“If I had to give a highlight, the best thing of the night was running into some alumni, it is nice to reconnect.” RHONDA GARIB ’00
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Alumni Events Roundup ------BY LISA MCPHERON AND MICHELLE ANDREWS
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The college and the Collins Hospitality Society had a busy year hosting many activities for alumni. From an exquisite wine dinner at Fleming’s Steakhouse to the Angel Stadium outfield to an anniversary celebration at the RKR, it was hard to miss a chance to reconnect with fellow alumni in Southern California. For those alumni who live out of state, The Collins College hosts annual receptions in Chicago and New York that coincide with large industry trade shows. “We want these events to bring alumni back into the fold,” said Steven Senft, president of the Collins Hospitality Society. “There are a lot of benefits to having an engaged alumni network.” Many alumni visited the college for the Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch’s 20th anniversary in October 2010 where the Collins Hospitality Society held its first membership drive. More than 150 people attended the college-hosted celebration, which included a Frank Lectureship featuring Jim Collins. During the party, alumni had the opportunity to share stories about the restaurant series of classes. “When I was here, the RKR facility had just finished being built,” said Ian Blackburn ’91, a past Distinguished Alumnus of the Year and founder of www.LearnAboutWine.com. “Being the first class in the restaurant, you can imagine the demands. We developed a special bond. There are so many memories inside that kitchen.” Alumna Rhonda Garib ’00 signed up to become a member of the society during the party. The general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn in Fontana was enthusiastic to give back to her alma mater. “If I had to give a highlight, the best thing of the night was running into some alumni,” she said. “It is nice to reconnect. I finally get the benefit of being part of the alumni network. Alumni chapters foster a richer connection.”
The Collins Hospitality Society plans several mixers throughout the year that are free for alumni. The locations feature hotels or restaurants that are owned or operated by alumni. Last May, alumnus Bill Doak ’82 showed great generosity when he hosted a mixer at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel where he was managing director. Additionally, Sarah Schulhof-Brown ’06 hosted a mixer at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa where she is the catering manager. Cocktailian Bartender Lacey Murillo ’07 also hosted an event at 1886 in Pasadena last February. (Read more about Murillo on pages 6263.) Russ Bendel, Jr. ’05 raises the bar each year when he organizes a Collins Hospitality Society fundraiser at his Fleming’s Steakhouse in Newport Beach. For the last three years, Bendel has donated all the food and beverage costs for the elaborate wine dinners that benefit the society and its efforts. The next wine dinner will be held April 10, 2012. This event sells out quickly. In an effort to build a scholarship endowment for students, the society introduced the Collins Hospitality Society Scholarship Classic in June and will host the second annual classic on March 26, 2012. (Read more about the golf tournament on pages 58-59.) The annual Alumni in the Outfield is another popular activity. The family-friendly event is held each summer at Angel Stadium with a mixer beforehand at OC Sports Grill. In an effort to reach alumni outside of Southern California, Dean Andy Feinstein hosts receptions each year during the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago and the International Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Show in New York. These events are open to all Cal Poly Pomona alumni. For current information on alumni events, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ CollinsCollege.