FDU Hospitality & Tourism Alumni Chapter Celebrates 2025 Alumni Awards of Excellence
April 29, 2025 – The Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) Hospitality & Tourism Alumni Chapter proudly hosted the annual Alumni Awards of Excellence on April 25, 2025, at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, NJ. The event honored outstanding alumni of FDU’s International School of Hospitality, Sports, and Tourism Management and was made possible through the generous support of leading hotel brands, industry partners, and alumni donors.
The 2025 Alumni Award Honorees:
- Hotelier of the Year: Kim Pomerantz, Director of Sales & Marketing, Loews Philadelphia Hotel
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Andrew Cavitolo, Executive Chairman, Riviera Hospitality Group
- The Honorary Dr. Richard Wisch Educator of the Year: Gina Kabak, Senior Professor, Union County College
- FDU Hospitality Lifetime Achievement Award: James Earley, General Manager, Element by Westin Harrison-Newark
- Joe Cozza Food & Beverage and Events Industry Icon Award: James Dale, Managing Director, Stuyvesant Consultants
- Young Professional of the Year: Kristin Calandra, Vice President, Calandra’s Bakery
Recipients of the 2025 Alumni Awards of Excellence are, from left, Gina Kabak, The Honorary Dr. Richard Wisch Educator of the Year; James Dale, The Joe Cozza Food and Beverage and Events Industry Icon; Kimberly Pomerantz, Hotelier of the Year; Andrew Cavitolo, Entrepreneur of the Year; and Kristin Calandra, Young Professional of the Year.
Agnieszka “Agnes” Zaranski (BS ’05, MS ‘05), destination expert, adjunct professor, and President of the FDU Hospitality & Tourism Alumni Chapter, welcomed a full house of students, alumni, and industry professionals. Reflecting on the evening’s significance, Zaranski remarked:
“As we gather for the third annual Awards of Excellence, I am reminded that the true legacy of our program lies not only in the achievements of our graduates, but in their commitment to giving back. Supporting students, fostering professional relationships, and creating pathways to success through mentorship and networking are essential to our mission. These connections go far beyond the classroom, strengthening our community and ensuring the continued excellence of the FDU legacy.”
A special highlight of the evening was the tribute to the late Dr. Richard Wisch, a beloved professor, long-serving dean, and cornerstone of the Hospitality Program. Established in 2024, the Dr. Richard Wisch Educator of the Year Award honors his extraordinary influence on generations of hospitality leaders. This year, the Alumni Chapter also announced the creation of a scholarship fund in his name.
Rosemary Trinkle Baran (BS ’93), President of the FDU Alumni Association and chair of the scholarship initiative, shared:
“Following Dr. Wisch’s recent passing, one of his earliest students from the Rutherford Class of ’83 reached out with the idea to establish a scholarship in his honor. In April 2024, we were fortunate to present him with the Teacher of the Year award in person—a moment that deeply reflected the legacy he leaves behind. Dr. Wisch had a unique ability to inspire and connect with students. This scholarship will help carry his impact forward for future generations.”
In addition to honoring alumni, the chapter awarded more than $25,000 in student scholarships, made possible by contributions from the FDU Hospitality & Tourism Alumni Chapter and the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Prior to the awards ceremony, current undergraduate students participated in a networking seminar led by faculty from the International School of Hospitality, Sports, and Tourism Management.
As one of the oldest programs of its kind in the New York Metro area and in the United States, FDU’s Hospitality and Tourism program continues to prepare students for excellence in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.