Alumni

Terrence Quinlan

2022

At the end of my sophomore year, I had a realization - I no longer wanted to pursue an education major. Prior to this decision, I had been working at Quail West Golf and Country Club. It was there that I had my first encounter with a mentor who ignited a passion within me for the industry.

I owe a great deal of gratitude to Tony D’Errico for the conversation we had that day. He recognized a certain 'gift' I possessed for this field. Shortly after that, I had a phone call with Jennifer McGurk, which solidified my decision to shift my entire career path. Jennifer McGurk provided invaluable guidance on courses, internships, and where I envisioned myself in my long-term career.

I must also express my deep appreciation for the professors who have significantly impacted my journey – Professor Whitney, Dr. Lee, Chef Lerman, and many others. Their education has been instrumental.

Today, I hold the position of Member Relations Manager at Spring Run Golf Club, working alongside incredible mentors, many of whom are FGCU graduates. I am fortunate to learn from them every day.

For any student concentrating on a career in hospitality, my advice is to persevere through even the toughest days. Keep your passion alive.

Kayla Lawrence

2022

I transferred to FGCU in the Spring of 2020 enrolled in the Resort Hospitality Management program where I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Resort Hospitality Management on December 17, 2022. During my time at FGCU, I completed both of my internships at The Inns of Sanibel. I started December 27, 2021, as Guest Service Agent and promoted to Innkeeper at Sanibel Inn on May 13, 2022. In March of 2023, I transferred to Ann Arbor, Michigan as Front office Manager at the Bell Tower Hotel.

I have learned a lot from my FGCU professors, the leadership team at The Inns of Sanibel, and most importantly my Parents who have helped me become who I am today.

Words of advice for future graduates is to never give up, always chase your dreams, and if an opportunity presents itself even though it could be challenging, take it. Go Eagles!

Caroline Iacuone

2022

I graduated with a degree in Resort and Hospitality management with a concentration in event management and a minor in marketing. I started at FGCU in 2018, not knowing exactly what I wanted to do with my career. Later my freshman I ended up taking intro to hospitality and realized the ample amount of opportunities in this industry! I loved the idea of creating events and being surrounded by people for a career. When I changed my major, I was able to learn about the different fields and everything it took to thrive in this industry. The many professors in the program taught me kindness, service, leadership and creativity in the events industry and I have taken that with me to my first job post grad, as an account manager for an event planning and production company called Wizard Connection! If I have one piece of advice for any upcoming graduates or students in hospitality, it is to go for every different opportunity that comes your way in this industry and be creative in your ideas!

Jacob Wuttke

2021

Beginning my RHM journey, I embraced the uncertainty of my career path, driven by my passion for people and creating cherished memories. The program unveiled a comprehensive hospitality landscape, spanning management, accounting, and operations. Chef Fraser revealed the artistry of F&B, from menus to execution, while Dr. Lee illuminated unforgettable event orchestration and team care. My first internship with Admirals Cove in Jupiter, FL, had me working in the spa & fitness center which exposed me to the intricacies of spa operations. I completed my second internship at the Pink Shell Resort & Marina, where being part of the banquets team was transformative in my self-discovery process. Organizing diverse events, from birthdays to weddings, fueled my passion and ignited my love for the world of events. The overall journey was a remarkable evolution toward discovering my passion – creating exceptional experiences through events.

I graduated with a concentration in event management and minor in professional sales, shortly after graduation I joined Gartner as a Conference Sales Exec. The RHM program not only equipped me for success but also showed me the power of servant leadership regardless of the industry you’re in. I’m grateful for my well-rounded knowledge and experience within hospitality, event management and sales which has enabled me to stretch to my full potential while helping others find the best solutions. To leave you all with a few pieces of advice… never back down from new experiences, stay open-minded and don’t wait till tomorrow or next year to find your passion. You never know what’s waiting for you on the other side of that curtain, I sure didn’t… Carpe Diem!

Caitlin Johnson

2021

I have always been a planner. When I was younger, I would plan out minute-by-minute itineraries for our family vacations and my favorite days were going to work with my mom to help her with event prep. So, when I started as a Resort & Hospitality Management major at FGCU, I knew event planning would be my path, but I had no clue how much I would love it once I started my career with Arthrex.

The most impactful part of the RHM program for me was my internship. I worked at Backwater Jacks in Bonita Springs where I was their Event Coordinator for almost two years. I learned how to create BEOs, work with stakeholders, how F&B is priced, how to plan menus, I ran week-in-review meetings and learned other transferrable skills that I still use to this day. In addition to my internship experience, I was very involved in sorority life and held the position of Panhellenic President where, in partnership with other executive board members, we planned the first-ever hybrid model recruitment process with 1,000+ attendees. These experiences really helped me learn the event planning process and prepared me for a role in the professional world.

That brings us to Arthrex. I now get to do what I love every day. I primarily plan Medical Education events for Veterinary Surgeons. I get to work with an amazing team, go into labs, travel the country to execute events, and work in an ever-changing, growing field. I look forward to what’s coming for me at Arthrex every day and am so thankful to the RHM program for preparing me to work in this field.

Some advice: Do what you love, whatever that is. No job is perfect but if you genuinely love the purpose behind it and enjoy doing it, you’ll never feel like you’re working!

Allie Cantalupo

2019

I found my dream job that I didn’t even know existed thanks to the RHM program. It was junior year and we had a career fair that day. One of the recruiters for PSAV (now called Encore) came into our class to present before the fair. I had no idea what PSAV/Encore was all about but was so intrigued that I could be in sales, work at practically any hotel around the country and even the world, and not work directly for the hotel. This fit all my criteria I wanted for a career. I had realized I didn’t want to work for a hotel chain while completing my internships, but still wanted to be in the resort and hospitality space. PSAV/Encore was my perfect career path.

I spoke to the recruiter that day at the career fair and made sure to keep in contact with him throughout senior year as well. He had an opening for a Sales Coordinator position with PSAV/Encore at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. I applied and got the job before graduation and started right after school was done.

My career with Encore has been the most exciting, challenging, and meaningful work of my life. I now am the Senior Sales Manager at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee. I get to plan massive general sessions, breakouts, entertainment events, and talk to different people from across the globe that come to our resort. While being in this field I get to be in hotels, plan events, and experience something new every day.

My advice would be to research and try something new. You never know what company or career path is right for you until you go after it and make a change. I’m so thankful for the RHM program for introducing me to so many open doors that hospitality has to offer.