College of the Arts
Kent, Ohio – The Hugh A. Glauser School of Music is pleased to welcome two new faculty members – Matthew Swope has been appointed as the Director of Choral Activities; Isaac Terceros has been appointed as the Director of Orchestras. Both appointments will be effective August 2024.Swope brings with him a wealth of experience and a passion for choral music that we know will inspire and elevate our singers to new heights. He has taught classes at the University of Cincinnati, voice at Rollins College and has served as the Director of Choral Activities and Perfo...
2023: The Branches of Hospitality
Meet our panel of three powerhouse leaders shaping the hospitality and events industry in Ohio. John Barker brings 30+ years of experience and currently leads the Ohio Restaurant Association and its Education Foundation. Katie Coach, Director of Event Curation at Palmer Event Solutions, has built a dynamic career in hospitality and nonprofit event planning. Joe Savarise serves as Executive Director of the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association and plays a key role in multiple statewide tourism and economic boards.
2022: Joe Mineo
Joe Mineo is the Owner and Creative Director of Joe Mineo Creative, a nationally recognized event design and production studio. He launched his career in floral design, opening his first business, Something New Florist, in 1987. His passion and innovation transformed that venture into a powerhouse known for producing standout events for clients like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, San Francisco 49ers, and Carnegie Museum of Art. Joe is an active member of the International Live Events Association and the American Institute of Floral Designers.
2021: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive!
Inspiring Stories from Hospitality Experts. In a special virtual edition of the Schwebel Lecture Series, hospitality leaders shared how they navigated and succeeded during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Speakers included Michael Guerriero of Digitell Inc., Nate Giesen of JACK Entertainment, Donniella Winchell of the Ohio Wine Producers Association, and Richard LaRocca of Beechmont Country Club.
2018: Scott Ryan
In 2012, Ryan was voted American Culinary Foundation Chef of the Year. Currently, he is the Executive Chef at The Country Club in Pepper Pike. Ryan was chosen to speak at Kent State University because of his national and international successes in the field. In addition to his Chef of the Year award, he was also the first runner-up in Global Chefs Challenge held in Norway - the best an American chef has placed. Currently, he serves as the American Culinary Foundation Cleveland Chapter president.
2017: Karim Kalifa
As Senior Vice President of Marriott Global Design Strategies, Karim leads a dynamic, multidisciplinary team on a mission to shape more meaningful and relevant travel experiences for Marriott guests through design. In 2012, Karim’s goal was to understand and address the new millennial generation for the Marriott Hotels brand.