The Virginias Chapter has coordinated education and dinner in a very unique way over the past 4 years.  During our spring monthly meeting schedule, The Shenandoah Club in Roanoke, Virginia hosted the dual student chapter event for hospitality students from Virginia Tech (VT) and James Madison University (JMU).  Virginia Tech student chapter liaison and General Manager of The Shenandoah Club, Beverly Schlegel, CCM, and VT student chapter founder and hospitality professor, Candi Clemenz, began this event with the VT student chapter in 2000.  In 2004, Brett Horton, hospitality professor at James Madison, brought JMU’s student chapter charter into the mix to make the student event even stronger. 

Beverly Schlegel (center) receiving award from Candice Clemenz and VA Tech chapter president Kevin Moore.

Students from both chapters teamed up as work as as bartenders, servers, and utility staffers to serve a cocktail party, a six course plated dinner, and wine service to members and guests of the Virginias Chapter. Students arrived at the club around 4:00 pm to be trained by Beverly’s staff on the tasks for the evening.  The student training took place during the Virginias Chapter education meeting.  The students then served the extensive dinner to the chapter members.  At the completion of dinner, all of the students were recognized for their accomplishment.  We also found out their availability for intern positions over the summer.

Tom Duestch receives his CCM plaque from Brad Barden

This event has been well attended by Virginias Chapter members—some traveling up to 6 hours to be part of this exciting evening—with Chatmoss and Boonsboro Country Clubs bringing the largest contingencies over the years.  These two clubs have used this dinner as a different educational opportunity for their own staffs with a chance to study food presentations and service standards each year.  The hands-on training that the students receive has created amazing results and outstanding events over the past several years.

During this year’s event, Beverly Schlegel was recognized by the Virginia Tech student chapter for serving as their student chapter liaison for the past 7 years.  Beverly has seen this chapter grow from its humble beginnings, pass through some tough years, and finally reach the goals of continued education in hospitality management.

VA Tech and James Madison University CMAA students being introduced at the wine dinner.

Tom Duestch, General Manager of Blacksburg Country Club and associate professor of Club Management at Virginia Tech, received his plaque for successfully completing his Certified Club Manager training.  Tom, now officially a CCM, completed his courses in November.  His students applauded him not only as a club manager but also as a great mentor and teacher.  Tom has had a huge impact on the hospitality students over the years and continues to build a legacy of leadership while modeling the importance of continued learning and development within his industry.

Many thanks to Brad Barden for sharing these images.