Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series
The Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series (DDLS) is a long-running Friday afternoon tradition in the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration. We call it ‘Hotelie Friday.’
Our distinguished speakers
For over 100 years Hotelies have taken this course where top industry leaders in hospitality operations, food and beverage, and real estate—many of whom are our alumni—talk to students. They share their career journeys and provide insights on their leadership styles, business strategies, and industry trends. Students meet with the leader throughout the day in small group discussions and over shared meals. Journey through the most recent speaker lineup, below.
Speaker: Rohan Thakkar ’08, Chief Development & Strategy Officer
Developing innovative real estate strategies for a major international hotel company.
Speaker: Justin Wai ’06, Senior Managing Director & Head of Real Estate China
This senior managing director drives investment strategy in hospitality real estate.
Speaker: Abigail Charpentier ’95, Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resource Officer
This HR executive drives people-first culture transformation at a major hospitality firm.
Speaker: Liv Gussing Burgess ’91, Founder & Managing Director
Meet the founder building boutique hospitality properties with character and charm.
Past speakers
Journey through years of inspired dialogue, with distinguished thought leaders.