Chief executive officer and president of the National Restaurant Association Herman Cain will be the guest lecturer at the Fifth Annual Schwebel Lecture today (Monday, Oct. 12, 1998.) Cain will speak on the topic: "Success is a Journey: Opportunities in the Food Service Industry." His talk begins at 2:30 p.m. in the Student Center Kiva. The Student Center is located on East Summit Street and is accessible from Campus Center Drive.
A reflection on the life of Herman Cain quickly insures his credibility to speak on the topic of success being a journey. Cain has climbed a mighty ladder and overcome a variety of obstacles to reach the position he occupies today, and serves as a powerful role model for professionals in the food service business, according to Jeannie Snead, Director of Family and Consumer Studies.
Being the first in his family to go to college was his first obstacle, but Cain took on the challenge and in 1967, following the advice of a high-school math teacher, he earned his first degree in Mathematics from Morehouse College. He later went on to receive his master's in Computer Science from Purdue University in 1971.
Cain's academic experience led him first to the Coca-Cola Company and then to Pillsbury. In just three short years, Cain rose to the position of vice president of corporate systems and services. Cain was climbing fast, but made a sudden stop in 1982 when he stepped down from that position to pursue his true calling in the restaurant business.
After only nine months with the Burger King Corporation, a subsidiary of Pillsbury, Cain was named vice president and general manager. He was now responsible for the entire Philadelphia region. In less than three years, Cain turned the Philadelphia region into one of Burger King's best performing regions.
Cain went on to accept even greater challenges. In 1986, he was selected by Pillsbury to assume the presidency of the declining Godfather's Pizza subsidiary. In less than 18 months, Cain succeeded in turning yet a second subsidiary around. Cain enjoyed the Godfather' Pizza subsidiary so much that in 1988, he led a group of senior managers in purchasing the chain.
These stories and others highlighting the journey of Herman Cain will be told at what Sneed promises to be another enlightening Schwebel lecture.
The Schwebel lecture series was established six years ago as a result of an endowment given to the University by the Schwebel family and the Schwebel Baking Company. "The purpose was to bring nationally known speakers into Kent State University for the students, to inform students, to inspire students and to support the program" said Sneed.
Sneed proudly acknowledges that opportunities are not rare for students wishing to pursue careers in Hospitality. Unlike many programs, the Hospitality and Food Service Management program boast of a 100 percent job placement rate. "The opportunities are there," said Sneed, "the industry desperately needs employees."
When looking for speakers for the lecture series, Sneed seeks strong, qualified, successful individuals to serve as role models for the students. "Inspirational speakers bring in industry support," said Sneed, "if our program is stronger our students will have more opportunities."
Cain was a natural selection for the series, as an African-American who grew up in the South 50 years ago, his rags-to-riches story is sure to be an inspiration to all. This being no secret, