Hospitality Hall of Honor

A place of honor for hospitality industry giants.

The men and women who have been inducted into the Hospitality Industry Hall of Honor represent the world's most successful hospitality companies and most recognizable brands. Since its establishment in 1995 by Dr. Ronald A. Nykiel, more than 60 hospitality industry leaders have joined inaugural inductees J. W. Marriott, Conrad N. Hilton, Vernon Stouffer and Kemmons Wilson. The likes of Ray Kroc, Howard Johnson, Ernest and Julio Gallo, and Walt Disney are just a few of the other iconic leaders who also have earned a place in the Hospitality Hall of Honor. All inductees have mastered their industries, inspired others and, most importantly, have served as exemplary role models for Hilton College students.  

Recognizing industry leaders since 1996, the Hospitality Industry Hall of Honor has become an exceptional educational resource for students pursuing careers in hospitality management, for people working in the profession and for individuals interested in one of the world's leading industries. For 10 years Hilton College hosted a formal reception, induction ceremony and dinner. In 2006, the Hospitality Hall of Honor expanded its format to create more interaction among students, industry leaders and faculty. Since then, a student general manager, who oversees a student board, has planned and executed all Hall of Honor activities, including a reception, ceremony and dinner as well as a series of industry-related "Think Tanks." Other highlights of Hall of Honor Week include an industry luncheon and reunion dinner for former inductees.

The Hall of Honor Gallery, located off the main lobby of the Hilton University of Houston, features specially commissioned portraits of each inductee by artist Robert Lapsley. New inductees are presented a copy of their portraits at the induction ceremony, but the original portraits are rotated regularly and hung in this gallery as a tribute to each inductee's achievements. Personal papers, memorabilia and corporate histories are archived and displayed in the Massad Family Library Research Center and Hospitality Industry Archives at Hilton College to memorialize the inductees' achievements and leadership—providing a lasting tribute to the companies they conceived and built during their lifetimes.

Members of the Hall of Honor Board of Overseers, which includes representatives from the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the National Restaurant Association, Hilton College and past inductees or their representatives, nominate and elect each year's inductees into the Hall of Honor in the fall. To learn more about the hospitality icons and visionaries honored here visit the inductees' page.

The 2013 Induction Ceremony 

Sam Barshop, founder of La Quinta Inns & Suites and creator of the limited-service hotel concept; and Richard Melman, founder and chairman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, a Chicago-based corporation that owns more than 90 restaurants nationwide, will join some of hospitality's biggest icons and industry giants during the 18th Annual Hospitality Industry Hall of Honor.

The Hall of Honor festivities will take place Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Hilton University of Houston. The reception begins at 5:45 p.m. in the Shamrock Ballroom, followed by the ceremony and dinner at 7 p.m. in the Conrad Hilton Grand Ballroom. Think Tank sessions with industry leaders, who will discuss a number of current hospitality topics, will be held Oct. 22 and 23.

This year's student directors are led by general manager Eugenia Gonzalez. Her team, which plans and manages all of the Hall of Honor activities, includes Amanda Hu, events manager; Christine Sendelbach, events coordinator; Megan Gray, food & beverage manager; Nam Nguyen, food & beverage coordinator; Jesse Nagelberg, think tank manager; Okechi Nwabara, think tank coordinator; Frances Guerrero, marketing manager; Sarah Rennalls, marketing coordinator; and Kathy Zheng, human resources & archives manager. Alexis Hoey supports our students as the faculty mentor to student leaders.

We invite you to join us for any or all of these activities—more details will be available soon! These honorees, as the others before them, are industry pioneers whose contributions have truly shaped our industry. 

We Welcome Your Support

If you would like to be a part of this important industry event by attending or sponsoring a think tank session, the reception or dinner—or if you would like to show your support by purchasing a ticket or student table for the induction ceremony—
please contact any of the individuals listed in the sidebar.