While students have volunteered for the event in the past, this is the first year they get to be part of the action, from food prep to set up to serving and customer service.

So what’s on the menu for Bacchus Bash? The Rosen College booth will offer a red and white wine gelee, chocolate truffles and stilton cheese marinated in a ruby port. Professors also taught students how to carve ice for the event, transforming a large ice block into a gleaming pineapple to adorn the booth.

“This is an amazing opportunity for students to learn and experience what it’s like to run a food and beverage operation in a high pressure setting like a live event,” said Dr. Cynthia Mejia, an assistant professor in the Foodservice and Lodging Management department at Rosen College. “This is where the skills we teach them in class come to life.”

Bacchus Bash will take place Friday, April 4 from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the Orlando Premium Outlets on Vineland Ave. The students’ booth will be located near the Coach store. Admission and parking are free. Proceeds from food and beverage sales benefit scholarships for local schools, including Rosen College.

Wyndham Vacation Ownership offered similar internship opportunities to 麻豆原创 Rosen College students in the past, but downsized its college recruiting efforts over the past few years due to the U.S. economic climate. However, according to 麻豆原创 Rosen College Visiting Assistant Professor Dr. Amy Gregory, the College鈥檚 ARDA affiliation and expanded timeshare curriculum has sparked a renewed interest between WVO and the Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

鈥淲e had an increased presence at ARDA鈥檚 global convention this year due to our student scholarships, involvement in the Education Committee and Research Committee, and various other networking opportunities,鈥� said Gregory, who helped 麻豆原创鈥檚 Rosen College become a member of ARDA. 鈥淥ur visibility within ARDA has certainly helped generate or reinvigorate interest within the industry. Wyndham, aware of our presence within ARDA, recently visited our campus to discuss new partnership opportunities with our administration.鈥�

As a result of those discussions arranged by Lori Cosimides and facilitated by Dr. Joe Hutchinson, Dr. Youcheng Wang, Dr. Amy Gregory, Tom Barr and Veena Garib, 麻豆原创 Rosen College students will have the opportunity this summer to participate in Wyndham Vacation Ownership鈥檚 11-week paid 鈥淲YNternship鈥� program. The full-time, 40-hour week program will allow students to gain excellent industry experience, along with the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced and talented individuals in the hospitality industry.

鈥淭his is a great opportunity for learning, exposure, and visibility to the many levels of Wyndham’s organization, including direct interaction with senior leadership,鈥� said Gregory. 鈥淭he students that are selected will be very fortunate to have these opportunities.鈥�

According to Shelly Griessel, Senior Vice President of Contact Center Operations and Wyndham Vacation Resorts Management, 鈥渢he WYNternship program allows for students to work in a variety of areas within our Hospitality division whilst being part of a wider group of interns.鈥�

The rotational program will help students gain a deep understanding of the inner workings of several areas, equipping them with the ability to make more informed decisions on their true passion in the world of hospitality.

Wyndham Vacation Ownership is currently interviewing 麻豆原创 Rosen College students to fill four summer WYNternship positions, which are all set to begin on May 29, 2012.聽 Students interested in the internship opportunities, as well as other full and part time work with Wyndham Vacation Ownership should refer to the 麻豆原创鈥檚 Rosen College listserv communications and/or contact Tom Barr or Veena Garib in Student Services for additional information.

The Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the 麻豆原创 is one of eight academic institutions in the United States, who are current members of ARDA鈥檚 vast network of industry professionals and organizations.

On Saturday afternoon, over 40 parents, students and alumni attended the Rosen College Game Day Open House event on main campus.聽 Guests experienced mock classroom discussions on the topics of theme parks and restaurants, competed in theme park trivia and learned about two of Rosen College鈥檚 professional student organizations 鈥� Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH).聽 The event was organized by Rosen College Coordinator of Academic Services, Joshua Johnson.

On Sunday, families were invited back to the Rosen Campus for the annual Family Weekend Brunch.聽 The sold-out event catered to 300 guests in three seatings, who enjoyed a free photo booth and delicious fare.聽 Special appearances and welcoming remarks were made during the event by Dean Abraham Pizam, Associate Dean Tadayuki Hara and Chair of the Department of Foodservice & Lodging Management, Joe Hutchinson.

To commemorate the tenth anniversary of September 11th, Rosen College Student life sponsored the Red, White & B-luau.聽 The live show featured Polynesian-style entertainment in the Darden Auditorium that left guests with a sense of patriotism coupled with a tropical flair.

Rosen College was pleased that so many families chose to spend their weekend with 麻豆原创.

To kick off the partnership, Dr. Frank Juge invited Premier Beverage executives to the Rosen Campus during the summer 2011 semester.聽 Vice President, Eric Pfeil and State Director of Education, Al Beck, met with Dr. Juge, Dean Abraham Pizam, Dr. Joe Hutchinson, Professor Bob Ashley, Lori Cosmides and Jackie Toops in The Courtyard Caf茅.聽 Following the meet and greet, the Premier guests spoke with students in Dr. Juge鈥檚 History & Culture of Wine and Exploring Wines of the World classes.

Dr. Juge shares, 鈥淎pproximately one third of the profit from restaurants comes from wine sales. In order to be effective managers of such restaurants, it is essential that students appreciate and understand fine wines and food pairings. The Premier gift provides students with the opportunity to learn about an expanded selection of quality wines that are served in fine dining restaurants.鈥�

The education will offer a well-rounded approach which will include the historical, geographical and technical components of fine wines and spirits. Student knowledge will be reinforced with a series of guest lecturers from industry notables and trips to wine producing regions.

Premier Beverage is excited to partner with Rosen College.聽 Mr. Pfeil explains that the opportunity 鈥渄emonstrates that both organizations are committed to gaining more knowledge and education, as well as increasing sales and profits.鈥澛� He adds, 鈥淎t Premier Beverage, we constantly strive to support continuing education with our Sales Associates. 聽In this regard, it鈥檚 important that future managers completely understand how a beverage alcohol program can increase revenue and profits.鈥�

Mr. Beck shares, 鈥淚t is a relationship that should reap benefits for both parties. We believe that the future success of Premier Beverage is closely linked to Rosen College graduates entering the industry.鈥�

Premier Beverage Company is the premier wholesale distributor of fine wines and spirits in Florida. To learn more, visit .