Delgado Awards Industry Credentials to Local Hospitality Educators

November 14, 2019

Delgado Community College recognized 15 hospitality educators at a presentation of credentials and pins earned through training offered by Delgado and funded by a grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

Six new Delgado hospitality adjunct instructors and nine high school hospitality instructors earned Certified Hospitality Instructor (CHI) and Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) credentials awarded by the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Education Institute.

“These instructors have demonstrated their commitment to providing relevant, rigorous training to their students by focusing on learning outcomes as defined by our industry through the National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association. I know our stakeholders in the community will see the impact of their teaching in a qualified, engaged workforce,” said Barry Brantley, professor and hospitality management chair, Delgado Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Program.

“We have been trying for many years to establish this program as we have continued to see our industry grow,” said William Langkopp, executive vice president, Louisiana Hotel & Lodging Association.

 “Our tourism industry in St. John the Baptist Parish is growing. This gives students an opportunity to consider the industry for employment,” said Shannon Magee, career and technical education district coordinator, St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools.

“It’s important to give teachers receiving this training recognition for their achievement. Our goal is to prepare hospitality students for management positions,” said Lucy Lejeune, director of career and technical education for Jefferson Parish Public Schools.

 “I’m very grateful for this opportunity with Delgado and I am looking forward to exploring the future together. Delgado offers so much for our students. They sometimes see college as something distant, and this program helps make it real for them,” said Billie Duncan, career and technical education master teacher, St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools.

 The educators were recognized at a Nov. 4 ceremony at the Student Life Center on the Delgado City Park Campus in New Orleans.

Among those present and those recognized were affiliates of Delgado Community College, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Jefferson Parish School District, Orleans Parish School District, St. John the Baptist Parish School District, Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association, Louisiana Hotel & Lodging Association, Louisiana Restaurant Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association and the National Restaurant Association.

Refreshments were provided by Delgado Culinary Arts.