tourism & hospitality
special Recognitions
special Recognitions
Outstanding Student
Outstanding Student
Outstanding Capstone
Outstanding Capstone
Amie o'Hara
Amie o'Hara
Amie O'Hara has been a top student in the Tourism and Hospitality program over the last four years. Her GPA has been consistent throughout her tenure, which is currently 3.75. She has served as secretary in the tourism and hospitality student group over the last two years and is a member of Eta Sigma Delta, the International Hospitality Management Honor Society. This past year Amie was chosen to compete in Smith Travel Research's Student Market Study. Amie and the USM/SMCC team competed in New York City against 37 other programs and received Honorable Mention Honors. Amie always volunteered and worked hard during many of our projects and events, as well as being one of our work-study students. Congratulations Amie and we wish you the best!
Celine Baker
Celine Baker
Celine Baker adapted very quickly during her capstone to create a manual for Pinch me Planning on how to cancel/postpone your wedding. She worked directly with owner, Christina Padavano on this project that was needed very fast during this pandemic. Her work is actively being used and she plans to continue with Pinch me Planning once events are allowed.
Graduates
Graduates
Bachelor of Arts in Tourism & Hospitality
Bachelor of Arts in Tourism & Hospitality
mano ali
mano ali
I participated in Thinking Matters and worked with Portland Trails. I found different ways to include my community in helping keep a sustainable path for everyone. I also completed an internship with Sodexo on how to add more food options for the Halal section. I put out a description of what Halal food means and why it’s important to have! I am so thankful for all the support I received from staff and students during my time at the University of Southern Maine.
Celine Baker
Celine Baker
In May of 2018 I had the opportunity to travel to Iceland with other Muskie School students for a week of immersive learning. We toured the whole Eastern side of the country and got to experience Icelandic culture, hospitality, and geography. It was through this week-long travel course that I got to deepen my understanding of tourism and hospitality in another part of the world and fell further in love with the idea of travel and tourism.
hannah daigle
hannah daigle
I'm lucky to have had Sara Ghezzi as my professor for multipe classes. She has taught me so much during my time at USM, helped me build real world connections, and has been a great role model for her students. '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
More about Mano
Plans for after graduation:My plans for after graduation is to find a management position. I want to experience the tourism and Hospitality industry more. Travel to different countries and explore the world with the knowledge I received from my advisors and professors.
Favorite course:My favorite course was TAH 264 - 0001 Introduction to Culinary Tourism with Kristin A Fuhrmann-Simmons! I got to experience hospitality in a more fun way. I learned how to use social media and showcase my work each step of the way! I learned more about photography and the different tools to use to perfect my work!
Favorite course:My favorite course was TAH 264 - 0001 Introduction to Culinary Tourism with Kristin A Fuhrmann-Simmons! I got to experience hospitality in a more fun way. I learned how to use social media and showcase my work each step of the way! I learned more about photography and the different tools to use to perfect my work!
More about Celine
Plans for after graduation:I will be working for Pinch Me Planning, a wedding planning company based out of Portland, ME, as an event assistant.
Favorite course:My favorite course was TAH 311, Event Management, co-taught by Dr. Sara Ghezzi and Maureen LaSalle.
Favorite course:My favorite course was TAH 311, Event Management, co-taught by Dr. Sara Ghezzi and Maureen LaSalle.
More about Hannah
Plans for after graduation:Participating in the Disney College Program this fall, hoping to build a career there after.
Favorite professor:Sara Ghezzi
Favorite professor:Sara Ghezzi
taylor feehan
taylor feehan
The TAH department and students were really accepting of me coming in as a transfer student. I was able to build strong relationships with future hospitality leaders of Maine!
makayla garcia
makayla garcia
Attending USM has allowed me opportunities to make life long connections with my friends, it has allowed me to network and connect with industry professionals and has given me work experience I couldn't have found anywhere else. I am very thankful for my four years at USM.
Johnny kyte
Johnny kyte
A valuable connection I made at USM is with Kim Turner, Assistant Director of Athletics, made a real impact on how I live my life. From the very first day her warmth and passion for the importance of sports in a college division 3 setting inspired me beyond reasonable doubt. With Kim Turners guidance, I was was able to accomplish amazing things at USM. From sports to in the classroom Kim was always there as a cheerleader, a mentor, and an inspiring role model. Her experience is untouchable.
More about Taylor
Plans for after graduation:Working with 2GetherWeCook as a private chef and assisting them in building their business from a tourism and culinary perspective!
Favorite professor or course:Sara Ghezzi is unlike any other. Any class with her was challenging, interesting, and she genuinely cares for her students. She’s proven that by going above and beyond for anyone who asks her for help.
