For more than 40 years 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏino has rallied community support for 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. Though dean of the Harrah Hotel College for just two years, Stowe Shoemaker’s history with 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏino goes back well before his term as dean. Here’s what he had to say about it:
What was your first experience with 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏino?
I went to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏino as a new faculty member in 1995 when it was a single-day event held at Bally’s. [He served on the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ faculty 1995-2004 before serving at the University of Houston.] I was impressed by the level of spirit the event generated among the students, the faculty, and local community. It was fun!
How has 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏino changed over time?
When I returned in 2012, I was excited to see that 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s partnership with Larry Ruvo and Southern Wine & Spirits had deepened, and 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏino had really been reinvented. It had gone from a simple wine tasting event to a three-day extravaganza with wine, food, and entertainment. I think this change really reflects how Las Vegas has shifted from a gaming town to a sophisticated integrated-resort destination. It was also great to see that 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏino was highlighting a special honoree at each event. Many of these individuals have contributed so much to the industry and the community.
What does 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏino mean for hospitality students?
So many students have benefitted over the years from the scholarship dollars generated through 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏino. What I think sticks out the most for students, however, is the work experience they gain from the event. When I talk to our alumni, they always reflect on 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏino. They may not remember what they learned in a particular class, but they remember what they learned working at the event—which is the art, science, and business of hospitality. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏino stands as the unifying event of the hospitality student experience.
What does 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏino mean for the college?
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏino has been the college’s signature event for 42 years, and I hope it will continue for many more. It’s wonderful to see how 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏino has really grown from a party into an opportunity to celebrate student success. It’s meaningful for the college because it is a tradition that brings people together.
