Dean Treuren '98

Guest Services Administrator,
Orange County Convention Center

q: What do you do?

a: I work with the in-house staff, service providers and Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau to ensure we're providing the best possible guest service experience. The Orange County Convention Center is the second largest in the country and we strive to make customer service our competitive advantage.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: Working with people: employees, exhibitors and attendees. My goal is to give each and every show manager such a positive experience that he or she will, without a doubt, return to the Orange County Convention Center.

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: Because my position's new, I'm devising creative ways to "wow" the client. Then once that happens, I need to be creative all over again - outdoing myself with another unexpected special something, making the show manager's return experience even better than before.

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: I've seen and worked with a large number of them including Karen Babcock '85 , Stephanie Fleisher '05, Nila Kushner '99, and Annette Udziela '98.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: Playing with trains with my three year-old son or sitting in a rocking chair, holding my eight week-old daughter.

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: Marrying my beautiful wife, Aidbimari Treuren '96, M.S. '00. Although she's not in hospitality, I never would have met her if I didn't go to UCF.

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: The extra-curricular activities made me well-rounded and put what we learned in class into action. For my 800 hours of internship, I worked as the senior building manager for the Student Union which we opened in 1998. I led a team of 64 students to set up the rooms, including A/V equipment and hold special events. My public speaking for the Consultants for Effective Leadership group and Campus Activities Board make me more effective in my job today.

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: I wish the Rosen College campus had been open. Being a small degree program within the College of Business wasn't the same. I actually started as an engineering major but heard Dr. Robert Ford, the chair of the hospitality management degree speak, which inspired me to change over to hospitality. With fewer than 100 students graduating each year, it didn't have the exposure or prestige it does today.

q: A UCF memory?

a: Standing center stage in the Arena, introducing James Earl Jones. This was part of my job as Speakers Director for the Campus Activities Board.

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: The Melting Pot - our favorite destination for special occasions.

q: On your iPod?

a: If it sounds good and has a good beat, it's on my iPod. This includes a diverse mix of rap, country, jazz, R & B and more.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: I'm originally from Holland and speak both Dutch and Spanish fluently.

Cece Guillan '03

Regional Sales Manager,

Wizard Connection - Special Event and Design Company

q: What do you do?

a: I help run an event planning company headquartered in Orlando with offices in Naples and Clearwater. I manage the office assistants and coordinate projects for the Director of Sales.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: Definitely the people: vendors, co-workers and clients. Meeting all kinds of different personalities every day keeps life interesting.

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: Definitely the people: vendors, co-workers and clients. They can have challenging demands, with lots of last minute details. Third party clients can't always plan in advance. Working here has taught me to become more flexible.

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: I run into Rosen alumni everywhere I go, but am most in touch with Lora Lesnikowski'08 and Carrie Bailey '07 who also worked at Wizard Connection.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: At the gym, running or playing soccer.

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: Experiencing different cultures by traveling the world including trips to Japan, Switzerland and Argentina.

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: By playing on the UCF soccer team, I learned all about teamwork. Knowing how to successfully work on a team is the essence of the hospitality industry.

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: Everything was offered to me as far as hospitality networking and student associations. I wish I had taken advantage of it but all my time was spent with the soccer team.

q: A UCF memory?

a: Traveling around the U.S. with the soccer team. Our coach let us do lots of sightseeing on our trips. For part of our work-out in Colorado Springs, we went jogging at Garden of the Gods.

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: Oysters at Oceanaire Seafood Room, at Pointe Orlando.

q: On your iPod?

a: A big variety, ranging from The All-American Rejects to Dave Matthews to Taylor Swift to Kings of Leon.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: I'm the worst singer but I just can't stop. I sing at work and in the shower and basically everywhere I go.

Malissa Ellis '08

Event Coordinator,

Il Mulino New York Trattoria

q: What do you do?

a: I promote and plan group events for the Italian restaurant at the Walt Disney World Swan. With a large number of small private flexible spaces, we can host a private reception or party with a customized group menu for up to 400 guests.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: Transforming someone's regular dinner into a "special event" - especially seeing the big events come together.

