FGCU Hosts Herbert J. Sugden Hall Grand Opening
11/14/2008

FORT MYERS, FL - Today, Florida Gulf Coast University hosted the official grand opening of Herbert J. Sugden Hall, a specialty facility for the Resort and Hospitality Management Program, to showcase the unique features of the brand new facility, and recognize the building contributors and industry professionals who provided expert advice that helped build both the FGCU's Resort and Hospitality Management degree program and Herbert J. Sugden Hall.

The design of the sophisticated 37,000-square-foot building functions as a working laboratory to prepare students for high-demand careers in all aspects of the industry from resort, private club, spa, hotel, event, time-share, restaurant and tourism destination management, to a PGA-accredited Professional Golf Management program.

The new $11.4 million facility will include a Wine and Food Technology laboratory equipped with light panels for visual wine evaluation, a high-end residential catering kitchen for wine pairings and expert demonstrations, built-in spittoon-sinks for tasting, and video and internet technology to provide student and guests with the latest in oenological learning experiences.

Herbert J. Sugden Hall was made possible through a generous $5 million gift from the Sugden family that started the Resort and Hospitality Management degree program and built Herbert J. Sugden Hall with state matching funds. The building architect was Schenkel Schultz and Associates, and the construction firm was Owen Ames Kimball, Inc.

The Resort and Hospitality Management program at FGCU, in its fifth year, offers the most comprehensive resort management program in the country. It is the University's fastest growing academic program. Currently, the program has 430 majors.

This program uniquely blends the typical hospitality food, beverage and lodging management curriculum with recreation amenities management to prepare students for complex responsibilities of 21st century management. Students are required to be gainfully employed in the hospitality industry for a minimum of 1,500 hours.

Additional highlights of Herbert J. Sugden Hall:

     Students in the program can find more than 40 high-end resorts, 160 exclusive private clubs and a myriad of top-of-the-line restaurant and hospitality companies in the area for internship opportunities to complement academic learning.
     The program has an outstanding and knowledgeable Resort & Hospitality Advisory Board, created to assist in curriculum design, fundraise and provide students with a network of industry professionals.
     The building houses a unique, functioning prototype spa laboratory area equipped with wet and dry treatment rooms, a hair and nail salon, and a steam and whirlpool area.
     The Professional Golf Management Program, one of 20 in the country, has the latest golf equipment and technology in the building's club repair shop, including simulated full-swing stations, putting green area, and retail operation pro-shop.

For more information, media representatives should contact senior director of Advancement Judie Cassidy at (239) 590-1058.

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