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              Jay Jefferson President Moraly Arroyo Vice President Ryan Zenga Treasurer Lea Bradley Secretary Kathryn Kantes Special Events Simon Heo Fundraising Juliette Cumberbatch New Student Representative Reka Antal Tisch Center Club Advisor  Jay Jefferson Webmaster and Editor Moraly Arroyo Assistant Editor Juliette Cumberbatch Content Coordinator Reka Antal Content Coordinator Karen Rancourt Contributing Writer Stanley Turkel Contributing Writer Jeff Wilder Contributing Writer         The Tisch Center at New York University is a dynamic and growing international, educational and research center located in the heart of Manhattan.  The Tisch Center is named for Preston Robert Tisch, a pioneer and visionary who has been recognized throughout the world for his leadership within the hospitality and sports industries. We are the 'Center' at the center of the world, offering an extensive complement of hospitality, tourism, and sports management academic programs of study. Preston Robert Tisch Biography  The City is our Laboratory, the Industry is our Faculty, and our Students are the future of the Profession.  Tisch Center Graduate Website Undergraduate Website M.S. in Hospitality Industry Studies Degree Overview M.S. in Tourism and Travel Management Degree Overview M.S. in Sports Business Degree Overview Graduate Certificate in Customer Relationship Management Certificate Overview Graduate Certificate in Hospitality Industry Studies Certificate Overview Graduate Certificate in Tourism and Travel Management Certificate Overview Graduate Certificate in Sports Business Certificate Overview B.S. in Hotel and Tourism Management Degree Overview B.S. in Sports Management and Leisure Studies Degree Overview  Lalia Rach Associate Dean Mark Warner Director and Clinical Professor Sandra Dove-Lowther Associate Director Reka Antal Program Coordinator  Spring 2004 Term Faculty List  The Tisch Center is a department within the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) at New York University. With over 2500 courses offered in a wide array of subjects, SCPS is the world's leading provider of continuing education. SCPS Departments School Website  HTGSS works closely with many administrators in various offices within SCPS. The efforts of these individuals are instrumental in assisting HTGSS with creating and coordinating activities and events for Tisch Center students. David F. Finney Dean SCPS Administrators Administrators List  HTGSS is a proud member of the SCPS Student Clubs. As such, we are governed by the rules and regulations set forth by the SCPS Student Council. The funds utilized by HTGSS for activities and events are provided by budget allocations from the Council. Dennis Castello President Anna Condoulis Advisor SCPS Student Council Council Website |
  
Brian KotulaBayonne, New Jersey Director of Sales, OPEN Hospitality M.S. in Hospitality Industry Studies, December 1999 Contact Info: Bkotula@openhospitality.com Company Overview: OPEN Hospitality is an innovative company which develops private label online marketing strategies for hotels. Their model is designed to be a one-fee, all inclusive online solution operating on a powerful .Net technology platform with specialized expertise and service. Education: B.S. in Accounting at Rutgers University (Newark, New Jersey) Industry Organizations: President, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), New York City Chapter; Member, Metropolitan Association of Professional Travel Agents (MAPTA) Previous Industry Position: Regional V.P. of Sales/Marketing, RevMax; V.P. of Business Development and Sales, Luxe Worldwide Hotels If you ever have the opportunity to spend time around or even near Brian Kotula, one thing becomes obviously clear. This man is Mr. Personality. He has a way of gliding through a room of complete strangers, and speaking to individuals as though each is a life-long friend. But Kotula is quick to admit that his success in the hospitality industry is a combination of his natural talents, hard work and professional background, as well as the industry exposure and skills he acquired during his graduate program at the Tisch Center. HTGSS: Have you always worked in hospitality? BK: No. I started my professional career on Wall Street, directly after graduating from Rutgers University. I spent 13 years there, and during that time, I worked as an accountant, a financial analyst, and a controller. At the beginning, I enjoyed what I was doing, but then, I slowly started to realize that the environment in which I was working was extremely corporate. Near the end, I just knew I wanted a change. I asked myself, 'What do I like most?' My answer was 'people' and 'traveling.' At that point, I knew that it was time for me to pursue a different career path. HTGSS: How did you learn about the Tisch Center? BK: It's actually pretty funny. I was on the subway one day, looked up, and saw one of those NYU ads, and it mentioned the Masters program in Hospitality. Right then, I decide to go for it! HTGSS: Were you a full-time or part-time student? BK: I was full-time student, while I continued to work on Wall Street. It wasn't easy, but I had committed myself to the goal of completing the program in two years. That meant I had to work all day, five days a week, and then have 4 nights of classes, and the entire weekend was spent doing homework. This was my routine semester after semester. I tried not to think too much about my situation, and instead, focus on my goal. It was the only way I kept my sanity. HTGSS: How did you address your lack of experience in the hotel industry? BK: I knew that experience was important. So, even before I graduated from the program, I took jobs at hotels, working on the weekends. I worked at the front desk, in catering services, and as a night auditor. Hey, I even filled in for the bellhop, shuttling guest luggage back and forth. I would recommend the same strategy for anyone who is a career changer, but is serious about pursuing a position in the hotel business. HTGSS: What lesson did you learn from your hotel operations experience? BK: By working as many possible positions within a hotel, I was able to gain a solid perspective of hotel operations. Most importantly, I quickly learned that I did not want to work 'in' a hotel. Instead, I preferred to work 'with' hotels.  