MSU Hospitality Business Launches 100th Anniversary Celebration in Chicago

The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University officially launched its 100th anniversary celebration with an Alumni & Friends Reception, “A Conversation with Industry Icons & Innovators,” at Chicago’s historic Drake Hotel. The event brought together alumni, industry partners, friends, and supporters to celebrate a century of hospitality leadership and look ahead to the future of the industry.

The evening featured networking, reflection, and celebration, highlighting the strong connections that define the School’s global alumni network.

A centerpiece of the event was a panel discussion on the past, present, and future of both the hospitality industry and The School of Hospitality Business. Moderated by Hospitality Business Spartans 100th Anniversary Committee Co-Chairs Allegra Johnson (BA ’91) and John Theuer (BA ’83, MBA ’83), the panel included Kevin Brown (BA ’77), executive chairman of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, and Alexandra Clark (BA ’10), founder and president of Bon Bon Bon. Although Philip J. Hickey Jr. (BA ’77), chairman of Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q Restaurants and Miller’s Ale House, was unable to attend due to weather delays, Karthik Namasivayam, director and professor at The School of Hospitality Business, joined the discussion and provided academic and research-based perspectives.

Panelists reflected on their careers, discussed the evolving hospitality landscape, and emphasized the enduring value of a hospitality education grounded in leadership, innovation, and service.

“Spartan connectivity was on full display at our first celebration event in Chicago,” said Theuer. “Decades of Spartan hospitality business alumni gathered to learn, laugh and toast … all to benefit The School’s 100th anniversary fundraising initiatives.”

Guests also enjoyed a “Taste of Chicago” strolling buffet and a signature green Gin Rickey cocktail honoring Michigan State. Commemorative 100th anniversary cocktail glasses were distributed and will return during Homecoming festivities later this year.

Interactive elements encouraged attendees to share memories, advice, and reflections for a time capsule to be opened in 2052. Guests also signed a commemorative banner that will travel to each of the School’s three centennial celebration events.

The reception highlighted the School’s $20 million fundraising campaign, which focuses on four priorities: advancing hospitality leadership, expanding scholarships, enhancing experiential learning, and securing world-class faculty. The campaign aims to ensure future students benefit from the same transformative experiences that have shaped hospitality leaders for the past century.

A special thank-you was extended to Alexandra Clark and the Bon Bon Bon team for providing commemorative chocolates honoring the School’s centennial milestone.

“Chicago was not just a celebration of our history. The room was absolutely electric with the alumni, connections, and visionaries shaping the future of our school and the hospitality industry,” said Johnson. “Seeing alumni from across generations come together to honor our legacy and toast to the future of hospitality leadership was truly inspiring. We now look forward to Los Angeles and Detroit in 2027. Let the celebrations continue!”

The Chicago reception marked the first of three signature events commemorating the School’s centennial year. As celebrations continue in Los Angeles and Detroit, the School remains focused on honoring its history while building momentum for the next century of hospitality leadership, innovation, and impact.