Student chapter earns hospitality honor society’s highest honor

PULLMAN, Wash. – The Washington State University chapter of Eta Sigma Delta (ESD), an international hospitality management honor society, received the 2013 ESD Chapter of Distinction Award – the organization’s highest honor – for the second time in as many years.

Jordan Mayes-Schlatter, chapter president, and Dennis Reynolds, chapter advisor and professor of hospitality business management in the WSU College of Business, recently accepted the award at the 2013 International CHRIE Conference for Hospitality Educators.

The award recognizes outstanding chapters that distinguish themselves in the eyes of educators, recruiters and industry executives in an increasingly competitive industry.

The chapter generated more than $50,000 in revenue through events on WSU Dad’s and Mom’s weekends over the past year. The profit allows the chapter to send members to the National Restaurant Association Convention in Chicago in the spring and to the International Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Show in New York City in the fall.

“This was a rare honor, especially given the WSU chapter is only four years old and competing with some 90 chapters worldwide,” said Reynolds. “The volume, quality and success of the chapter’s activities were exemplary.

“To be a part of a chapter that has been awarded the Chapter of Distinction in consecutive years is truly an honor,” said Mayes-Schlatter. “This award really belongs to our members; without them we could not have done it. I look forward to seeing what they have in store for us this year.”

The honor society’s educational benefits include a stimulus for students to strive for academic excellence. Chapters provide tutoring or other forms of academic support for students needing assistance.

Contacts:
Dennis Reynolds, WSU College of Business, 509-335-4344, der@wsu.edu
Sue McMurray, WSU College of Business, 509-335-7578, sue.mcmurray@wsu.edu