Founding Dean of UCF Rosen College to be Inducted into The Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame®

A lifetime of dedication to the hospitality industry will be recognized on Saturday, November 3, 2018, when UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management honors its founding dean, Dr. Abraham Pizam at The Pineapple Ball®. Dr. Pizam, who has led the college to become a leader in the world of hospitality education, will be the sole inductee this year into The Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame® at The Pineapple Ball®. The annual event is a benefit for academic initiatives and student scholarships and is held at Rosen Shingle Creek.

"I am deeply humbled and honored to be recognized by my colleagues in academia and hospitality with this induction into The Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame®," said Dr. Abraham Pizam, dean of UCF Rosen College. "My years of service to this industry have been my privilege." Dr. Pizam will be stepping down from the dean's position on August 1, 2018. Dr. Youcheng Wang will succeed him. While Dr. Pizam will no longer be the dean, he plans to return to teaching at UCF Rosen College after a one-year sabbatical.

Dr. Pizam began overseeing UCF's hospitality program in 1983. He was appointed dean when the standalone college was built 15 years ago. In addition to the title of dean, Dr. Pizam is also holds the Linda Chapin Eminent Scholar Chair in Tourism Management at UCF Rosen College. He has conducted research projects, lectured, and served as a consultant in more than 30 countries, held various academic positions in the United States, the U.K., France, Austria, Australia, New-Zealand, Singapore, Israel and Switzerland, and has authored more than 160 scientific publications and ten books.

When Dr. Pizam is inducted into the Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame® at The Pineapple Ball®, he will not only be recognized for his contributions to the hospitality industry and academia, he will also be recognized by his faith community and his family for a lifetime of commitment.

To learn more about The Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame® and The Pineapple Ball®, purchase tickets and secure sponsorships, please visit http://hospitality.ucf.edu/the-pineapple-ball/

About the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management

UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management located in Orlando, Florida, offers students an unrivaled opportunity to learn and work in the heart of hospitality. Named the nation's best, and No. 2 in world, the hospitality college has consistently moved up in the ShanghaiRankings' survey over the last three years. Uniquely positioned in America's top tourism destination, we educate the next generation of industry leaders through internationally-recognized faculty, innovative academic programs, cutting-edge research and strong industry and community partnerships. To learn more, visit hospitality.ucf.edu.

Susan Vernon-Devlin
UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management
407-903-8151
UCF