What was your favorite part of the La Chanterelle experience?
My favorite part of La Chanterelle was learning in an environment that allowed for hands-on experience. It’s one thing to read information and be tested on it but to be able to personally execute it and see it through is completely different. The program teaches accountability and allows students to improve and build their customer service skills as well, which is key in hospitality!
What was your favorite memory from La Chanterelle?
My now-fiancé and I met at Endicott freshman year in the hospitality program—we were both in the culinary and service classes at La Chanterelle together! Since graduation, we have made it a point to go back to La Chanterelle once a semester for dinner. It’s so much fun revisiting the times we had in the program and seeing the current students and how the program has evolved over the years.
Describe a time when the La Chanterelle experience helped you overcome a crisis of confidence or helped you with an a-ha moment.
On one of my first nights of service during freshman year, I was assigned an eight-top where the then dean of hospitality, former Endicott President [Richard E.] Doc Wylie, and other Endicott employees were seated. I took a few minutes to prepare myself before the night began. I made sure to talk with my professors at the time about how to be successful and ensure all of my VIP guests had a good experience. That night, I relied on my peers to help with synchronized service. I relied on my professors to guide us through the night and assist as needed. This experience showed me that having confidence in myself and my team is crucial to being successful in hospitality when creating a memorable experience.
Where do you currently work and what are your job duties? How does your current role align with your major?
I currently work with Misselwood Events at Endicott as the Event Sales Manager of Weddings and Socials. I oversee and manage all of the sales, coordination, and policies/pricing behind our weddings and socials, along with a majority of our internal events on campus. I assist in the sales and coordination of our corporate and overnight programs on campus during the summer months too.
Did you always know you wanted to go into hospitality? What do you love about the industry?
I always had an idea of what I wanted to do, but didn’t realize hospitality was an area that I could study in college until I found Endicott. I love being able to create an experience for my clients and working to make their vision come to life is hands-down my favorite part! Every day is something different and with the variety of events, I am always on my toes!
What are the takeaways from La Chanterelle that you use often in your current role?
La Chanterelle teaches students how to stay calm and composed while face-to-face with a guest or client. Even if you’re nervous or shy, it’s important to always show confidence so the guest feels good and enjoys their experience. This is something I’ve used in every internship and every job since. It’s a skill that takes practice, and La Chanterelle offers that opportunity for students to practice in a classroom setting.
Where do you hope to see La Chanterelle in another 30 years?
I’d love to see La Chanterelle talked about more—it’s such a unique course that not many students know about. In my experience, only hospitality students were educated about the opportunity. This is a great experience for so many other majors, it would be amazing to see the program grow!