News

What:
Portland State University and Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) will announce the formal beginning of a joint Hospitality and Tourism Program at an Open House in September. Students in the new program will attend MHCC to earn an associate degree in hospitality and tourism, then transfer to PSU to complete a baccalaureate in business administration.

PSU's University Place has completed the build-out of a training space and classroom to incorporate the program's culinary arts classes into the daily running of its conference center. Students will get hands-on experience working at the University Place educational conference center while enrolled at MHCC.

When:
Thursday, September 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Where:
University Place at Portland State University, Crater Lake Room, 310 SW Lincoln Street

Cost:
The event is free and open to the public. Check in at kiosk for free parking.

Contact:
Portland State University: Bee Jai Repp, 503-315-4587
Mt. Hood Community College: Court Carrier, 503-491-7486
University Place: Dennis Burkholder, 503-221-0140

Background:
Tourism is Oregon's second largest industry, with total travel spending in 2004 in the Portland Metro area reaching $2.9 billion, generating 27,600 jobs locally. Restaurant industry jobs nationally are projected to increase by approximately 1.8 million, 45,000 of which will be management positions. The Hospitality and Tourism program provides management instruction in a variety of services, including hotels and resorts, travel and tourism, restaurants, conventions and meetings management.

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