TIME OF REMEMBERANCE

Inspired in 2023 by the passing of our friend and colleague, Dr. Patrick Moreo, the ICHRIE Board has determined that one of our Best Practices will include “to honor those ICHRIE Members who have contributed to hospitality and tourism education” every year in hopes to honor legacies of our ICHRIE family and to continue the work done to advance the practice of education in hospitality and tourism education. With the work of Past President, Joy Dickerson, we honor and celebrate our members who have passed before us.

Martin Kisseleff

ICHRIE is saddened to hear of the passing of a EuroCHRIE legend, Martin Kisseleff. In 1992, Maritn [with César Ritz Colleges] was one of the founding members of EuroCHRIE in Montreux. He was a long-term ICHRIE Federation supporter and was proud to host the 2001 EuroCHRIE Conference at César Ritz Colleges in Brig. We will remember Martin’s contributions to EuroCHRIE, ICHRIE family, and hospitality and tourism education. 

Ronald Frey Cox
He passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 86.

A US Navy Veteran, a Certified Public Accountant, A certified Hotel Administrator, a hospitality educator, a trail blazer, a man of God.

Dr. “Ron” made his imprint around the globe in hospitality education.  He earned degrees from Penn State University, the Ohio University, and the US International University in San Diego, CA.  He built the hospitality management program at Bethune-Cookman College, FL and taught at Purdue, Providence College, the US International University, Bryant College, and then internationally in London, Mexico City, and Nairobi, Kenya.  In 1988, he built his final hospitality program at New Mexico State University, from where he retired in 2002. 

His spirit of hospitality has literally been realized around the world.   

Obituary

Stuart Mann

US Navy Reserve Veteran, Family man, Educator, Philanthropist, and Innovator.

After earning his PhD in Operations Research, Stuart’s impacts were realized by Purdue University, Penn State University, and the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV).  After first teaching at Purdue as an assistant professor in industrial engineering, he then moved to Penn State, his home for 28 years. Stuart was instrumental in the evolution toward the prestigious School of Hospitality Management, including its physical home, the Mateer Building.

Thereafter, Stuart served as the Dean of the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality Management at UNLV. He established programs in undergraduate Gaming Management (the first of its kind) and the PGA Professional Golf Management; he is also credited for expanding the reach of the college internationally. 

He was a founding fellow and trustee of the Educational Institute of the American Hotel Foundation. 

Stuart Mann has kindly and generously left an indelible imprint on hospitality education.

With heartfelt sadness, we share with you the news of the passing of Dr. Melissa Dallas Reigel. Melissa passed unexpectedly on 16 January 2025.

Daughter, mother, stepmother, and grandmother ---- Melissa loved her many roles in family life.

In her professional role as an Educator, Melissa was committed to education and lifelong learning as evidenced by her own achievements in earning a JD and a PhD. Melissa was an educator and advisor to many students at Missouri State University (MSU), where she served as Department Chair from 2008-2013. Previously, she served at Florida Atlantic University, Washington State University, and Bowling Green State University. She was incredibly student-centered.

This love for students aligned perfectly with her role with ICHRIE, where she served as the Chair of Eta Sigma Delta for many years until 2016. She elevated the status of ESD and brought the ESD Chapter of Distinction awards to the Annual Conference each year so that the school and students could be officially recognized for their efforts.

We may know Melissa best for her leadership and commitment to ICHRIE as the Vice President, President, and Immediate Past President during the years 1995-1998.

For those who knew Melissa personally, she had a passion for music, a vibrant spirit, an undeniable laugh, and an incredibly positive impact on the students’ lives who she touched.

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of former ICHRIE member, Dr. Audrey Carol McCool. Audrey was a treasured member of her community and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Below is just a snapshot of Audrey’s contributions to the United States of America's Armed Forces and academia:

In 1979, Audrey enlisted in the US Army Reserves, serving as a Colonel in the Army Medical Specialist Corps, until her retirement in 2000. Audrey also had a remarkable career after earning her doctorate degree at Texas Tech. She started her academic career at the University of Maryland before becoming a founding faculty member at the University of Central Florida’s hospitality management school. She then taught for over twenty years at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) where she held an endowed chair position and established the food and beverage management team. Audrey’s leadership provided students with invaluable real-world experience, including the opportunity to run several hospitality events 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Her achievements at UNLV earned her the title of Professor Emeritus upon her retirement.

