Symbolized by the pineapple since American colonial times, hospitality is the key ingredient for students, graduates and educators in the College of Human Sciences Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management at Auburn University. Lectures and hands-on training in state-of-the-art laboratories focus on social and ethical responsibility, service excellence and diversity of the hospitality industry in an intellectually challenging learning environment.

Since 1992, the College of Human Sciences hospitality management program has hosted a formal dinner and auction as the program’s signature fundraising event. Re-branded as The Hospitality Gala in 2009, the event is the culmination of a semester-long project led by Dr. Alecia Douglas, hospitality management associate professor with students enrolled in the catering and events management course. Each year students continue this tradition of excellence by designing, planning, and executing the annual fundraiser guided by faculty, staff, and event industry professionals. Students also collaborate on event operations with Ithaka Hospitality Partners at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. The result of this collaborative effort is a highly anticipated night of celebration.