Students from the school of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management in New Mexico State University's College of Agricultural, Environmental and Consumer Sciences are getting a taste of real-world experience in the hospitality industry by hosting several food and beverage events this spring.  

The students working these meals and events come from a wide variety of experiential learning classes and student clubs. They are future managers and leaders of all aspects of the hospitality industry.  

"By participating in these meals and events through classes and volunteering, HRTM students gain the hands-on experience in all areas of guest service, production, and event planning that our hospitality industry partners and employers seek," said Jean Hertzman, director of NMSU's School of HRTM. "The students value the opportunities to hone their skills and the interaction with their classmates, faculty, and HRTM guests."  

Faculty members Danielle Young and Pete Mitchell, assistant professors in NMSU's School of HRTM, both play roles with the event process including supervising the event organization and the food preparation and service.  

"In HRTM 363, students gain real world experience by running our 100 West Cafe in Gerald Thomas Hall," Young shared. "From food production, table settings, decor and leadership to service and guest service, students are given the opportunity to apply those theoretical concepts learned from other classes. As the assistant professor, it is great to watch the students grow throughout the course as they gain confidence in their skills and abilities."  

Upcoming Events  

· Beverage Presentation: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26 at Bobby Lee Lawrence Academy of Wine. $40 per person includes 6 wine tastings and appetizers  
· Derby & Bourbon Celebration: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25 at 100 West Cafe and Wine Academy (To reserve online, visit https://nmsufoundation.org/givenow/hrtm-derby-bourbon-event )  
·575 Food Fights: 6 - 8 p.m. Feb. 26, March 4, and March 18 at 100 West Cafe and Wine Academy. $5 cover to watch competition and receive a free snack. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.  
· Annual Chef Artist Dinner: 5:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at La Quinta Ballroom at Los Poblanos in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This exclusive student fundraising event invites 100 guests and tickets are $200 per person. (To purchase and reserve, visit https://nmsufoundation.org/givenow/hrtm-guest-chef-dinner )  

"The Chef Artist Dinner and Derby and Bourbon Celebration are especially important as HRTM's major fundraisers of the year," Herzman said. "The proceeds benefit HRTM's Departmental Scholarship, Student Travel and Activities and General Programs funds. They support students to be able to complete their degrees and attend events like the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago each May." 

Other events throughout the Spring 2024 semester include the 100 West Cafe Lunches that serve 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays for $17 per person. The meal includes your choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert as well as beverage. The themed menu will change every three weeks and feature specials created by HRTM students. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 575-646-5805 starting at 9 a.m. on the day of service.  

International Cuisine dates:  
· French: Feb. 21, 23, 28 and March 1  
· Italian: March 20, 22, 27 and April 3, 5  
· Mediterranean: April 17, 19, 24, 26, and May 1, 3  

The TAP Series is an opportunity for people to wind down from 5 to 7 p.m., one Friday each month in a fun and friendly environment at 100 West Cafe. All proceeds benefit student clubs, activities, and travel.  
Dates and themes for the TAP Series include:  
· St. Patrick's Celebration: March 8  
· Agriculture Appreciation: April 5  
· Star Wars: May 3  

For more information about HRTM's meal and beverage events, visit https://100west.nmsu.edu/index.html . For other payments or questions, call 575-646-7324. 

The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-school-of-hotel--restaurant-and-tourism-management-to-host-dining-events/s/1cc0de7e-ae17-495f-9501-ca184a0402af