Dean’s Message: 2019-2020 Recap

I write to you from my home, a message to close the academic 2019/2020 year. To say that this academic year has been memorable would be an understatement. During my many years serving as your Dean, I have never been prouder to be part of a community as I am now. These past few months, dealing with this pandemic has been challenging on many fronts.

First and foremost, making sure, that you the students, could continue your education uninterrupted at the highest level possible. Next, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community, and lastly, planning for future semesters under an ever-changing landscape. Despite these challenges, I am filled with great pride of what we have accomplished under less than ideal circumstances. I would like to commend all involved, faculty, staff and students for being flexible and rising to the challenge of transitioning to a remote platform with little lead time. With that being said, I have been in awe of the resilience and perseverance our community has displayed over the past year.

From the beginning of the year, losing one of our esteemed faculty members, Dr. Mike Oshins, and the outpouring of love and support of the SHA community to celebrate his life, to watching our students plan and participate in SHA career events, holiday celebrations, award ceremonies, barn babies, guest speaker events, and class field trips all top the list of my memories. Moving forward, we continue to pave our way through this uncharted territory, exploring innovations, with our SHA community, to stay ahead of the curve to better understand the impact on our hospitality industry while identifying strategies for its success. I look forward to continuing our work together in the coming months and years.

I would like to personally congratulate our graduating class of 2020 and look forward to celebrating this milestone with you and your families when permitted. It was wonderful celebrating with you virtually over this past weekend and I would like to thank all that helped put this event together!

Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank our board members for their continued commitment, guidance, and participation in virtual events to guide our students and industry and I would like to thank our alumni for their continued support and membership! As they say, it takes a village, and our community is stronger than ever.

In closing, I wish you all a healthy, happy summer.

Sincerely,

Arun Upneja, Ph.D.
Dean and Professor, School of Hospitality Administration