Written by Maria C. Serrano/Staff Writer
From volunteering at the world-renowned Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival to working in a 140-seat restaurant management laboratory, students at the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management have come out winning.
Two of the most outstanding alumni from the Chaplin school were recognized at the FIU’s Alumni Association’s 14th Annual Torch Awards Saturday, March 28.
Humberto “Burt” Cabañas, Founder and Chairman of Benchmark Hospitality International and Ed Mugnani, President of the Western Division of Eurest-Compass Group said they are indebted for the opportunities the University presented them.
“Everybody, no matter how small a percentage of their status today, they have to attribute some percentage to the time they spect at FIU,” said Cabañas in an interview with FIU Student Media.
According to the FIU Alumni website, Torchbearers are honored for their positive impact on the University, the community and their careers. It is the highest honor bestowed by FIU to a graduate.
However, Cabañas said his involvement in hospitality began with small steps. From cleaning pools to a management position at the Doral Country Club, he was focused on his career goals.
“I started at fifteen cleaning the swimming pool after school at the Shelbourne Hotel in Miami Beach,” said Cabañas who graduated from the University in 1976. Now, he is Chairman of a U.S.-based hospitality management company in Woodlands, Texas.
“Everybody, no matter how small a percentage of their status today, they have to attribute some percentage to the time they spent at FIU,” he said.
For more than 20 years, Ed Mugnani, the second honoree of the night, has been involved in the foodservice industry. He is also a member of the Society for Hospitality & Foodservice Management, and is active in numerous charities.
Despite his many years in the industry, Mugnani had first started in the political science career field. Later on did he realize that his true passion was in hospitality and management.
He then chose to study at the Johnson & Wales University culinary school and finished his studies at FIU.
“Ultimately, you need to do what is important to you and what is going to bring you the most fulfillment in your life. That will bring you the largest benefit throughout your career, in your life,” said Mugnani in an interview with Student Media.
Mugnani said his first job after graduating in 1988 was with the company General Hotel and Restaurant Supply. In addition, he built his own catering company.
He said he likes the high touch in business and being on the people side of the business. As alumni, he also started hosting FIU alumni receptions and recruiting students while living in Chicago in 1998.
“Resourcefulness is very important, understanding the people you work with and for is crucial and persistence is critical to success,” Mugnani said.
Both alumni continue to be involved in University activities. Mugnani has been a guest speaker at several events and Cabañas has served as Chairman of the Industry Advisory Board for the Chaplin School.
“I think recognition for me will be great if it is able to reflect to other students what FIU has meant to them and how they should be a strong support of the alumni,” Cabañas said.
maria.serrano@fiusm.com
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