Carrie Underwood Performs With a Collins Alumnus

At The Collins College of Hospitality Management, we celebrate the diversity of our students and alumni.  

Last week, Carrie Underwood did the same when she invited a Collins College alumnus with an inspirational story to perform on stage at her Boston concert in front of 20,000 attendees. 

Carrie Underwood chose Chuck Choi (’16, hospitality management) from a contest where fans submitted a video to share their stories about personal champions for a chance to join the artist on stage to rap her song, “Champions.” 

“Two days before her show in Boston, I received an email from Carrie’s team that they would like to have me up on stage with her,” Choi said. 

Choi moved to the United States from South Korea 10 years ago without speaking English. He learned the language by listening to rapper Eminem and went on to attend Cal Poly Pomona and graduate from The Collins College.  

“He chose to keep a good attitude and learned to speak the language by listening to Eminem,” Underwood told fans. “Chuck says his experience has taught him that nothing is impossible, and you can overcome any struggle with a positive attitude.” 

As a student, Choi was involved with the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) as the director of communications and left a legacy on the club. Choi’s executive board increased membership 450% to win the National Recruitment Contest, placed 47 students in global internships in the private club industry and started the CMAA annual banquet to celebrate the year’s achievements, which the club has continued since.  

After he graduated, Choi worked at Knollwood Club in Lake Forest, Illinois as a dining room manager. Later, he moved to Boston to work for TripAdvisor as a commerce representative and tax associate. Choi continues to challenge himself, and with his new skill set, he currently works as a web design specialist at HubSpot, a software company in Boston. 

Choi recalls that his favorite classes at the Collins College were Hospitality Management Law taught by former professor Jason Dineros, and Wines, Beers, Spirits taught by Chef Ernie Briones. 

“One thing I really loved about The Collins College was that we were a big family. The professors and alumni association genuinely cared for the students’ well-being. I miss all the good times and friends I have at The Collins College.” 

Check out People.com’s story on Choi’s performance HERE. 

Check out Carrie Underwood’s Instagram post with highlights from Choi’s performance HERE. 

Check out the YouTube video of Choi’s introduction and performance HERE.