BON VOYAGE

   Most anyone would be envious of the opportunity presented to RHIT student Sean Wibbenmeyer. Sean has secured an internship on Louis Cruise Lines through his personal achievement and the efforts of the RHIT department. This is the first attempt by the RHIT Department to become involved with international internships.

   Louis Cruise Lines is a Cypriot owned line based in Nicosia, Cypress that tours the Mediterranean. Sean will be spending the six month program cruising the Mediterranean and learning the food service, bar, and reception business on a cruise ship.

   Sean’s understanding is that Louis Cruise Lines offers seven and fourteen day cruises. Sean will be aboard ship and have occasional days in many and various ports. His transportation has been arranged by the shipping line to Cypress and he will be earning wages as well as an education. Sean understands that the ships have onboard casinos, entertainment, swimming pools, and all the other usual luxuries associated with the cruise line industry.

   Sean is in his junior year as a RHIT major. His achievements include a 3.6 grade point average. Sean spoke with excitement and enthusiasm about this coming internship. After all, who would not be enthusiastic about such a splendid opportunity?

   Happy sailing, Sean!

We Applaud School of Physical Education Staff Members

Jim Bennett (RHIT)
Alan Mikesky (PE)
Karen Teeguarden (PE)
Mark Urtel (PE)

   Each of these faculty members received the Teaching Excellence Recognition Award. This award was established by the IU Board of Trustees to honor individuals who have a positive impact on learning through the direct teaching of students.

   Congratulations, Faculty!

Fund Raising Dinner Successful

   The 4th Annual Scholarship Dinner at the Greek Islands Restaurant was held on April 6, 1997. The scholarship dinner was initiated in 1993 to establish an endowed scholarship to honor Elias and Fofo Stergiopoulos, long standing Indianapolis restauranteurs. Since the beginning of the program, a number of scholarships have been awarded to students majoring in Restaurant, Hotel, Institutional, and Tourism Management. The endowed scholarship fund has been able to substantially grow this year due to the generous contributions from Kronos Foods, Inc. Kronos Foods is located in Chicago, Illinois.

   On Thursday, April 24,1997, the IUFUI Center of Philanthropy will recognize the efforts of the Stergiopoulos Family for their contributions to scholastic opportunity.

An Opportunity to Distinguish Yourself through AXT Membership

   In 1989, a group of educators involved in hospitality and tourism programs identified the need to recognize students who exhibited outstanding academic achievement, meritorious service, and demonstrate professionalism. Aristos Xenia Tourismos Inter-National Hospitality and Tourism Honor Society (AXT) was established by these educators as a solution to the absence of recognition within the hospitality and tourism programs. AXT chapters provide professional, organizational, and educational benefits, which affect individual students, the hospitality program, and the institution. To be eligible for AXT membership, at student must meet the following criteria:

* Have completed the 2nd semester or 3rd quarter of their studies - or 50 per cent total credits for graduation
* Must have completed 50 per cent of credit hours required in their major
* Must be candidates for hospitality or tourism related degree
* Must rank at or above 3.0 Grade Point Average
* Students who do not have a 3.0 or better GPA, but who have made outstanding contributions to the tourism and hospitality field are eligible upon recommendation by faculty advisor and chapter officers. Documentation must be provided to support this exception to GPA requirement.

   Honorary memberships are also available to industry professionals, faculty, administrators, or distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to the field or support for the chapter.

AXT IUPUI Chapter is pleased to honor the following students as 1997 inductees:
Shelly Beaver
Holly Brown
Bernice Copp
Jill Fuller
Tracy Haddad
Birgit Hollaus
Brad Rankin
Sue Schneider
Greg Studebaker
Lisa Treble
Tim Whallon
Ann Wicks

PE Majors Set Records!

   The Department of Physical Education majors who attended the October 1996 Indiana Association for
Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance annual convention are proud of winning the attendance award for the annual meeting. This is the eleventh consecutive year for the IUPUI students to win the attendance award. The IUPUI campus had 71% of their members attend the meeting. The officers for the Student Action Council of IAHPERD are also well represented by IUPUI. Matching the eleven-year record of attendance is an eleven-year record for holding the office of president. Rox Ann Krahn was voted President-elect and will govern the group beginning October 1997. The current President, Shane Crabtree, is in charge of planning all the programs for all student members of IAHPERD. Mr. Ed Shilling is the faculty sponsor for the group.

RHS Members Attend National Restaurant Show in Chicago

   Seven members of the Restaurant and Hotel Society will be in Chicago May 17 and 18 for the largest restaurant and hotel show in the world. McCormick Center will have more than 2,400 exhibitors to talk to industry managers. The show will also have Senator Robert Dole as the keynote speaker. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the newest trends in the industry.

RHIT Majors Selected to Attend NRA’s Salute to Excellence

   In conjunction with the National Restaurant Association in Chicago, the association sponsors a forum for outstanding hospitality majors. The all day program has industry leaders who interact with the students in large and small groups in order to ‘mentor’ the industry’s future leaders. The day is ended with a banquet and recognition program for the students. Representing the RHIT Department for 1997 are Kenneth Hall and Christian Celis-Schemidt.

Sanitation Seminar for National Restaurant Association Certification

June 19 & 20 or August 12 & 13 from 7:30 am - 4:30 pm

IUPUI, ET 202
799 W. Michigan Street

Registration Fee $140.00 includes textbook, parking, snacks and beverages.

Make check payable to RHIT Department Send to:

Pat May, RHIT Department,
IUPUI, ET 205, 799 W. Michigan St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5160

Deadline: May 15 or July 11

Honors Day

   The Indiana University School of Physical Education Honors Day Convocation will be held Sunday, April 27, 1997, at 2:30 p.m. at the Hoosier Room in the Union Building. Dean Kellum will send an invitation to all students. Dean’s list recipients for spring, 1996 and fall, 1996, scholarship winners and student organization officers will be recognized. Please plan to attend this function to honor our outstanding students.

Take a Look
By P. Buchanan

   As a student who was and still is unsure of my educational direction, I noticed a certification program offered within the Department of RHIT. To test my interest in this field, I took RHIT 172, Development and Management of Attractions. For those students who are searching for direction or merely an elective, I recommend taking the time to investigate the courses or the certification offered in Travel and Tourism.

   This class provided the students the opportunity to visit and learn methods used to attract visitors to local sporting arenas, museums, and other points of interest. Not all classes can prove to be educational, interesting, and fun. As a direct result of taking RHIT 172, I was afforded the opportunity in the next semester to become involved with the publication of this particular newsletter. It, too, has proven to be educational, interesting, and fun. Don’t let opportunity pass you by! Check out what RHIT offers by calling: 274-2599