HTGSS: What was your concentration in the program? BK: Well, originally, I thought I wanted to be an Asset Manager at a hotel, because it seemed like a good fit with my financial background. But after my short-lived experience in hotel operations, I decided to shift my focus to a position that would allow me to use my people skills, and my sales skills, in addition to my financial background. That decision led me on a career path to my current position as V.P. of Business Development and Sales at Luxe Worldwide Hotels. *Please note that this interview was conducted prior to Kotula's new position as Director of Sales with OPEN Hospitality. HTGSS: How did the Tisch Center best prepare you for a career in the hospitality industry? BK: Well, not to sound too cliche, but the motto for the Tisch Center is true. "The industry is our faculty, the city is our laboratory, and the students the future of our profession." In my opinion, one of the best aspects about the program is the fact that your professors are actual industry leaders, who bring their experiences into the classroom. And when you consider all of the industry resources that are located in New York City, you can easily understand how the Tisch Center is a winning combination for students. Also, the Tisch Center administrators, in addition to the faculty, always made themselves available whenever I needed career advice or guidance. I can honestly say these individuals really care about the well being of the students. But even with all of that being said, each student has to decide to fully utilize all the available resources. One resource, in particular, that made a tremendous impact on my career, was the networking opportunities created by the Tisch Center. My philosophy has always been that you can never have too many friends or acquaintances. You never know how someone might play a role in your future career. HTGSS: What do you remember most about your time spent in the program? BK: I remember how much I enjoyed the diversity of the student body. All of those different cultural backgrounds helped me develop a global prospective of the hospitality and tourism industries. And, I am still in contact with many of my fellow classmates. It's easy to understand how you can develop a life-long bond with these individuals. You all share that same Tisch Center experience of watching one another grow and learn throughout the course of the program. HTGSS: How do you define your role and responsibilities as a Tisch Center alumni? BK: I believe that alumni best serve the program by being actively involved in the Tisch Center. It's important to show current graduate students that the benefits of attending the Tisch Center do not end when you receive your degree. So, I try to make available to students, and share with them my graduate experiences and career advice. I clearly remember how it was being in their position when I entered the program. I like to tell them, 'I have been where you are now. But look what the Tisch Center did for my career, and I know that it can do the same for you.' HTGSS: What advice would you provide to students with respects to preparing for careers in the industry? BK: I would tell every student that their future success in the industry begins on the first day of their program. The best way to prepare for transitioning from graduate school into the industry, is to know that you have made the necessary contacts to find job positions within your respective field. This goes back to my earlier point regarding the importance of networking. Students must maximize all the opportunities and resources provided to them by the Tisch Center, as well as the NYU community at large.  HTGSS: Do you utilize the knowledge and skills learned from the program in your current job? BK: The program offered me the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the elements that comprise hotel operations. This industry knowledge combined with my personal skill sets, allowed me to aggressively pursue my industry goals. Luxe Worldwide Hotels is a third party representative that offers GDS sales and marketing, as well as business solutions to independent three and four star hotels around the world. My current position as the V.P. of Business Development and Sales entails understanding hotel operations, sales, marketing, and a host of other areas. Another key element of my job is relationship building, which means I heavily rely on my people skills. I am still learning each and every day, through on-the-job training, reading trade publications or industry websites, and actively participating in professional organizations. To be the best at any job, I believe that it is important to keep your skills current, and stay abreast of industry trends. *Please note that this interview was conducted prior to Kotula's new position as Director of Sales with OPEN Hospitality. HTGSS: With which industry associations or organizations are you a member? BK: I am involved primary in two organizations. The first is MAPTA, the Metropolitan Association of Professional Travel Agents, where I am general member. The second is HSMAI, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International. I am currently the President of the New York City Big Apple Chapter of HSMAI. This position is like having a second job, but one that is extremely fulfilling, despite the intense amount of work it requires. I actually joined the organization while a student in the program, and after graduation, I became a general member. I knew that I wanted to preside as President of the organization one day, so I began to quickly ascend up the ladder by actively participating in various committees. Then in 2003, I became President. I work with a great team of about 20 individuals in making HSMAI a valuable source of industry education and development for those in the sales and marketing professions for hospitality, travel and tourism. I would encourage all students to become actively involved in a professional organization within their respective fields. These organizations not only provide important industry information and education, but each is an excellent resource for networking with industry leaders. HTGSS: In what ways do you find rest and relaxation from your hectic schedule? BK: I always make a point to find time for myself. I believe it's important to give my mind and body a rest. As for me, I enjoy weekend getaways, skiing in the winter, and being at the beach during the summer. And of course, I like to travel. But there is a catch about traveling when you work in the hospitality industry. It is difficult to just go and enjoy a hotel, without evaluating it from business prospective. So, even when I am on vacation, my mind is still in work mood. It is like a switch that's always 'on'. Go to Alumni Spotlight Archive Go to Main Page |
 Taneika Grant Bronx, New York M.S. in Tourism and Travel Management, January 2006 "I never had a major interest in pursuing a career in the tourism industry, until I attended a lecture by Dr. Warner about the degree programs offered at the Tisch Center. He helped me realize that I could pursue a tourism career, and have the opportunity to work in an industry that I would truly enjoy." Read My Story  Shinyoung Park Seoul, Korea M.S. in Hospitality Industry Studies, May 2005 "I have so much fun living and attending school in New York City. This is a place where a person can be exposed to so many different opportunities and experiences." Read My Story  John Scaggs Eastchester, New York M.S. in Hospitality Industry Studies, May 2005 "As far back as I can remember I have always been drawn to hospitality. We live in a world where people place much emphasis on having fun and diverting attention from their hectic lives." Read My Story 
 John E. Osborn Adjunct Professor "The greatest thrill of being an instructor at the Tisch Center is having the opportunity to bring my real world industry expertise into the classroom." Read Bio Interview Go to Faculty List 
 Breaking the Ice You're standing in a room filled with unfamiliar faces, all of whom are wearing 'Hello my name is' tags. Does the thought of having to introduce yourself make you shiver? Overcome your anxieties and fears, and maximize the benefits from networking opportunities. Learn the Skills 
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