Partners
A Tradition of Philanthropy
The Collins College of Hospitality Management may be a public institution, yet a tradition of philanthropy from industry partners has enabled the college to grow significantly in infrastructure, reputation and quality of education.
The college has fostered a strong alignment to industry trends and commitment from industry leaders since its formation in 1973. The growth and maturation of the program during the past 35 years is due largely to the unwavering support from industry partners. Private funding has allowed the college to build 55,000 square feet of high-tech facilities including classrooms, laboratories, the Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch, and a living wine library for applied food and beverage instruction.
Generous donors including Carol and James A. Collins, Hae and Shina Park, Peggy and Andrew Cherng, and Mary Alice and Richard N. Frank have allowed the college to grow and flourish throughout the years. Additionally, a long list of companies such as Darden Restaurants, Disney, Handlery Hotels, Marriott International, Hilton Hotels, Hyatt, and Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. have bolstered the quality of education at The Collins College through their generous contributions and partnerships.
Backed by the Best
The college remains on the forefront of industry trends by working hand-in-hand with its Board of Advisors. This group of key hospitality leaders ensures the program’s methods and practices are consistent with those of the industry and that its curriculum is aligned with industry needs.
Enhancing the Classroom Experience
Throughout the academic year, numerous industry partners visit campus as guest speakers sharing keen insights into their careers. The college's signature keynote speaking event is the annual Richard N. Frank Distinguished Lectureship Series.
Uncorking Possibilities for Students:
Hospitality Uncorked and the Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Award
Every year, Hospitality Uncorked celebrates the vibrant social and cultural life that has made hospitality the No. 1 industry in Southern California. Proceeds from the evening directly benefit The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona, one of the nation’s premier hospitality management programs.
The lavish celebration, previously called Harvest Auction, raises over half a million dollars for the college each year and is generously supported by the college’s generous industry partners. It is believed to be the single largest toast to the hospitality industry in the State of California.
Hospitality Uncorked, held at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, is organized by members of The Collins College of Hospitality Management’s esteemed Board of Advisors with the college’s dean and support staff. The annual event provides an opportunity to keep the college and its students in front of a broad spectrum of individuals and companies within the industry, many of whom benefit directly from its gainfully employed students and alumni.
In 1999, The Collins College of Hospitality Management honored Margrit and Robert Mondavi for their vision and leadership in the American wine industry. Mr. and Mrs. Mondavi were recognized at the college’s 6th annual Harvest Auction, during a lavish gourmet dinner at the Tournament of Roses House in Pasadena.
In order to make a lasting homage to their impact on the industry, the college named the award on their behalf. Since 2000, the college has shown its appreciation to individuals whose vision and leadership has advanced the wine and food industry with the Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Award.
The award is given with much fanfare at Hospitality Uncorked. Since 2000, the college has bestowed this honor upon Julia Child, Alice Waters, Jim Collins, Sam Nazarian, Robert D. Olson, and 2017 honorees Gina Gallo and Jean-Charles Boisset.
Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Award Honorees:
- 1999 – Margrit & Robert Mondavi, Robert Mondavi Winery
- 2000 – Julia Child
- 2001 – Alice Waters
- 2002 – Carol & James A. Collins, Collins Foods International
- 2003 – Bruce Schwartz, SYSCO
- 2004 – CPP President Michael Ortiz and Past Presidents Hugh O. LaBounty & Bob Suzuki
- 2005 – Richard N. Frank, Lawry's Restaurants
- 2006 – Leslie and Bob Spivak, Grill Concepts Inc.
- 2008 – Carl N. Karcher, Carl's Jr. Restaurants
- 2009 – Steele Platt, Yard House
- 2010 – Steve Slater, Southern Wine & Spirits
- 2012 – Sam Nazarian, sbe
- 2013 – Caroline Beteta, Visit California
- 2014 – Alan J. Fuerstman, Montage Hotels & Resorts
- 2015 – Tom Simms, Mimi's Cafe
- 2016 – Robert D. Olson, R.D. Olson Development
- 2017 – Gina Gallo, E&J Gallo Winery & Jean-Charles Boisset, JCB Collection
- 2018 – Larry Shupnick, Laral Group, Inc.
- 2019 – Gary Eberle, Eberly Winery
- 2020 – Raul Porto, Beatriz Porto, and Magarita Navarro, Porto's Bakery & Cafe
- 2021 – Carol & James A. Collins, Collins Foods International
- 2022 – Russell Bendel, The Habit Burger Grill
- 2023 – Susan Feniger, Border Grill, Pacha Mamas, BBQ Mexicana, Socalo