East Carolina University

Greenville, N.C. | Hospitality management senior, Timothy Stewart Smith, has received a $1,000 stipend from the International Gold & Silver Plate Society to defray the cost of his internship this summer at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.

For 55 years, the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) has sponsored the Gold & Silver Plate Awards program. Among its objectives, the program acts as a catalyst for the development of industry programs and projects, with emphasis on the need for improved education, training, and manpower recruitment.

“The Gold & Silver Plate Society is comprised of the winners of the IFMA Gold & Silver Plate Awards. They are the best of the best in their respective fields, from fine dining to health care,” said Janet Rustigan, vice president of communications for IFMA. “Society members care intensely about helping the young people who will become the next generation of foodservice leaders.”

The Society recognizes outstanding hospitality students at selected universities. Criteria for the internship stipend include a consistently high level of academic achievement, financial need, a strong commitment to a career in the hospitality industries, and the student should possess the qualities of leadership and maturity that suggest future success.

“The Department of Hospitality Management is very pleased that the Society invited us to nominate a student for the stipend,” said Dr. Robert O’Halloran, department chair. “Tim Smith is a hard working student with great potential for the hospitality industry. Society members understand that excellence begets excellence, and we are grateful for their support.”

“I worked in a number of restaurants near my hometown of Mount Airy, Maryland, when growing up,” said Timothy Smith, “which helped me find my true passion for food and helping others enjoy themselves. The managers at the Biltmore are experts in the art of satisfying guests, and I’m grateful to be learning ‘front of the house’ operations from them. The stipend is a big boost for my internship, my education, and for propelling me into the foodservice industry with both feet.”

International Foodservice Manufacturers Association is a leading trade association comprising more than 400 of the world’s most prestigious food, equipment and supply manufacturers in the $632 billion foodservice industry, as well as related marketing service organizations, foodservice trade publications, distributors and brokers. IFMA’s mission is to shape the future of foodservice by creating an environment for positive change and actionable solutions benefiting manufacturers and their foodservice channel partners.

The East Carolina University Department of Hospitality Management is the largest hospitality management program in North Carolina. Talented students can complete a combined bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and MBA with the hospitality management option in only five years. Alumni hold management positions with companies such as Hilton, Westin, Hyatt, Marriott, Red Lobster and all Darden Restaurant concepts, Pinehurst, ARAMARK, Ruby Tuesday, and resorts.

The Department of Hospitality Management is within the College of Human Ecology. The college educates professionals who enhance the well-being of people and communities. Through research, service, and outreach, each academic discipline strives to improve the relationship between people and their environments.

Peggy Novotny
252-328-2882
East Carolina University