a lot of funny snippets. Immediately after the show ended, all I wanted to do was reread the book and watch the movie again! Ah! I'm a sap... I'll admit it.
   Saturday night I had the opportunity to attend Charleston Affair as a date to one of my senior friends! I had such a fantastic time! The music was great, the staff were friendly, and the food was delish! Jim 'n Nicks catered and I hovered over the cheese biscuit table to wait for when they came out of the oven! Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera. That is definitely something I won't forget next year when I go!

   So here we are... the last full week of classes. I can't believe how fast my junior year flew by. I'm not going to get all nostalgic, readers. Don't worry about that! I am really, truly looking forward to this summer. Too many good things are happening in the future to be looking back on the past! In precisely three weeks I will be traveling to Europe! I cannot WAIT! Hopefully I'll return with some great stories to share. But in the meantime, I'll keep my focus directed towards the going-ons of Charleston.

   This is a big week for the Charleston River Dogs, a Yankee-affiliated minor league baseball team located right in the Holy City. As a true New Yorker, I am obliged to support the Yankees, and living in Charleston really seals the deal for my support of the River Dogs! Opening day is right around the corner, so make sure you attend some games this season. It definitely makes for a good time! Check out the River Dogs' website for full details!

   In other news, there is a great event being held in the Stern Center Gardens on Thursday night. Green CofC is an event dedicated to addressing the "green fees" we may be paying in Charleston. This meeting is also discussing the efforts that the College of Charleston is providing to make our campus a greener place. The event runs from 5:00-7:00 pm and Black Bean Company (yum!) is catering the event. Bring your friends and learn about the ways our students are trying to save the Earth!

   Happy Readings!

--Lila the Student Blogger

Networking!

2011-04-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

I have an extraordinary opportunity for students within the Hospitality and Tourism department to tell you about! Next Tuesday, April 12th, a Career Networking Event is being held at Lowndes Grove Plantation House. Students are asked to arrive to the event at 5:00 pm, and the event will last until 7:30ish. Important figures in the hospitality world will be at this event for the students. This is a great chance to put yourself out there in a professional setting. If you plan to attend, please bring business cards! The dress is business casual. I have only heard great things from last year's networking event, and I'm sure this year's will be even better!

-- Lila the Student Blogger

Monday, Monday... So good to me!

2011-04-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon!

I hope everyone had a fun weekend. I sure did! As we all know, the Cooper River Bridge Run occurred Saturday with record-breaking numbers! I knew many close friends who ran the race and am very proud of them! Since I will be a senior next year and have never participated in the Bridge Run, I promised myself that I will get up in the morning to run that race!

As far as events occurring within the Business/Hospitality world at the College of Charleston, I do have a few very important ones to mention:

- An association called NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) has invited the Club for Hospitality And Tourism to attend their monthly meeting. Over forty chapters across the country participate in this association. This meeting is a great opportunity for any students who take a particular interest in the catering/events side of the hospitality world. The meeting will be held at the Island House on Johns Island from 5:30-8:00pm on April 19th. If you do have an interest in participating in this great networking meeting, you must contact Keely Laughlin (CHAT's president) by this Thursday, April 7th. Her email address is kalaughl@edisto.cofc.edu.

- This Wednesday, April 6th, a Credit Workshop will be held by SIFE in Tate 202. This event is to inform students about the importance of credit scores when it comes time for employers to hire you. If you attend this event, you can find out what your credit is, and what you can do to better your credit or fix it. This is scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm. An interview portfolio, money management books, and other door prizes will be offered at the door!

Both events I listed sound like great events to attend! I will definitely be stopping by the Credit Workshop for the beginning of it. Enjoy the week, everybody!

Happy Readings!

Lila the Student Blogger

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2011-04-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hello, readers!

   Well, it's finally April. I guess what they say about rain in April is true after all. Where did all the sunshine go?!?? Hopefully it will be looking up for this weekend's BRIDGE RUN! Oh yes. In case you are living under a rock, I will let you know now to be careful on the streets of downtown Charleston this weekend. To give you an idea of how many people flood the streets of Charleston, over 33,000 runners registered for the race last year. Needless to say, I suggest walking or biking downtown because car traffic is going to be CRAZY! I live on upper King Street, which is where all the runners eventually end up. This is my first year living here during the Bridge Run, and I wonder how noisy it's going to be! The event is great and it brings an awesome crowd to the city.

   However, if you aren't a big runner there are other events taking place this weekend. The Flowertown Festival started today and lasts through Sunday. This is a huge arts and crafts event in Summerville with plenty of fun events. To see a full schedule, you can go to their website.

