Students from the school of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management in New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Environmental and Consumer Sciences are gaining valuable real-world experience by organizing a series of food and beverage events this spring. The students, who come from various experiential learning classes and student clubs, are future leaders in the hospitality industry.
Director of NMSU’s School of HRTM, Jean Hertzman, expressed, “By participating in these meals and events through classes and volunteering, HRTM students gain the hands-on experience in all areas of guest service, production, and event planning that our hospitality industry partners and employers seek. The students value the opportunities to hone their skills and the interaction with their classmates, faculty, and HRTM guests.”
Assistant professors Danielle Young and Pete Mitchell are actively involved in supervising the event organization and food preparation. Young highlighted the real-world experience gained by students in HRTM 363, where they run the 100 West Cafe, saying, “It is great to watch the students grow throughout the course as they gain confidence in their skills and abilities.”
Various upcoming events organized by the NMSU School of HRTM include a Beverage Presentation, Derby & Bourbon Celebration, 575 Food Fights, and the Annual Chef Artist Dinner. These events serve as major fundraisers to support students in completing their degrees and attending important industry events.
In addition to these major events, the school also offers 100 West Cafe Lunches and International Cuisine dates throughout the semester, providing students with further opportunities to showcase their skills and creativity. The TAP Series, held once a month, offers a fun environment for attendees to wind down while supporting student clubs, activities, and travel.
For those interested in attending these events or learning more about the NMSU School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management's offerings, visit their website at https://100west.nmsu.edu/index.html or call 575-646-7324 for inquiries.
