Boston University School of Hospitality Administration Celebrates Excellence at the Alumni of the Year Award Ceremony and Reception
September 18, 2025] BOSTON, MA — Boston University School of Hospitality (BU SHA) is proud to announce its annual Alumni of the Year Award Ceremony and Reception, an inspiring event recognizing outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions to the hospitality industry. The ceremony offers a unique opportunity to honor leadership, innovation, and dedication among the school’s most distinguished graduates.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: BU School of Hospitality, 928 Commonwealth Ave., Stamas Lounge, 1st floor
Registration: Free and open to the public. Advance registration is required. Registration link.
“Recognizing our Alumni of the Year is a highlight of our academic calendar,” said Arun Upneja, Ph.D., Dean of Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. “Their remarkable achievements and contributions not only inspire current students but also exemplify the high standards and impact our alumni bring to the global hospitality community.”
The ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of distinguished BU SHA alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment in various sectors of the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, travel, tourism, and experiential services. The event features a fireside chat between Dean Upneja and John Lapeire, Distinguished Alumni of the Year, exploring his inspiring career journey, insights on innovation and global trends in hospitality, and valuable advice for the next generation of industry leaders. Attendees are invited to a reception after the talk that provides an excellent networking opportunity for students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals.
Honoring:
Distinguished Alumni of the Year
John Lapeire, (SHA ’90), Vice President, Marriott International
Young Alumni Awardee
Leah Tringale Duffy (SHA’18), Real Estate Agent and Investor, Longwood Residential Boston
The Alumni Weekend program at the School of Hospitality also features alumni in a panel discussion with Professor Leora Lanz (BU COM alumna) about her recent book release, “Developing Your Marketing Mindset: Real-World Lessons from Hospitality,” which features contributions from many SHA alumni making an impact across the global hospitality landscape. SHA alumni Jack T. Coughlin (Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts), Mara Littman (BU School of Hospitality), and Stephen Martino (Union Square Hospitality Group) will engage in conversation with Professor Lanz about why a marketing mindset is essential and how it has been applied in their career after graduation.
About the Alumni of the Year Award
The Alumni of the Year Award honors graduates who have significantly advanced the hospitality industry through professional excellence, visionary leadership, and community service. Recipients are selected by the School of Hospitality’s faculty and advisory board members based on their impactful careers and dedication to the school’s mission of Experience Innovation. More information is available on the BU SHA website.
About Boston University School of Hospitality
For more than 40 years, Boston University’s School of Hospitality has been cultivating the next generation of leaders of the multibillion-dollar hospitality industry. The Boston University School of Hospitality, in collaboration with hospitality industry leaders is redefining hospitality as Experience Innovation. Our focus is on optimizing human interaction by innovating experiences that are employee, customer, investor, and business driven. Boston University School of Hospitality offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs (several of which are STEM-designated). From experience management to hospitality real estate and beyond, our academic programs challenge students to become experienced innovators for hotels, restaurants, travel and tourism, healthcare enterprises, retail and luxury brands, sports and entertainment venues, and any organization where hospitality can be strategically applied to help establish lasting and meaningful relationships. Learn more about Boston University’s School of Hospitality and Experience Innovation by visiting bu.edu/hospitality.