   In other art-related news, the Art Walk is occurring tonight. Every first Friday of the month, a large variety of galleries are open late to the public. Most offer wine and snacks. As a friend of some local artists, I certainly encourage you to go out for a bit to soak up all the local talent. Galleries stay open until 8:00 pm.

   Shout out to CofC Mens Basketball player, Andrew Goudelock, for winning last night's NCAA 3-point contest! I watched it on ESPN last night while eating dinner out and it was great to see all the student waiters and waitresses taking a glance at the screen and quietly rejoicing with Goudelock!

   That's all I have for right now for events going around this weekend. Of course, there are plenty more you can find on Charleston City Paper's website! I apologize for the short write-up today. I had a little incident with a knife at work and am only using nine fingers to type right now--don't worry, I still have all ten fingers! It's just a little difficult for me to type right now. Anyways, have a great weekend!

   Happy Readings!

--Lila the Student Blogger

Finally Friday!

2011-03-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon!

I thought I would share some of my insights that have developed around one of my classes. This blog serves a purpose of informing students about what's going on around campus. I also get to share a little something something about myself along to the way, too! This semester, I am currently enrolled in a class called Operations Analysis. This class combines accounting and service operations courses to create an in-depth examination of both hotels and restaurants. For those of you reading this who are not Business/Hospitality students, please bare with me for a moment. I find this course so interesting because it breaks down each and every financial statement geared towards operating these businesses! Earlier this week, my professor began discussing budgets and their importance in both the business world and our own personal lives. Ironically enough, my Business Communication class I attended that evening focused primarily on budgets as well! Quite the coincidence if you ask me... As a result of this, I have really started paying much closer attention to my expenses. I am reminded more and more of the little things that are preparing me for the "adult world." It is truly exciting, and attending classes like this one (though discouraging at times) is quite satisfying. I know, I know... terribly corny. But honestly, now that I am in my junior year of college, the fruits of my labor are becoming more apparent. It is definitely encouraging to see that!

Anyways, that's my spiel for now. Expect and update later of the on-goings around Charleston this weekend! Happy Readings!

--Lila the Student Blogger

Springtime in Charleston!

2011-03-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

   Hey there,

   I hope everyone is enjoying this sunny afternoon! I am going to spend a little bit of time writing about what's going on in the basketball department here at the College of Charleston. Our men's basketball team is on their way to the quarterfinals for the NIT tournament. This game, on March 23rd, will be held in Wichita, Kansas as our boys compete against Wichita State. I am proud of our team and wish them the best of luck for Wednesday's game. Go Cougars!

   So, it's finally springtime! I think one of the happiest sights is Charleston in the spring. Businesses are booming again, everyone is out and about, the beaches are welcoming long-awaited visitors; there are too many good things to count! With that comes lots of events, particularly this week/weekend.

Thursday 3/24
- Closed for Business: Local artisan night celebrates great craft brews. The event starts at 6:30. You don't want to miss out on this one!

- Physicians Auditorium: "We are Family" talent show is hosted by College of Charleston's Gay-Straight Alliance. The price to get in is $5 and I am sure this will be a fun, entertaining event!

- Tate Center: This is a really cool event happening for those of you looking to apply to graduate school! From 3:30-4:30, an informational session will be held to make students aware of the changes that will be taking place within the GRE. Although these changes don't take place until August 1st, it is very important to know how the scoring and composition of the test will change!

Friday 3/25
- Eye Level Art: A fundraiser is being held to raise funds for the Lowcountry Food Bank and Eye Level Art (103 Spring Street). Southeast clothing brands are coming together for this event to sell their items!

- Music Farm: Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings are coming to Charleston! Tickets are $20 in advance and I just bought mine! I heard of this great band about a year ago. I adore their soulful music with 60s and 70s influence. The show starts at

- The Pour House: Donna and the Buffalo w/ the Roy Jay Band. Advance tickets are $16. The show starts at 9:00.

   As of right now, that is all I have for everyone! Keep an eye on Marion Square as well. Charleston Fashion Week starts tomorrow! We all know how important of an event this is for the city.

   Happy Readings!

-- Lila the Student Blogger

Welcome Back!

2011-03-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody,

So it's the Monday after Spring Break, which is probably one of the hardest days to endure as a college student. I send my condolences to everyone still recovering from the break! I hope everyone had an enjoyable time. I surely did! I spent several days on the West Coast with friends. As you have probably heard before, the West is definitely different than the East! It was a great visit and I got to partake in one of my favorite events with much vigor: EATING!

