Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism News
Discover how students at the Payne School turn their passion into meaningful careers through hands-on learning, real-world experiences, and strong industry connections. Explore stories of students, faculty, and alumni who are leading, innovating, and making an impact in their communities. Together, they are shaping the future of hospitality, tourism, and recreation.
Building a Future for Tribal Gaming
Oct 28After growing up on a Minnesota reservation, Katherine Spilde has spent her career helping tribes build casino economies that balance business, sovereignty and cultural revitalization—work recently honored with SDSU’s 2026 Distinguished Faculty Award.
Payne School Commemorates 25 Years of Hospitality Education
Sep 23Alumni, students and industry partners celebrate a quarter-century of career preparation, applied learning and community engagement.
L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Announces 2026 Outstanding Students
May 18Celebrating outstanding students who are redefining hospitality, tourism, and recreation management through leadership, innovation, and lived experience. Through event planning, sustainability initiatives, and community-centered work, these students are bringing creativity and purpose to the future of the industry.
Linda Hilton connects SDSU students with the future of hospitality
Apr 16Hilton Foundation chair Linda Hilton will visit SDSU on April 21, offering HTM students insight, leadership and emphasizing the school's international impact
Gathering Point: Carl Winston and the Discipline of Building Something That Wasn’t Supposed to Matter
Mar 2How San Diego State University became a Power Center in the Global Gathering Economy
San Diego’s favorite French bakery has SDSU roots!
Dec 1What began in SDSU’s hospitality program is now a local staple.
Alumni Spotlight, Tracy Judge (‘15)
Nov 20Meet San Diego State University alumna Tracy Judge (‘15), Founder & CEO of Soundings, a talent platform connecting organizations with full-time and freelance professionals in the business events industry.
Thirty-two SDSU Hospitality Students receive 2025 CHLA Hospitality Foundation Awards
Jul 25Nearly one-third of all 2025 CHLA Hospitality Foundation Scholarships in California go to SDSU’s L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management students, spotlighting the school’s excellence in shaping future hotel and culinary leaders.
Alana Dillette’s “Empowered Beginnings” advocates for Black maternal health and maternity care for mothers and birthgivers
Jul 16The study, prepared by Dillette in collaboration with the San Diego Black Worker Center, studies the shortfalls of Black maternal rights and recommends policy action to improve them
L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Announces Outstanding Students
May 7Standout students from SDSU’s L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management turn their passion into purpose in hospitality, tourism, event management, and recreation through academic excellence and industry experience.