Favorite professor or course:Sara Ghezzi is unlike any other. Any class with her was challenging, interesting, and she genuinely cares for her students. She’s proven that by going above and beyond for anyone who asks her for help.
More about Makayla
Plans for after graduation:I will be moving back to Florida to pursue a career in event management as well as continuing work on my photography business!
Favorite course:All of the TAH classes presented a new adventure. Every single one was taught in an out-of-the-box and creative way, with many site tours and connections to industry professionals. I am very pleased with my learning experience through the TAH program.
Favorite course:All of the TAH classes presented a new adventure. Every single one was taught in an out-of-the-box and creative way, with many site tours and connections to industry professionals. I am very pleased with my learning experience through the TAH program.
More about Johnny
Plans for after graduation:Still undecided, however potentially will be in graduate studies at the University of Southern Maine come fall 2020.
Favorite course:Tourism Wellness with Maureen LaSalle, who was a favorite professor as well!
Favorite course:Tourism Wellness with Maureen LaSalle, who was a favorite professor as well!
amie o'hara
amie o'hara
I am thankful for all of the opportunities and connections I made during my time here at USM in the Tourism and Hospitality department. Through first-hand experiences, I learned the value of professionalism and networking in an ever changing industry. Having the chance to fully plan and execute numerous events in various TAH courses over the years has prepared me to a future in the industry and provided me with a valuable experience.
allison pickering
allison pickering
The most valuable connections I made during my time at USM are with my professors. I truly value the hard work they poured into the course material, with volunteering and networking opportunities on a regular basis. I feel well prepared after leaving the program, knowing I’ve had a wholesome learning experience and established deep connections with my professors and my classmates. Reflecting on my time at USM, I am most grateful for the genuine care these professors had for us and our progress.
kathleen rattazzi
kathleen rattazzi
A valuable experience/connection I have made at USM is hard to pin down. My internships over the years have truly allowed me to network and grow a deeper understanding and love for the different industries. I have done internships in almost every industry. Aquaculture, food manufacturers, brewers, lodging, biofuels, and specifically sustainability to help grow Maine small businesses. Time shared with classmates, faculty, and the staff at USM, as well as the athletic program, have been amazing!
More about Amie
Favorite professor:Dr. Sara Ghezzi has made a tremendous impact on my education as she stops at nothing to provide her students with real life experiences to ensure we are prepared to enter the industry.
More about Allison
Plans for after graduation:I have been working at The Press Hotel for the past two years, I plan to continue with the company moving forward. I truly enjoy the culture of Maine's hospitality industry and I would like to grow with it as a young professional.
Favorite course:It is nearly impossible to narrow down to just one course that was my favorite! One of my favorite, and most memorable classes was Beverage Operations taught by Sara Ghezzi. This class taught us everything from the brewing process, to terroir, to the rules and regulations of beer and wine around the world. It was a fascinating course that broadened my horizon in the tourism and hospitality field. And taught by Sara Ghezzi who engaged us and kept us on our toes!
Favorite course:It is nearly impossible to narrow down to just one course that was my favorite! One of my favorite, and most memorable classes was Beverage Operations taught by Sara Ghezzi. This class taught us everything from the brewing process, to terroir, to the rules and regulations of beer and wine around the world. It was a fascinating course that broadened my horizon in the tourism and hospitality field. And taught by Sara Ghezzi who engaged us and kept us on our toes!
More about Kathleen
Plans for after graduation:I am happy to say I have a job upon graduation at Maine Lobster Now as a Sales Specialist and plan to continue my education by starting my masters this coming fall.
Favorite professor:All my professors have truly been phenomenal and I can't thank them enough for the constant support they show their students every single day.
Favorite professor:All my professors have truly been phenomenal and I can't thank them enough for the constant support they show their students every single day.
anouk schmidt
anouk schmidt
USM gave me the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing people and friends that will hopefully last a life time while receiving a great education.
maddie stevens
maddie stevens
The TAH program provided me with a lot of connections
More about Anouk
Plans for after graduation:I am hoping to find a job in the Tourism and Hospitality industry, I know it will be difficult due to the Coronavirus. I have applied for a couple positions.
Favorite professor:Dr. Sara Ghezzi.
Favorite professor:Dr. Sara Ghezzi.
More about Maddie
Favorite course:Tourism Wellness
Additional TAH Graduates
Additional TAH Graduates
Katarina Corcoran
Anthony Degifico
Valerie DeRoehn
Jacob Dostal
Mara Gastaldo
Kimberly Jackson
Gregory Klein
Haley Moreau
Students: Fill out this form to share a photo and something about your Muskie School experience.