The Isenberg School of Management’s Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) program at UMass Amherst offers students an opportunity to gain real-world experience through Marriott Meals, a student-run
The Isenberg School of Management’s Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) program at UMass Amherst offers students an opportunity to gain real-world experience through Marriott Meals, a student-run restaurant located in the Marriott Center for Hospitality Management on the 11th floor of the university’s Campus Center.
As part of the program’s core curriculum, the “Restaurant Operations Management” course is taught through an immersive dining environment. The course allows students to oversee all aspects of a fully functioning restaurant—from front-of-the-house (FOH) to back-of-the-house (BOH) operations—providing them with practical skills and a hands-on understanding of restaurant management in a high-impact learning setting.
This year, 10 Isenberg student teaching assistants (TAs) and event interns are graduating from the Marriott Meals program—prepared with real-world hospitality experience to launch successful careers with customer-facing, kitchen, and event management experience.
Elizabeth Anderson, a Master of Finance graduate student, worked for two years at Marriott Meals as an FOH TA. Anderson assisted and managed restaurant services as well as numerous HTM events during h
Elizabeth Anderson, a Master of Finance graduate student, worked for two years at Marriott Meals as an FOH TA. Anderson assisted and managed restaurant services as well as numerous HTM events during her teaching assistantship. She also served as club sports manager for UMass RecWell.
Amber Bastin served as FOH and BOH service specialist. The HTM and history double major specialized in all areas of the Marriott Meals program. Bastin trained new students in the fast-paced BOH food p
Amber Bastin served as FOH and BOH service specialist. The HTM and history double major specialized in all areas of the Marriott Meals program. Bastin trained new students in the fast-paced BOH food preparation and sanitation operations. She worked with students and demonstrated new skills and techniques.
Jing Chen, an HTM and operations and information management (OIM) double major with a psychology minor, served as social media intern, head teaching assistant, and BOH specialist for Marriott Meals. C
Jing Chen, an HTM and operations and information management (OIM) double major with a psychology minor, served as social media intern, head teaching assistant, and BOH specialist for Marriott Meals. Chen combined academic insight with hands-on experience. The senior supported student growth and led peer mentorship opportunities throughout her time at Isenberg. Outside her Marriott Meals duties, she served on the executive board as secretary and social media officer of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH), was a planning committee member for the Women in Business club’s Women of Isenberg Conference, was TA for an Isenberg career and professional development course, and served as an HTM ambassador.
HTM senior Tori Creamer gained valuable experience as a front desk agent at Hotel UMass for one and a half years. Creamer also served as an HTM ambassador and recently joined the Marriott Meals team a
HTM senior Tori Creamer gained valuable experience as a front desk agent at Hotel UMass for one and a half years. Creamer also served as an HTM ambassador and recently joined the Marriott Meals team as a BOH sanitation and safety assistant. During her time in the program, she worked with fellow students—teaching them legal requirements, sanitation and safety regulations, and codes associated with operating a food service business.
HTM senior Nicole Gallo served as FOH and BOH specialist and marketing and event management intern. Gallo is co-credited with launching the Marriott Meals program on social media. She specialized in a
HTM senior Nicole Gallo served as FOH and BOH specialist and marketing and event management intern. Gallo is co-credited with launching the Marriott Meals program on social media. She specialized in all aspects of the Marriott Meals program—from training, guiding, and mentoring students in proper service skills and guest experience in FOH, to all areas of BOH operational needs. She co-managed HTM events and client relations, giving public recognition to the students managing their first restaurant services. The active sister served as vice president of alumnae relations of Sigma Kappa’s executive board.
Emmy Guan is a senior double majoring in management and HTM. Guan is also a member of the Commonwealth Honors College. She worked as a TA for the program as well as an FOH service specialist. The Dean
Emmy Guan is a senior double majoring in management and HTM. Guan is also a member of the Commonwealth Honors College. She worked as a TA for the program as well as an FOH service specialist. The Dean’s List student was also involved on campus as an HTM ambassador and was a member of the NSMH. The entrepreneur regularly participated in the UMass Farmer’s Market via Emmy’s Crochet Garden.
HTM senior Charlotte Lu acted as an FOH assistant in the program. Lu applied what she learned in the classroom to real life. She contributed to the HTM ambassador social media team, built meaningful c
HTM senior Charlotte Lu acted as an FOH assistant in the program. Lu applied what she learned in the classroom to real life. She contributed to the HTM ambassador social media team, built meaningful connections through her TA role at Marriott Meals, and even runs her own nail business: GelXChar. The active sister served as warden of Kappa Phi Lambda’s executive board.
Natalie Mayo is a senior double major in marketing and HTM. Throughout her time in the program as FOH assistant, she gained experience as a TA. Mayo was a former front desk agent at Hotel UMass and he
Natalie Mayo is a senior double major in marketing and HTM. Throughout her time in the program as FOH assistant, she gained experience as a TA. Mayo was a former front desk agent at Hotel UMass and helped with the coordination of countless HTM events. She served on the marketing committee of the Women in Business club and as a member of the UMass Ski Club.
Adam O’Neil, an HTM senior and general operations team member, gained experience working in all areas of the Marriott Meals program. O’Neil offered support and guidance to fellow students as a trainer
Adam O’Neil, an HTM senior and general operations team member, gained experience working in all areas of the Marriott Meals program. O’Neil offered support and guidance to fellow students as a trainer—all while learning new skills in a fast-paced environment.
Senior Caroline Spellman served as FOH and BOH specialist and event management intern. Spellman is a double major in marketing and HTM. The Marriott Meals program offered her experience in FOH and BOH
Senior Caroline Spellman served as FOH and BOH specialist and event management intern. Spellman is a double major in marketing and HTM. The Marriott Meals program offered her experience in FOH and BOH restaurant operations as well as event management; she planned and managed multiple events with up to 150 guests.
Chef-Professor, Senior Lecturer, Marriott Center Operations Manager
Marriott Center Operations Manager Jenafer Andrén-Kazunas, chef-professor and senior lecturer, described the work and dedication behind the graduating students’ efforts.
“The food/beverage/event aren
Marriott Center Operations Manager Jenafer Andrén-Kazunas, chef-professor and senior lecturer, described the work and dedication behind the graduating students’ efforts.
“The food/beverage/event arena is not for the faint-hearted or idle, and those who work in it must have strong organizational skills, high attention to detail, be able to multitask efficiently and effectively, execute flawlessly, and properly communicate for success,” said Andrén-Kazunas. “This program gives them the true experience of what restaurant and event planning really is—all the details of planning coupled with the physical work and the time that it takes.”
Along with teaching both in and outside the classroom, Andrén-Kazunas has managed the Marriott Center since 2007, mentored countless students, and made significant contributions to HTM departmental services, curriculum development, and experiential education.
