COD's 'Traditions in Excellence' dinner set for April 19

Tickets are now on sale for the 14th annual Traditions in Excellence Dinner, which will be held on Tuesday, April 19, at College of DuPage.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. with a reception featuring champagne and hors d'oeuvres. The dinner, a sit-down feast prepared by students enrolled in the Hospitality Administration program, will follow at 7 p.m.

The dinner will take place in the Grand Ballroom of the Jack H. Turner Conference Center, located in the Student Resource Center, Room 2800. Tickets are $75, with proceeds benefitting the Hospitality Administration program.

“This event gives our students an opportunity to shine, whether they are in the kitchen, serving the food or greeting our guests,” said Chris Thielman, coordinator of the Hospitality Administration program.

The evening includes the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni of the Year, which goes to Roy Beaumont, senior director of lodging operations at Marriott International, Inc. After attending College of DuPage, Beaumont earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in hotel tourism management from Purdue University.

The Traditions in Excellence Dinner has played an important role in funding the growth of the Hospitality Administration program. In summer 2011, the College will open the new Culinary & Hospitality Center, which will feature culinary and hospitality kitchens and labs; Waterleaf, a four-star fine restaurant; Wheat, a casual dining room; a large meeting space for receptions and special events; and six rooms in the facility's boutique hotel named The Inn at Water's Edge. Waterleaf, Wheat and The Inn at Water's Edge will also serve as “living laboratories” for students.

This year's raffle items include dinner at Waterleaf, a one-night stay at The Inn at Water's Edge and tickets to the McAninch Arts Center; a Cutlery Kit from Mercer Knife Company; a hotel and golf package at the Oakbrook Hills Marriott Resort; and a College of DuPage Chef in Your Home Dinner. Raffle tickets are $5 each or $20 for five and can be purchased the evening of the event.

“After 14 years, I'm still amazed at the excitement level among the students and the guests,” Thielman said. “The food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is bursting with energy.”

For tickets to the Traditions in Excellence Dinner, call (630) 942-3663 or go to: www.traditionsinexcellence.com.