The Hospitality Gala

Name: The Hospitality Gala
Address: 241 S College Street, Auburn, AL, 36830, US
Telephone: (334) 844-4261
Price range: $$

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The Hospitality Gala

The Signature Event Benefiting Educational Initiatives of the Auburn University Hospitality Management Program

Since 1992, HRMT has hosted a formal dinner and silent auction as an annual signature event for the program. Every year, the students in the catering and special events management class continue this tradition of excellence by planning and hosting The Hospitality Gala under the direction of Dr. Alecia Douglas, HRMT Faculty and the leadership team in The Hotel at Auburn University led by Hans van d

er Reijden, Managing Director. Guided by a team of experienced hotel professionals in management areas such as sales, marketing, catering, culinary, and operations, students effectively plan, organize, execute, and facilitate the event. Event proceeds support educational development initiatives for both HRMT students and faculty. Examples of initiatives include: student attendance at hospitality conferences and trade shows, study tour programs, graduate student travel to research conferences, support for visiting professors and faculty development opportunities.

05/05/2026

Have you ever wondered what happens to our gorgeous flower arrangements after the Hospitality Gala? 🌸

Thanks to Lilies of the Field, those blooms get a second life far beyond the event night. Based in the Auburn/Opelika area, this volunteer-run nonprofit reimagines flowers from weddings and events into hand-arranged bouquets, delivering them to nursing homes, hospitals, shelters, and other places where a small act of beauty can mean everything.

Founded in 2023, Lilies of the Field transforms what would normally be discarded into something deeply meaningful. Every arrangement is thoughtfully created, prayed over, and shared with people who may need a reminder that they are seen, valued, and cared for.

For this year’s Hospitality Gala, we are honored that our arrangements continued to spread joy long after the final toast!💐

04/23/2026

Meet the hospitality industry professionals from The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center who have worked with our students to help make this year's Hospitality Gala come to life ✨

Thank you to Tara Harbison, Anna Kent, Jacob Hoop, and Auburn Hospitality Management Alumni Lauren Collins for sharing your insights and knowledge with our students during this hospitality event learning experience!

🍾Scroll through this carousel post to learn more about Tara, Anna, Jacob, and Lauren!

04/22/2026

We’re honored to introduce our final exceptional culinary team for the 2026 Hospitality Gala ✨

Chef Andrew Litherland, Executive Chef of Waldorf Astoria Osaka, brings a globally celebrated career shaped by over 25 years with The Ritz-Carlton and a passion for blending tradition with innovation. Guided by the Japanese philosophy of kodawari, his approach emphasizes excellence, authenticity, and the use of exceptional local ingredients.

Joining him is Student Chef Riley Tallent, a senior at the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management whose dedication to craftsmanship and appreciation for ingredient-driven cooking continue to define his culinary journey.
 🦞Scroll through this carousel post to learn more about Chef Andrew Litherland and Student Chef Riley Tallent.

04/21/2026

🥂We’re honored to introduce another distinguished Beverage Artisan for the 2026 Hospitality Gala!

Angelia Nielsen, Market Director for Moët Hennessy, brings nearly two decades of experience in the wine and spirits industry. With a passion for hospitality and a deep knowledge of her craft, she oversees operations across Alabama and Mississippi, delivering excellence and expertise to every experience.
 🍾Scroll through this carousel post to learn more about Angelia Nielsen and Moet Hennessy.

04/21/2026

We’re honored to introduce the floral designer for the 2026 Hospitality Gala ✨

Sheryl Perdue, Auburn University alumna and talented floral designer, brings decades of experience in creating elegant, nature-inspired arrangements. With a background in interior design and a passion for organic, classic styles, her work reflects a thoughtful blend of creativity and craftsmanship, often incorporating foraged elements to make each piece truly unique.