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: Sitting at a desk, which is so much different than my previous job bartending at Shula's Steakhouse, at the adjacent Walt Disney World Dolphin.

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: Valerie Davis '06 and Taryn Dorsey '07.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: At the beach, with friends, or bartending at Kitty O'Shea's Irish Pub.

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: Time management.

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: It taught me networking and professionalism.

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: The Rosen campus doesn't have enough "college feel" to it. I transferred from Arizona State and that was a whole different experience.

q: A UCF memory?

a: Football games, especially Homecoming.

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: The Crab Macaroni and Cheese at Shula's Steak House.

q: On your iPod?

a: A variety of 80's music and rock.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: My middle name is D'van. My parents keep coming up with different stories about how they chose this unique name, so I'm still unsure where it came from.

Lydia Hueneke '08

Area Marketing Coordinator,

Chick-fil-A

(Pictured with Chick-fil-A founder and CEO Truett Cathy)

q: What do you do?

a: I'm the "face of Chick-fil-A" for 30 stores in Metropolitan Orlando, managing events, PR, community relations and sponsorships. It's my goal to make sure everyone gets our "Second Mile Service" whether buying one order of french fries or a $1000 catering order.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: I'm always learning something new and every day's different as I'm out and about, meeting thousands of new people. One day for a "Random Act of Kindness" promotion, we had the Chick-fil-A cows take over toll booths, paying people's tolls and giving away food.

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: Working with operations and getting them to understand marketing -- that someone's first catering order is an opportunity for an outstanding performance, not just another tray of food. Also, while I'm part of a huge company, I don't have the daily personal support of other marketing people.

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: Julianne Pagliaro '07 and Sherilyn Strayer '08.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: At Metro Life Church, or doing volunteer work for non-profits.

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: Planning events for my church. I'm happy to have used what I learned at Rosen to bring other people to God. Hospitality for evangelism!

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: It taught me: be on time or get locked out! If we didn't show up for the guest lecture class on time, we'd literally be locked out of the room. We had to dress up for many events and speakers; I learned how to look and act professional and accountable.

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: Nearly every course includes multiple group projects, and a consistent procedure system needs to be established. It didn't work to have students self-select teams and group leaders on the first day of class when you don't know anyone or their skill-sets. Some groups were too big and it was impossible to coordinate times when everyone was available to meet. The projects themselves often had unlimited budgets which didn't prepare us for the real world.

q: A UCF memory?

a: Starting the HSMAI chapter at Rosen College. I also really enjoyed the weekly student events on the Rosen campus, organized by Tiffany Greenis.

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: The Chicken Alfredo Pizza at Olive Garden.

q: On your iPod?

a: A variety of Christian, alternative and country music.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: I really do eat at Chick-fil-A five days a week and don't get sick of it because of the variety. My favorite is the Chick-Fil-A original sandwich and waffle fries, with a cookies and cream milkshake. I even crave it on Sundays when we're closed.

Casey Keller '07

Sales Associate,
Hello Florida!

q: What do you do?

a: Hello Florida! plans events for corporate groups coming to the Orlando area. I'm responsible for putting together proposals and contracts for our clients. I speak with different vendors and venues all over Orlando everyday.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: Seeing the long planning process of an event come together, and the final result as its executed into a successful program. It makes the long, stressful weeks and months of planning seem worth it when the client is happy. Also, I'm constantly discovering new things about Orlando.

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: Time management. It’s imperative to prioritize and organize. Without those abilities, you cannot be successful in this role.

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: Many Rosen alumni work at Hello Florida! including John Brooks '07, Amy Kong '07, Tiffany Stewart '08, Stephanie Goode '07, Lisa Kaplan '08, Erin Considine '07, Matt Cappuccilli '05, Kristin Utley '06 and Austin Bagwell '04. I also keep in touch with sorority sisters who majored in Hospitality.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: If it’s nice weather on the weekend, I'm always down by the pool soaking up the sun. Time outside is cherished when you sit in a cubicle all week!

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: Moving into a new apartment and being completely self-sufficient. There’s something about making it on your own that is so satisfying.

