Blue Hen Chapter of CMAA Celebrates Water Conservation in Clubs to support UD Sustainability Day
Pure Blue, was the theme for the 17th Annual Appreciation of Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), hosted at the Deerfield Golf & Tennis Club of Newark, DE on October 26, 2009. This creative educational and fund raising event is planned, organized, and executed annually by HRIM students (Blue Hen Student Chapter of CMAA) to honor club managers from the region: NJ, PA, DE, Greater Baltimore, and the National Capital chapters of CMAA.
Pure Blue, was chosen as a theme for this event to compliment the University of Delaware’s Sustainability Day. The education session titled, “Water Conservation in the Club Industry, “ was presented by the Education Committee composed of HRIM students to underscore how to conserve and appreciate one of the most vital resources in our lives, water. The Club Industry is one of the major users of water to maintain its landscaping, golf courses, and food & beverage operations. Thus, it is important for the club industry to chart a path to sustainability. To that end, the education session included:
- Golf course water conservation technologies
- Kitchen water conservation methods
- Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program-specific for clubs
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification process for sustainable clubs
Guests then proceeded to a reception and dinner sponsored by Mr. Fred Lankford, President and CEO of Lankford-Sysco, who also serves on the HRIM Advisory Board. HRIM Chair, Bob Nelson and Blue Hen CMAA President, Emily Picaro, welcomed the guests. The decorations committee had paid attention to every detail, reminding the guest of Pure Blue at any opportunity.
HRIM students (with the supervision of Chef Paul O’Toole, CEC/AAC of Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club and Professor Ron Cole of HRIM) had prepared an incredible dinner, featuring: “Under the Sea,” “Rain Gardens,” “Earth’s Life Support,” “Mediterranean Sea”, and ”assorted deserts including Blue Berry Tarts.” The event provided students the opportunity to network with professionals, gain leadership skills, and practice their education, while engaging in entrepreneurial activities, such as fund raising.
One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of Dr. Alexander Doberenz, former Dean of College of Human Resources and the founding Dean of HRIM. Dr. Doberenz and Angela, his wife, have continuously supported and attended this annual event. “I enjoy seeing the students in action and I wouldn’t want to miss it,” said the former Dean. Angela stressed that the Dean was completely shocked when he was called to the stage to receive a long standing-ovation and his Honorary Membership as the Dean of the Blue Hen Student Chapter. “Dr. Doberenz has received many, many awards during his academic services at the UD, but none from a student organization that loves him so much,” said Dr. Poorani, faculty advisor for CMAA.
The Grand Presentation was the 2009 Champion of Club Education Award. The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to advancing education in the club industry, mentoring and supporting student careers, and commitment to public service. Mr. Mitchell Platt, CCM – General Manager of Woodholme Country Club and President of the Greater Baltimore Chapter of CMAA, perfectly fits this description. He is a regular speaker at the Club Management class at UD-HRIM, where students appreciate his ethical approaches to business, his honesty and integrity. He is also actively involved in advising and mentoring HRIM students, as well as genuinely caring about their career development and education. He also speaks at national conferences and is a true professional and a role model for our students and others in the nation. The event concluded with a fund-raising affair, where Allie Belgiovine, HRIM Jr., conducted her first live auction! She can sell anything. There were many silent and live auction items with the proceeds to support Blue Hen Chapter members’ educational, leadership, and scholarly activities for the coming year.
