World SKAL Day Celebrated with A Special Event Organized by Our School of Applied Sciences

Our Hotel Management Program and Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Program students came together with industry veterans at a special event organized jointly by SKAL International, a non-governmental organization that brings together tourism professionals from all around the world under the same roof, and the School of Applied Sciences at Özyeğin University in celebration of World SKAL Day on April 28. The opening address of the event was delivered by our Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Gençtürk.  During the event, Ms. Burçin Türkkan, Senior Vice President of SKAL International, gave a presentation titled ‘Changes in Talent Needs in the Hospitality Globally-Current Updates After Covid-19 Pandemic’. The event also featured Mr. William Rheaume, World President of SKAL International.

Beginning her opening address by thanking all invitees, our students, invited speakers, and SKAL members who participated in the event, our Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Gençtürk talked about Özyeğin University and our School of Applied Sciences. Highlighting the fact that despite still being a very young university, we adopt an innovative education philosophy that is integrated with sectoral dynamics, Prof. Dr. Gençtürk remarked: “Our programs offer world-class education, while making our students’ personal, social, and professional development a top priority though a series of diverse and original opportunities. Not only do we adapt to the existing structure, but we also take the lead for pioneering practices that shape the future of sectors.” Prof. Gençtürk expressed her happiness about the fact that both our Undergraduate Hotel Management and Undergraduate Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Programs serve as an example in their respective fields. Prof. Gençtürk went on with her speech, thanking SKAL International for accompanying us during the different stages of this journey, and indicated her wish to organize a similar event on our campus when conditions permit.

The event was combined with the seminar course 'HMAN 435 Hotel Management Seminars' by Tekin Ertan, instructor at the School of Applied Sciences. Among the attendees of the event were also Ms. Hülya Aslantaş,  World President of SKAL International in 2009, Mr. Savaş Çolakoğlu, President of the International Federation of SKAL Clubs, and Mr. Salih Çene, World President of SKAL International in 2015.