The Michael A. Leven School of Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality will host its top benefactor, Michael Leven, as the first of many top industry leaders who are scheduled to speak to students enrolled in the CSH 2100 Introduction to Hospitality class. 

 

The course, which is being team-taught by chef Thor Erlingsson and Instructor Charles Marvil, includes a strong lineup of industry leaders who are scheduled to speak to the CSH 2100 students throughout the semester.  "The class is literally a who's who of industry leaders,” said Christian Hardigree, director of the Leven School. 

Leven, a veteran hospitality industry executive, donated $5 million -- the largest single contribution from an individual in KSU’s history -- in support of the culinary sustainability and hospitality program that now bears his name.  Leven has a long and distinguished background which includes serving as the chairman and chief executive officer at the Georgia Aquarium since Jan. 1, 2015, and serving as the president and chief operating officer of the Las Vegas Sands Corp., (LVS) at Marina Bay Sands Pte. Ltd since Dec. 31, 2014, and its subsidiary of Las Vegas Sands LLC since March 11, 2009. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tufts University and a Master of Science from Boston University. He also holds an honorary doctorate from The Johnson & Wales University and College of Hospitality and Tourism Management of Niagara University. 

 

Leven will be presenting to the CSH 2100 class September 3.

Other top industry leaders who are scheduled to speak as part of the course include Walt Davis, President of RDS; Karen Bremer, CEO of Georgia Restaurant Association; Todd Rushing, Founder of Concentrics Hospitality; Niko Karatassos, President/chief operating officer Buckhead Life Restaurants; George McKerrow, Ted’s Montana Grill; and many more.

 

Click here to learn more about the Leven School.