Every beautiful detail shapes an unforgettable evening. We can't wait for our guests to see the gorgeous floral arrangements made for this year's gala!🌸

04/21/2026

We’re honored to introduce our next exceptional culinary team for the 2026 Hospitality Gala ✨

Chef Ford Fry, Chef & CEO of Rocket Farm Restaurants, has built a celebrated portfolio of concepts across the Southeast, known for their timeless approach, community focus, and exceptional, ingredient-driven cuisine.

A James Beard semifinalist and acclaimed restaurateur, his influence continues to shape the modern Southern dining landscape.

Joining him is Student Chef Hope van der Riet, a senior at the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, whose leadership at 1856–A Teaching Restaurant and passion for pastry and coffee culture reflect her drive to create meaningful culinary experiences around the world.
 👨‍🍳Scroll through this carousel post to learn more about Chef Ford Fry and Student Chef Hope van der Riet.

04/17/2026

Meet Drew Kostic, one of our distinguished Beverage Artisans for the 2026 Hospitality Gala ✨

Drew Kostic, JD—General Manager and Head Brewer at New Realm Brewing on Auburn University’s campus—brings a dynamic background that blends law, education, and brewing science. As a faculty member in Auburn’s Brewing Science program, he mentors the next generation while continuing to innovate in the craft beer industry.

With experience across seven breweries and recognition for best brewery in New York City, Drew’s passion for brewing and education make him an integral part of this year’s gala experience.

04/16/2026

✨We’re honored to introduce our next exceptional culinary team for the 2026 Hospitality Gala!

Chef Frank Stitt, James Beard Award winner and “godfather of Southern cuisine”, is the visionary behind renowned restaurants Highlands Bar & Grill, Bottega, and Chez Fonfon.
Known for his commitment to regenerative agriculture and refined Southern cooking, his influence on the culinary world is both profound and enduring.

Joining him is Student Chef Paige Rohman, a senior at the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, whose hands-on experience spans The Masters Golf Tournament, Blackberry Mountain, and international study abroad programs. Her passion for learning and global perspective continues to shape her culinary journey.
 🌱Scroll through this carousel post to learn more about Chef Frank Stitt and Student Chef Paige Rohman.

04/14/2026

🍷Meet Thomas Price, Master Sommelier and distinguished member of our 2026 Hospitality Gala Beverage Artisans!

Thomas Price has spent his entire life in the hospitality industry. He began at 13 in Juneau, Alaska, where the warmth and purpose of restaurant life offered him a sense of belonging during a difficult time. Over the past 45 years, mentorship has become the core of his philosophy—believing hospitality is not just a technical skill, but the shared experience and intention behind it.

In 1999, Thomas Price opened his first restaurant in Seattle, an invaluable decade during which he led, taught, and grew alongside an incredible team. After selling the restaurant, he pursued his goal of becoming a Master Sommelier, humbly starting as a banquet server at The Metropolitan Grill, where he later became Head Sommelier. Earning his Master Sommelier diploma in 2012, thereby becoming the first African-American to do so, was a defining milestone shaped by perseverance and gratitude.

✨At Auburn University’s Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, Mr. Price currently teaches a beverage appreciation course and serves as Wine Director at 1856 – Culinary Residence, guiding students in wine, service, and the deeper meaning of hospitality.

04/14/2026

✨We’re honored to introduce the first culinary team for the 2026 Hospitality Gala!

Chef Rob McDaniel, James Beard semifinalist, Executive Chef & Owner of Helen and Bayonet, and alumnus of our Hospitality Management program, brings a celebrated passion for Southern cuisine, sustainability, and innovation to the Gala.

Joining him is Jana Earp, a senior culinary science student chef from the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, whose creativity and dedication to inclusive, thoughtful cooking continue to inspire.
 🔪Scroll through this carousel post to learn more about distinguished Chef Rob McDaniel and rising talent Student Chef, Jana Earp.

Address

241 S College Street
Auburn, AL
36830

Telephone

(334) 844-4261

Website

http://thehospitalitygala.org/

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