Dr. McCool was a long-time ICHRIE member, served as an ICHRIE Treasurer and is a founding member of the CHRIE FutureFund™. Her son, Willie McCool, was among those lost on the Columbia shuttle. The Breakthrough Award is in his honor, as well as expresses our love to Audrey & Barry for all they did over the years. Dr. McCool, you will be honorably and respectfully be admired for years to come.

Obituary and Guest Book

Bob Gilbert, President and CEO of HSMAI
Passed away, 19 September 2024

With sadness, we want to share with you the passing of our long-time ICHRIE member and friend. Bob was the President and CEO of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for over 30 years. He led the organization through pivotal industry-changing events such as the 9/11 attacks, the 2008 recession, and the Covid-19 pandemic. In July 2024, Bob stepped into retirement as a result of his serious medical condition.

Bob believed strongly in hospitality higher education, and he encouraged collaborations and partnerships with HSMAI and the educators of ICHRIE.  In fact, Bob was the Chair of the Marketing Special Interest Group for ICHRIE--- always hoping to share information, new findings, and new innovations between educators and industry practitioners. 

Bob initiated HSMAI’s Strategy Conferences in an effort to educate and advance the careers of those in sales, marketing, and revenue management.  During his tenure, HSMAI also launched a number of cutting-edge industry certification programs including the Certified Revenue Management Executive certification, the Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer certification, the Certified Hotel Business Acumen certification, and the Certified Hotel Sales Leader.

The reach of Bob’s leadership in HSMAI has been extraordinary, with effects realized around the globe.  We salute Bob Gilbert for his leadership, mentorship, and innovative efforts in our hospitality industry and for his unwavering commitment to hospitality and tourism education.

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Having taken Army ROTC in college, Tom returned to the service for two years. Following quartermasters and food service training at Fort Lee, Virgina; he was assigned as the food service advisor for the 1st Calvary Division of Japan. He was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant in March of 1955.

Tom was manager of the David Wilmot Hotel in Towanda, Pennsylvania from April to December 1955. Upon airplane death of the hotel’s owner, Tom would go on to accept the position of food service manager at Penn State University which he held from December 1955 until April of 1958. Tom would then accept a position as club manager of the Walnut Hills Country Club of East Lansing, Michigan; where he would serve until August of 1962. He received his Master’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Michigan State University in July of 1962.

In August of 1962, Tom joined the Iowa State University faculty as Assistant Professor of Institution Management and chair of the Food Service Management Technical Institute. In 1972, Tom accepted the Position as Director of Residence Hall Food Service while continuing his faculty position on a part-time basis. He would go on to earn his doctorate degree in 1980 majoring in Higher Education Administration. In 1982 he was named Head, Department of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management, a position he held until July of 1997 when he stepped down as department head and assumed a half-time phased retirement appointment. Tom officially retired on June 20, 2002. He was given an emeritus status and maintained a campus office until his death.

From January 1977 through November 1984 Tom was an owner-partner in a company that managed two restaurants. Both were very successful and located along Interstate 80 near Amana. Tom served as the Chief Executive and Operating Officer. He employed three of his former students as managers.

Tom is the recipient of numerous honors and awards including membership to four national honor societies. ISU Faculty Citation, 1999 Veishea Outstanding Faculty award, and several academic advising awards. Nationally, Tom received the 1996 hospitality educator of the year award from the Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education.

Tom served the University and Ames community in a variety of capacities. In addition to many committees, he served as a member of the ISU Memorial Union Board of Directors for 6 years including one year as Board President. Tom would also serve as a member of the Gateway Center Gateway Planning Committee and as a member of the board of Directors for 20 plus years; 10 plus of those years were as Vice President. He served as a member of the Ames Country Club Board of Directors for three years, including one year as vice president. Tom was a member of the Bethesda Lutheran Church where he served on several committees and was an usher for more than 50 years.

Tom's Obituary

John was one of our avid CHRIE supporters. He served as the ICHRIE Treasurer, a Finance Committee member for years, and was the impetus to the founding of the ICHRIE Future Fund™.

