Skål International, the preeminent global networking organization for travel and tourism leaders, recently inducted Dr. Mary Jo Ross as the newest member of its Orlando, FL chapter. The assistant professor is now the third faculty member of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida to be invited into the prestigious professional organization, behind associate professor Dr. Wilfried Iskat and the Dean, Dr. Abraham Pizam.
Comprised of approximately 25,000 senior-level professionals in 80 nations around the world, Skål International’s vast global network unites all branches of the travel and tourism industry through exclusive seminars, workshops, and conferences that benefit the professional sector. As a member of Skål International, Dr. Ross will be able to take advantage of exclusive industry publications and databases, as well as networking opportunities and meetings at the local, national and international levels to remain on the cutting edge of the global travel and tourism industry.
“I am extremely honored to be accepted into such a remarkable and highly-respected organization,” said Ross. “I look forward to meeting many new industry colleagues and taking advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that Skål offers its members. Additionally, I believe that my membership, along with Dean Pizam and Dr. Iskat, will help UCF’s Rosen College establish a greater global presence among the travel and tourism industry.”
Ross was inducted into Skål International at the Orlando chapter’s October meeting at the Buena Vista Palace. Lenore DeMeo, a Life Member from Hotel Sales, sponsored Ross’ membership.
In addition to Ross, Pizam, and Iskat, UCF’s Rosen College currently has six students participating in Skål International’s Young Skål program. The Young Skål program allows students to participate in networking events, attend local Skål meetings, and offers scholarship and mentoring opportunities.
UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management is the only academic institution in the region currently involved in the Young Skål program.
For more information about Skål International or Young Skål, please visitwww.skal.org.