Bumpers 'A Class Act' Event Helps Fund Hospitality and Restaurant Management Program

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A Class Act events give students in the Bumpers College’s hospitality and restaurant management program a chance to showcase their skills for industry leaders.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A Class Act, an annual fundraising and career-networking event for the hospitality and restaurant management program in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas, is scheduled for Feb. 21-22 in Eureka Springs.

The sixth annual event is being held at the Historic 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, and the theme is “Geniesserland: The Land of Culinary Pleasure or Indulgences.” The theme is a reflection on the German connection to Arkansas, and the relationship with exchange partners and students at Heilbronn University.

“We came up with this year’s theme to reflect the influence of early German immigrants on Arkansas foodways,” said Robert Harrington, professor in food, human nutrition and hospitality. “It also honors the ongoing student and faculty exchange program with our partner university in Heilbronn, Germany.”

The event features a reception and dinner on Friday, and breakfast on Saturday followed by the career-networking opportunity. Industry recruiters see students in the program in action throughout the weekend. The career-networking session gives students the chance to interview for internships as well as full-time and part-time positions.

“This event has been an important element of our program over the last several years,” said Harrington, who holds the 21^st Century Endowed Chair in Hospitality Management. “It benefits the students as an experiential learning opportunity and provides scholarships for student participants.”

Four guest packages are available. The Cottage package is $750, and includes the reception, four seats at dinner, wine, entertainment, a two-bedroom cottage, breakfast and recognition in the program. The Sponsors Table is $750, and includes the reception, dinner for eight, wine, entertainment, breakfast and recognition in the program. A Class Act Dinner package is $125 per person, and includes the reception, dinner, wine, entertainment and breakfast. A Class Act Room package is $150 for two, and includes a standard room with all room proceeds associated with the event benefiting the hospitality and restaurant management program.

Three corporate packages are also available. The Gold package is $5,000 and covers up to eight guests. It includes a video presentation acknowledging support of the event as well as acknowledgement throughout the weekend, a listing in the program, a table for eight in the event area, four rooms and an interview table for the career networking event. The Silver package is $3,000 for four guests. It includes video and other acknowledgement of support, listing in the program, a table for four in the event area, two rooms and an interview table for the career networking session. The Bronze package is $2,000 and covers two guests. It includes acknowledgement of support, listing in the program, a table with two seats in the event area, one room and an interview table at the career-networking event.

Companies and recruiters interested in participating should contact Leanna Potts at 479-575-7131 or lpotts@uark.edu; Donna K. Graham, director of employer relations, at 479-422-2033 or dkgraha@uark.edu; or Robert Harrington at 479-575-4700 or rharring@uark.edu.

The menu for the weekend will be announced later.