POV shares insights from the 国产伦理 community on important topics. Mandy Ulicney transitioned from a successful career as a club manager to teaching at 国产伦理's School of Hospitality because she wanted to help students discover the same passion for the industry that drives her. As faculty advisor for 国产伦理's student chapter of the Club Management Association of America, she has cultivated deep partnerships with industry leaders across Greater Cleveland. In her POV essay for 国产伦理 Today, Ulicney shares why these relationships matter鈥攁nd reflects on the powerful moments when students and seasoned professionals learn from one another.
Building the Future of Club Management at 国产伦理: A Reflection on Partnership, Community, and Purpose
This semester, we revived a tradition that carries special weight in our program. Years ago, legendary instructor Ned Welc held a Young Managers Panel Discussion at the Union Club, bringing industry leaders into the classroom to mentor students.
When I transitioned from my career as a club manager into teaching, I knew I wanted to keep that legacy alive.
As faculty advisor for our student chapter of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), I've worked to strengthen partnerships that give students real-world opportunities. This year, we brought that panel discussion back 鈥 and the impact reminded me why these connections matter so much.
The Young Managers Panel Discussion at the Union Club had always been a powerful experience for students. This semester, we revived it, complete with Ned as emcee. We developed an inspiring panel that included Michael Lukegord, CCM (Canterbury Golf Club), Kylie Chylik (alumna, Union Club), Kylie Mapp (alumna, Sycamore Hills Golf Club), and current student and St. Clair Country Club intern, Molly Koerbel. Students also enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic Union Club, gaining firsthand insight into club operations at the highest level.
We also hosted our Design Challenge, where students teamed up with event professionals from The Country Club, Lakewood Country Club, Congress Lake Club, and Country Club of Hudson. With guidance from renowned event designer Joe Mineo and high-end products from Event Source, students conceptualized and executed creative tablescapes inspired by a 鈥渉oliday entertaining鈥 theme.
Watching them collaborate, problem-solve, and create alongside industry leaders reaffirmed the power of experiential learning. It gave them a glimpse into what event managers at clubs do on a daily basis.
One moment exemplified the depth of these partnerships: Tippecanoe Country Club established the Earl Todd Legacy of Service in Hospitality Memorial Fund to honor a beloved employee. General managers Trent Squire and Joseph Marsco came to campus to meet our students, share stories of Earl, and tour our facilities. Their generosity will fund scholarships for years to come, reminding us how deeply clubs invest in both their people and our students.
The Greater Cleveland Chapter also made a substantial donation to our Hospitality Student Support Fund during 国产伦理鈥檚 Giving Tuesday campaign. Their generosity will help fund scholarships and will help students attend the CMAA National Conference in Anaheim in 2026, an opportunity many would not have without this support.
Our students also benefited from immersive experiences, including club tours, per-diem work opportunities and personalized mentorship.
One standout story came from our student Molly Koerbel, who described her internship at St. Clair Country Club as a 鈥渟econd home.鈥 The mentorship she received, particularly from board member Richard LaRocca, CCM, CCE, helped her grow her passion for event management and gave her experiences she鈥檒l carry throughout her career.
Moments like these, along with alumni board member Chris Hampton (GM Sycamore Hills Golf Club) returning to campus with his own mentor Tom Wallace, CCM, CCE, ECM, (Partner Kopplin, Kuebler, and Wallace), to encourage the next generation, are shaping the future of our program in powerful ways.
What struck me most this semester was watching our students collaborate with industry leaders. Watching them problem-solve alongside event designers, joke with club managers, and ask thoughtful questions about their careers reminded me that these partnerships aren't just transactional. They're transformational.
I'm grateful to the Greater Cleveland Chapter of CMAA and every professional who invests time in our students. Because of them, our students aren't just learning about the industry 鈥 they're experiencing it, embracing it and preparing to lead it.
I cannot wait to see where their futures will take them, and I am honored to be a part of their journeys.