Robert Sereci Wins the James H. Brewer Award

At The Collins College, we always teach our students to serve hospitality with passion. Then it’s up to our graduates to manifest that same passion in the industry.  

Robert Sereci (‘90, hospitality management), CCM, ECM, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Medinah Country Club, is an example to students and alumni alike as he was recently awarded The James H. Brewer Award from Club + Resort Business, in conjunction with the McMahon Group, Inc. and the National Club Association (NCA). To qualify, awardees must be a manager of a country/golf club with 600 or more full privilege members. 

Hired as General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Medinah Country Club in 2015, Sereci strengthens and empowers the Medinah brand through strong collaboration and team building. Before Medinah Country Club, Sereci was the GM of The American Club in Hong Kong, a 3000-member club founded in 1925. He has been a guest on multiple podcasts and has presented at multiple CMAA Chapters across the country, including the CMAA World Conference.   

Twenty-seven years ago, Sereci entered the hospitality field with a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference with the lives of those he serves and leads. Sereci sees himself as a community builder within the club industry, and his proficiency lies in his vision for positive change and embracing tomorrow’s trends. 

Sereci credits the faculty at The Collins College for helping him understand the meaning of hospitality.  

“While most students spend their summers and holidays with their families, hospitality students are hard at work taking care of members and guests,” Sereci said. “Many students work in the heat or outside in inclement weather. Only truly dedicated students voluntarily sign up for this profession and do it with passion. Many of us are indebted to the teaching staff at The Collins College for providing us with pride, a brighter future, and the opportunity to provide for our families.” 

As for emerging hospitality leaders, Sereci urges the new generation to leave a lasting impression with people.  

“As hospitality professionals, we take great pride in our clubs, restaurants or hotels and especially the stuff we build,” Sereci said. “Many of us wrongfully assume that the properties we manage or the millions we spend building the stuff will be our legacy. The truth is that many members, customers or guests will not remember what we built. However, people are different! When we make a difference in the lives of our employees, they will care, and they will remember. Focus more on people and less on bricks and mortar.”