Hospitality Alumni

Pat Howard

A.S. — Hospitality Management, Mt. San Antonio College
B.S. — Hospitality Management, Cal Polytechnic University Pomona

Pat Howard

In 2007, Pat Howard graduated from Mt. SAC with an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management.

He received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Hospitality Management after transferring to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Today, Pat is a Food and Beverage Operations Manager at Hyatt Hotels and Resorts.

His responsibilities include overseeing the following: outlets, all hotel restaurants, all hotel bars, and Room Service Banquets.

"Mt. SAC allowed me the opportunity to really identify if Hospitality was something I wanted to do long term. Mt. SAC gave me the tools to transfer as well as network among colleagues."

Pat attributes his accomplishments to the efforts of a professor from Mt. SAC, Dr. Al-Malood.

"Dr. Fawaz Al-Malood guided me and gave direct feedback on all areas of my professional and academic career. He was always there to assist, keep me in line, and teach me about professionalism both in and out of the classroom. Most importantly, he provided a different understanding from a world-view perspective. He is one of the most humble men that I have met and he was invaluable to my education at Mt. SAC."

What would be Pat's advice to new students and those interested in the hospitality industry?

He responds with, "Really love what you do. The field of study you choose may not be what you end up doing for the rest of your life, so don't waste time in college with something you don't love. Start out by loving what you are studying so you can be GREAT at it when you leave."

Hector Palominos

A.S. — Hospitality Management, Mt. San Antonio College
B.S. — Hospitality Management, Cal Polytechnic University Pomona

Hector Palominos

Hector Palominos graduated from Mt. SAC in 2014 with an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management.

In addition to his degree, Hector also earned several Hospitality certificates including: Hospitality Management Level I and II and Restaurant Management Level I Certificate. After his time at Mt. SAC, Hector transferred to Cal Poly Pomona to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management.

Today, Hector works at Marriott International as a Senior Administrative Assistant.

His oversees and performs duties such as: processing invoices, managing the hotel's checkbook, and scheduling.

"My great experience at Mt. SAC is what prepared me. Thank you to Dr. Al-Malood and the Hospitality Club for making my time at Mt. SAC more memorable than the time I spent at Cal Poly Pomona."

Hector's greatest impact at Mt. SAC was Dr. Al-Malood.

"A lot of students say Dr. Al-Malood is the best, and honestly they are all 100% right. I can say that I know I wouldn't be where I am at today if it wasn't for the knowledge and experiences that Dr. Al-Malood shared with me and all of his students."

What would be Pat's advice to new students and those interested in the hospitality industry?

His advice is, "Don't give up."

Tina Vu

B.S. — Hospitality Management, Cal Polytechnic University Pomona

Tina Vu

Tina Vu transferred from Mt. SAC in 2009.

She received her Bachelor's of Science Degree at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in Hospitality Management.

Today, Tina works at Hilton Worldwide as an Executive Meeting Manager.

She is in charge of booking all group events, which at peak hosts 10-30 rooms. She manages all groups from inception to departure. As an Executive Meeting Manager, she actively markets and maintains relationships with clients.

"Mt. SAC was the stepping stone for my entire career."

Dr. Al-Malood was Tina's greatest impact at Mt. SAC.

"There were a few moments while working in the industry that I wanted to move onto something else, however Dr. Al-Malood ensured me that my situation was different and to continue on. During his lectures, he [taught] us academically and included life lessons that [helped] prepare us for when we step into our careers. Even today, I know that I can reach out to Dr. Al-Malood even though I am not his student, and obtain very good advice. I am very happy to have been his previous student and currently very happy in my current position in my career."

What would be Tina's advice to new students and those interested in the hospitality industry?

She says, "Stay positive, be humble and always continue learning; hard work always pays off."

Tricia Fang

B.S. — Hospitality Management, Cal Polytechnic University Pomona

Tricia Fang

Tricia Fang transferred from Mt. SAC in 2014.

She received her Bachelors of Science Degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in Hospitality Management.

Today, Tricia is a housekeeper at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort.

The property is located on a United States Military base in Germany. It is a popular vacation resort for the military and their families. Tricia is responsible for ensuring the room is up to standard and ready for guests to relax and enjoy.

"Mt. SAC helped prepare me in many ways. First, becoming an e-board member of the Hospitality Club taught me how to be a team player and how to prioritize and organize my school work. Second, dressing business professional for class helped me learn what made up a professional look."

Tricia attributes her greatest impact at Mt. SAC was professor Dr. Al-Malood.

"I was able to go to him for anything and he was always there to listen and give advice. I respected him because he led by example; he was punctual, ready for class, and always dressed professional, even after an injury!"

What would be Tricia's advice to new students and those interested in the hospitality industry?

She responds with, "Apply for as many internships as you can! Make sure they are paid and if they are out of state, even better! Getting out there and learning different cultures will help you grow immensely."

Hospitality Alumni

Pat Howard

Hector Palominos

Tina Vu

Tricia Fang

Next Page >>