The achievements of students enrolled in the R. Motwani Family Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Broward College were celebrated during the recent R. Motwani Family Gala to raise funds in support of helping them pursue a career in hospitality.

“Our students are so passionate about the opportunities awaiting them in the hospitality industry and that is a joy to see,” said Ramola Motwani, chairwoman of Merrimac Ventures, real estate investment and development firm focused primarily on luxury real residential, resort and mixed-use developments with significant investment in multi-family residential, hotels, retail and office, who hosted the Gala with her sons, Nitin and Dev. “I am proud of our students and thankful to our sponsors for their generosity. It’s so important that we show students what’s available to them and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.”

In one of the highlights of the evening, Ramola presented each of the student volunteers in attendance with either a JetBlue airline ticket or a hotel stay at the Conrad, Four Seasons and Sonesta on Fort Lauderdale beach. Guests also enjoyed a video tribute highlighting students and outlining the Academy’s program and the impact it has.

“Through the incredible support of the Motwani family and all the Gala sponsors, our students can achieve their hopes and dreams of entering the world of hospitality,” said Broward College President Gregory Adam Haile, J.D. “Broward College is excited to continue to grow the pipeline of talent to the industry, nurturing these future leaders with the skills they need for a successful career in this dynamic profession.”

Sponsors of the Gala included presenting sponsors Broward College, Greenberg Traurig, P.A., Merrimac Ventures, Rick and Rita Case Automotive Group and Stearns Weaver Miller, P.A. VIP sponsors were Bilzin Sumberg, Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, Consolidated Credit, Debt.com, E11 and Native Realty. Champion sponsors were Hotwire Communications and fision. Audiovisual sponsor was Moss, entertainment sponsor was Sprinklermatic and Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits provided the wine for the evening.

The R. Motwani Family Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Management, established three years ago, is a memorial tribute to Ramesh “Bob” Motwani by Ramola and her sons to honor his  legacy, leadership and commitment to the hospitality industry.

The Academy offers hospitality and tourism management programs to develop leadership, communications and management skills necessary to succeed in the industry. Students develop competencies that a successful hospitality professional will need during their first five to ten years of employment within the field. Students are offered flexible class schedules, a skill-based curriculum, professors who are active in the industry, job placement and internship assistance and affordable tuition with dedicated scholarship funds. The Hospitality Advisory Board, comprised of local hotel executives, meets bi-annually to share updates about the industry and the program. The partnership between industry leaders and the College helps to ensure that the program curriculum remains relevant.

For more information, email Elisa Stone at estone1@broward.edu.