Cornell University and ACG to cooperate in Tourism and Hospitality Studies

Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and The American College of Greece (PIERCE – DEREE – ALBA) have signed the first two of a series of agreements that will see the schools cooperate in educating future leaders in Greece’s growing tourism industry.

Cornell, a member of the Ivy League, is a global leader in the field of hotel and hospitality management education, while DEREE’s International and Hospitality Management (ITHM) program seeks to become Greece’s premier undergraduate offering in this strategic field. ALBA Graduate Business School at The American College of Greece, has also inaugurated a Master of Science in Tourism program this fall.

Cooperation between ACG and Cornell is expected to encompass several initiatives, including: DEREE undergraduates studying at Cornell, Cornell undergraduates studying at DEREE, Integrating Cornell’s online curriculum into DEREE undergraduate and ALBA graduate curricula, ACG faculty benefiting from professional education programs at Cornell.

The two schools are also exploring possible dual degree offerings (e.g. linking Cornell’s Master of Management in Hospitality with the ALBA Master of Business Administration). Combining the resources of Cornell and ACG is expected to open new avenues for research in tourism and hospitality in Greece and the Southeastern Mediterranean region.

David G. Horner, President of The American College of Greece, explained, “This new relationship between ACG and Cornell expands the already rich set of affiliations between ACG and outstanding US universities. ACG is uniquely positioned to create value for students, faculty and Greece by leveraging our connection to the US higher education system.”

Michael D. Johnson, Dean and E.M. Statler Professor at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration commented, “We are very pleased to be collaborating with The American College of Greece and look forward to working with its students and faculty as we explore educational possibilities. Hospitality is a truly global industry and collaborating with institutions like The American College of Greece helps strengthen our international engagements and broadens our access to culturally diverse students and academic colleagues.”

Panos Livadas, Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, stated: “We are more than happy to welcome such an initiative. Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration is globally renowned as the leader in its field, while The American College of Greece has always been a pioneer in education, setting the standards high. It goes without saying that, tourism for Greece is a paramount sector; it’s a vital ingredient of the Greek economy that grows stronger day by day. We absolutely believe that this collaboration will build the Greek tourism entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”

Philip C. Korologos, Chair of The American College of Greece Board of Trustees, added, “Having attended and graduated from Cornell, this new ACG relationship brings me particular pleasure. I am confident ACG, Cornell and Greece will benefit enormously from this visionary and strategic endeavor.”

CORNELL UNIVERSITY’s School of Hotel Administration is shaping the global knowledge base for hospitality management through leadership in education, research and industry advancement. The school provides management instruction in the full range of hospitality disciplines, educating the next generation of leaders in the world's largest industry. Founded in 1922 as the nation's first collegiate course of study in hospitality management, the Cornell School of Hotel Administration is recognized as the world leader in its field. For more information, visit www.hotelschool.cornell.edu .