FIU
Announces First Eminent Scholar Chair
In Beverage Management Studies
MIAMI (September 10, 1999) – Florida International University announced the first Eminent Scholar Chair in Beverage Management Studies in the country. The Chair is named for Harvey R. Chaplin the chairman and chief executive officer of Southern Wine and Spirits of America, Inc.
The Harvey R. Chaplin Eminent Scholars Chair in beverage management studies, a prestigious faculty appointment expected to attract a renowned expert in the field, will highlight the school's commitment to this important component within hospitality management. In addition, it will support both teaching and research initiatives and draw attention to the school's continuing partnership with leading members of the industry.
The Chair is the first and only such eminent scholar chair in the country. The chair holder will lead the nationally ranked school's newly enhanced beverage management studies program.
"The addition of the chair further underscores our commitment to provide the best education in all areas of hospitality management and ensures that our school continues to be among the best in the country," said Joe West, dean of the School of Hospitality Management.
In addition to teaching students, the holder of the eminent scholar chair will extend guest-lecture invitations to other high-ranking beverage experts, promote mutually beneficial interaction between the school and industry, and encourage interest in beverage-related special events and educational opportunities among members of the local community.
“To have the first eminent scholar chair in beverage management studies named after me is truly an honor,” commented Chaplin. “Southern Wine & Spirits has continuously been committed to the advancement of higher education in this community. We are pleased to play an integral role in the expansion of the FIU School of Hospitality Management’s beverage management program.”
Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc., the largest distributor of wine and spirits in America, is a major donor of FIU’s nationally ranked School of Hospitality Management and helped raise funds for the construction of the new Southern Wine & Spirit Beverage Management Center.
Southern Wine and Spirits of America, Inc. has distribution operations in Florida, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona, Kentucky, South Carolina and Pennsylvania