Michael Johnson, Dean, Cornell School of Hotel Administration; Jill Kobus Johnson; David Marriott, Senior V.P of Global Sales; Marriott International; Debbie Marriott Harrison, Senior V.P. of Government Affairs, Marriott International; Bill Marriott, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Marriott International; Mika Brzezinski; co-Host, Morning Joe, MSNBC Television; and Joe Scarborough, co-Host, Morning Joe, MSNBC Television. — Photo by Cornell School of Hotel Administration
“The name Bill Marriott has been synonymous with hospitality, innovation, quality and integrity for more than five decades, and I cannot think of a more deserving inaugural recipient of this prestigious award than Bill,” said Bruce White, White Lodging CEO — Photo by Cornell School of Hotel Administration

These are just a few of the words and phrases heard following the first annual Cornell Icon of the Industry Awards dinner on Tuesday, June 2. More than 500 guests—including Cornell alumni, industry senior leaders, and members of the media—gathered at the New York Marriott Marquis to attend the gala, which was a fundraiser for programs and scholarships at the School of Hotel Administration. Although the evening’s ceremony honored an iconic leader and two leading innovators of the hospitality industry, the true reason for the evening—the students—was foremost in everyone’s minds.

After a networking reception overlooking Times Square, guests moved to the Broadway Ballroom, where dinner was served and the awards ceremony was held. Masters of ceremonies Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, co-hosts of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, began the presentation before turning the stage over to Dean and E. M. Statler Professor Michael D. Johnson and managing director of the Pillsbury Institute Tom Ward to present the Leland C. and Mary M. Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship’s Innovator Award to TIG Global co-founders Fred Malek, CEO, and Trip Schneck, president. In his acceptance speech, Malek acknowledged those who have influenced his career and encouraged students to take risks and be fellow innovators, declaring, “We expect great things from you."

The gala culminated in the presentation of the first Icon of the Industry Award to J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO of Marriott International, Inc., and a legend and pioneer in the hospitality industry. Marriott received the award, presented by Dean Johnson and Bruce White, CEO of title sponsor White Lodging, to a rousing standing ovation. As an advocate for higher education, Marriott spoke about success being a combination of education and opportunity. Although he acknowledged that today’s students are entering a competitive job market and difficult economic times, he said that the key to every success story is to “never, never, never give up.” These are encouraging words from a true icon of the industry.

Under Marriott’s lead, Marriott International has grown from a family restaurant business to a global lodging company with more than 3,200 properties in 66 countries and territories. Known for its commitment to diversity, social responsibility, and community engagement, the firm is consistently recognized among the most admired companies. Marriott has developed a family of 18 lodging brands that range from limited service to full service luxury hotels. The company manages and franchises hotels and resorts under the Marriott, JW Marriott, Renaissance, Bulgari, Ritz-Carlton, Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, TownePlace Suites, and Fairfield Inn brand names. It operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, Ritz-Carlton Club, and Grand Residences by Marriott brands. The company also operates Marriott Executive Apartments, provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division, operates conference centers, and manages golf courses.

Marriott serves on the board of the J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation. He is a member of the National Business Council and the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council. He also serves as the chairman of the Mayo Clinic Capital Campaign. Mr. Marriott recently served on the board of trustees of the National Geographic Society, as director of the United States Naval Academy Foundation, chairman of the President’s Export Council, and a member of the Secure Borders Open Doors Advisory Committee and the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.

Marriott has also been a leader in higher education in hospitality, as seen in his generous support of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration and San Diego State University. He is an honorary member of the Cornell Hotel Society, and the school’s executive education center bears the Marriott name.

To learn about sponsorship opportunities for the next Cornell Icon of the Industry Awards Dinner, please contact Joe Strodel, director of corporate and foundation affairs, at [email protected] or 607.255.4646.