John was passionate in all dimensions of his life. In terms of education, John was an alum of Michigan State University and Central Michigan University. John spent his entire career focused on the restaurant industry. John retired from the Johnson County Community College as a professor in Hospitality Management. John was also the author of many outstanding textbooks including Profitable Menu Planning, Food Service Equipment: Operation Sanitation and Maintenance, Profitable Beverage Management, and Restaurant Food Service Equipment.

John, then at Johnson County Community College, was very active with CHRIE and organized the “Future Fund” fundraising efforts. He ran the “silent auctions” which were held at every Conference. He even volunteered his wife Judy to help and no one can forget the “ducks” and the fun they brought to all who participated.

Additionally John was a big proponent for the development of CAHM (Commission on Accreditation of Hospitality Management Programs) when it was established and was on the original CAHM committee to develop standards. He served as the Chair of CAHM for many years and was instrumental in the eventual separation of CAHM/ACPHA from CHRIE in 2001. It is often said that he kept everyone on track, recognizing the importance to the commitment of accreditation.

On a personal note, John visited all 50 states and has been a very vocal fan for the Kansas City Chiefs! He was also a vocal fan and supporter of ICHRIE! We appreciate his many contributions.

Dr. Reich lived a career of service, leadership, and ethical responsibility.

Allen Reich studied and shared principles of ethics for over 4 decades.  In fact, it was his own restaurant experience as a Steakhouse manager that led him to honestly question the ethics of the industry when he noted that employees did not receive the level of respect or support, they needed and deserved.  His dissertation at Virginia Tech also focused on social responsibility and ethics. 

Dr. Allen was listed as the 7^th most prolific contributor to the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Education, based on improvements in educational strategies.

Dr. Allen was a professor, Isbell Ethics Professor, and the Presidents Distinguished Teaching Fellow at Northern Arizona University. He was also actively involved in governance at NAU, serving as Faculty President for two years. He received the Service Leadership Award from the NAU President for all of his exemplary contribution to the university. 

Faranak Memarzadeh

Dr. Faranak Memarzadeh was an Associate Professor of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management in the Lucas School of Business at San Jose State University in San Jose, CA.  Faranak is originally from Iran.  She received her Ph.D. from Texas Tech University and thereafter joined the faculty at San Jose! In 2023, she was named the Interim MBA Program Director for the Lucas School of Business at SJSU. 

Faranak was an active member of ICHRIE, taking part in the Travel and Tourism SIG --- but most notably, she served as the co-chair of the Sustainability SIG since 2020.  She was most passionate about sustainability, technology, and entrepreneurship in the hospitality industry.  Faranak also served as editor/reviewer for journals, as well as serving on the Boards of professional organizations. 

She was beloved by her students and received the 2021 Master Teacher Award at SJSU.  A young and beautiful life with incredible hospitality spirit.

ICHRIE mourns the recent passing of Margaret (Mokie) Steiskal, a dedicated teacher of culinary and hospitality subjects, a talented administrator, and a dear colleague.  She served her friends and new members at ICHRIE by working on and leading a wide range of committees and task forces, showing everyone how to make the right things happen. Mokie was a role model for saying yes, suggesting creative responses to continuing challenges, and demonstrating the power of a positive approach.  

Many ICHRIE members will remember Mokie's constant smile, no-nonsense attitude and invitations to get involved, and her continuing support for those who stepped forward.  In ICHRIE history, she is the only person who served as Vice President, President, and Immediate Past President two times (2005 to 2006 and 2015 to 2018).  She retired as Chairperson Emeritus of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Program at Columbus State Community College where she spent a highly successful career engaged with students, curriculum development, and faculty growth.

Memoria & Guestbook 

Stephen Hiemstra was a U.S. Air Force veteran, a family man, a church elder, an educator, and a pioneer advocate for food accessibility.  His doctoral work was completed at University of California, Berkeley, in agricultural economics.  This fueled his passion for making food available to all.  Not only did he conceive the WIC program, but he also worked to support food stamps, commodity distribution, and school lunches.  He traveled to Puerto Rico, Guam, and Indian reservations to set up their food stamp programs. 

Academically, Dr. Hiemstra was the founder and Director of the Hospitality Ph.D. program at Purdue University, an active member of CHRIE, and was previously a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Business and Public Policy at George Washington University.