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: I learned about Hello Florida! in my events classes so the fact that I wound up working here is awesome. The events classes and professors helped prepare me with their real world experience, examples and stories. So much better than relying on a textbook!

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: When I was at Rosen, the Event Management degree wasn't available yet.

q: A UCF memory?

a: Time spent in my sorority. Best decision I made: it was the most fun four years of my life, and some of my best friends were made during my time there.

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: Anything at Café Tu Tu Tango.

q: On your iPod?

a: My iPod is such an eclectic mix of music it’s hard to narrow down. It definitely depends on my mood and what I’m doing.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: I have a twin brother who is one minute older than me.

Cristina O'Connell '06

Assistant House Manager,
Ronald McDonald House

q: What do you do?

a: I’m responsible for just about everything that happens in the house. This includes checking families in and out, supervising and training volunteers, inspecting rooms after the housekeeper cleans them, coordinating the Share-A-Meal program, giving tours, etc.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: Helping the families that stay here and being able to see them go home with a healthy child. Also, the volunteers have brought so much joy into my life! They are like family to me!

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: The opposite. When the outcome is not good. That’s the hardest!

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: I'm looking forward to getting back in touch with some, including Abby Hilmer '07 and Christy Hilmer '06.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: At the movies, restaurants, or Target. Love Target!

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: Getting married to my high school sweetheart on May 5, 2007.

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: UCF professors taught real-life experiences to prepare me for my career. I’m able to use those tools now and handle situations when they arise.

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: The internship hours could have been reduced, but I think the requirements may have changed since I was at Rosen.

q: A UCF memory?

a: The Food Lab was my favorite. It was one of my final courses with the friends I had made. I remember over-measuring the brown sugar for chocolate chip cookies. I still beat myself up about that to this day!

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: The Chicken Santiago at Bahama Breeze.

q: On your iPod?

a: I don’t own one. I’m probably the only person without an iPod.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: I’m half Cuban.

Kacie Shuba '06

Convention Housing Coordinator
Rosen Centre Hotel

q: What do you do?

a: I’m the point of contact for clients for reserving rooms and suites for conventions and meetings. I manage the group’s room inventory and work closely with the client to confirm terms including method of booking, billing, cut-off dates and upgrades. I'm responsible for receiving and updating reservation rooming lists, blocking all room upgrades and verifying VIP reservations.

q: What's your favorite part of the job?

a: I enjoy my co-workers. Also, it's always great to meet a client for the first time, putting a face to the person you’ve been working with for many months via phone and e-mail.

q: What's the greatest challenge?

a: When the computers run maintenance updates during the day and I need to make or change a rooming list by a certain time. I can’t do my job without my computer but I understand these updates need to be done in order for them to work.

q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?

a: I work directly at the Rosen Centre with Courtney Beckwith '04, Becky Crowder '04 and Karli Bennett '08. I’m still great friends with Erin Mahaffey '06 and Taryn Dorsey '07. I still keep in contact with Nate Nakamura '06 and Megan Oxman '06. I’ve known Megan since middle school and Nate since high school.

q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?

a: You could find me at the movies or a restaurant with my friends, family, and boyfriend. I love going to concerts and theme parks as well.

q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?

a: One of my main goals in life is to travel as much as possible. I went to Chicago and Phoenix in 2008.

q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?

a: Because of all the required group projects, I learned how to work well in a team. Rosen College also showed me many job opportunities the hospitality field has to offer.

q: How could the hospitality program have been better?

a: The college didn’t offer some of the classes that they offer today. I would have taken cruise ship management, which sounds like an interesting class.

q: A UCF memory?

a: The UCF football games at the Citrus Bowl; also, the Rosen College Hospitality Association's 2004 trip to the Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Show in New York City.

q: Favorite meal in Orlando?

a: The Factory Burrito Grande at Cheesecake Factory.

q: On your iPod?

a: I have a wide variety of music on my iPod. Some of my favorite music artists are Dashboard Confessional, Jimmy Eat World, Breaking Benjamin, 311, and Jason Mraz.

q: Little known fact about you?

a: I'm the first person in my entire family to graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree.