HOSPITALITY, TOURISM ADVOCATES: Jeff Hart, from left, Swati Dholakia and Alexis Morel with JetBlue, among those whose presence helped educate the next generation for careers in in one of Florida’s top industries. PHOTO COURTESY OF DOWNTOWN PHOTO

Staff Report

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – More than $200,000 was raised during the R. Motwani Family Gala at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach. Proceeds will benefit Broward College students enrolled in the R. Motwani Family Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Through the program’s experiential learning and hands-on experiences, students have access to scholarships, internships and leaders in the industry who mentor and guide them through their education.

The R. Motwani Family Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Broward College was established to honor the memory of Ramesh “Bob” Motwani by his wife Ramola and sons Nitin and Dev to recognize Bob’s legacy, leadership, and commitment to the hospitality industry.

During the gala, guests met with students and learned how the program is transforming their lives. Matt Caldwell, president and CEO of the Florida Panthers, was the evening’s featured speaker.

“We appreciate the generosity of sponsors, donors, and supporters, particularly Ramola and the entire Motwani family, who continue to positively impact our students in so many ways,” said Megan R. Cottle, vice president for Advancement at Broward College and executive director of the Broward College Foundation.

“Our goal is to ignite students’ passion with a strong curriculum and pathway so they can thrive and are career-ready upon graduation.”

The R. Motwani Family Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Broward College offers associate degrees in hospitality and tourism management and culinary arts management, as well as technical certificates in room division management, guest services specialist, food and beverage management, and event planning management.

The FIU Connect4Success Partnership allows Broward College students to seamlessly transfer to FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree.

Additionally, more than 20 high schools in Broward County have hospitality, tourism, and management programs that provide a pipeline to Broward College.

“It has been rewarding to see students graduate and thrive in their careers over these past four years since the Academy was first established,” said Ramola Motwani, chairwoman of Merrimac Ventures, a Fort Lauderdale-based real estate development and investment firm with hotel, residential and commercial projects.

“These students learn so much, both in and out of the classroom, from this program. That’s important because when you think about it, we are all in the hospitality business.”

Serving approximately 56,000 students annually, Broward College provides residents with certificate programs, twoyear university-transfer degrees, two-year career degrees, and baccalaureate degrees in selected programs.

For more information, visit broward.edu.