Let's see what I have to say today... I don't know if you've heard, but there is something big happening at CofC tomorrow evening: our men's basketball team is playing Dayton at 5:00 pm in the Carolina First Arena. We are the NIT Tournament Host and admission for students is free (with valid CofC ID)! So get out there and support your Cougars! If you are a non-student member and wish to buy a ticket, please click the link: Tickets.

For those of you who are fans of this beautiful city, Pat Conroy and John Warley are having a talk and book signing at the Daniel Library at the Citadel tomorrow evening at 5:00 pm. Tickets are available for purchase. I found the information through Charleston City Paper.

   St. Patrick's Day is this week! Don't forget to wear your green! I hope everyone celebrates safely, and don't forget that the College of Charleston is offering its Cougar Shuttle service from 11 pm - 3 am. Call 888.960.2227 if you need a ride anywhere during those hours.

   Well, that's all I have for everyone today! Enjoy the sunny week ahead.

--Lila the Student Blogger

Weekend Recap

2011-02-28T10:21:00.001-08:00

Hello all! I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful, sunny weekend! I attended Saturday's Senior Oyster Roast in the Stern Center Gardens and I had a very enjoyable time. About six shucking tables were set up in the gardens and throughout the entire evening, the oysters kept on coming! The social mood, lively music, and yummy oysters all contributed towards a great Saturday evening. I left the event with a full stomach, a smile on my face, and a free koozie! I brought my camera but only managed to take a few photos. I guess I was a little preoccupied... Hmm, I wonder why!

Happy Readings!

--Lila the Student Blogger

Weekend Events

2011-02-25T10:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone!

While trying to gather fun events happening around the Charleston area this weekend, a couple just dwelled on me that I simply must share.

College of Charleston Senior Class Oyster Roast! - Saturday 2/26

What time? 6:00-9:00pm --please keep in mind that if you show up past 8:15 you may not be admitted into the event.
Where? Stern Center Gardens
Info: This event is FREE for seniors, and $10 for guests. You'll be able to kick back, eat some oysters and chili, listen to live music, and drink a cold one (if you're 21). The rules for alcohol are to bring your own (6-pack of beer or 1 liter of wine per person) as long as you have a valid I.D. This should be a great time! The weather is looking up for this event!
Facebook Event Invite for the Senior Oyster Roast

Recycled Art-Themed Community Day - Saturday 2/26

What time? 10:00am-1:00pm
Where? Gibbes Museum of Art; 135 Meeting Street
Info: Sponsored by the Junior League of Charleston, this event has a complimentary admission and family-friendly activities.
Gibbes Museum Calendar
I thought I would share this event with everyone because a lot of attention has been focused recently on art made from recycled materials. Incorporating that with entertainment is such a fun idea!

Oscars on the Big Screen!

What time? 8:00 pm (doors open at 7)
Where? Cinebarre Theatre, Mount Pleasant
Info: Cinebarre is offering free admission to their theaters on Sunday to celebrate the Oscars. Two dollar mimosa specials will be running, and I'm sure their delectable menu will be provided as well. This is a fun, free event you don't want to miss!

Although I only posted a few great events happening in Charleston this weekend, there are so many vast events taking place. If you care to share any, please comment on this blog to keep us updated!

Stay dry today, Charleston.

-- Lila the Student Blogger

Ovis Hill Barn Raising Event --2/20/2011

2011-02-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

A community event was held at Lowndes Grove all day yesterday to support Ovis Hill Farm. In December, a large fire damaged a large bit of property and all of the farm's livestock. Patrick Properties held a "Barn Raising" event this past Sunday to raise funds for the rebuilding of the Ovis Hill Farm. Attendance to this event was high, and volunteers from all over the Charleston area gathered to this event. Our very own CHAT (Club for Hospitality and Tourism) pooled in to donate their time to help with this great cause. The goal: raise $20,000. Rumor has it that the Farm's goal was achieved. It's so encouraging to see local communities come together to support a neighbor in need! If you would like to read Charleston Scene's full write-up on the event, please click here. CharlestonMag also posted a great write-up that can be viewed here.

Happy Readings!

-- Lila the Student Blogger

Welcome!

2011-02-21T10:36:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!!

   I'd like to take this time to introduce myself to the new readers! My name is Lila Roberts and I am a junior at the College of Charleston. I have recently started blogging as a Hospitality and Tourism student to offer some perspective to all my readers about the life of a Hospitality student here in Charleston, South Carolina. I am so excited to take on this venture, and hope the readers enjoy it as much as I do!
   With the approaching springtime season comes lots and lots of exciting events happening in the greater Charleston area. I will be attending these fun events as they come along and share with you all my musings as a student living in Charleston.

   Happy Readings!

-- Lila the Student Blogger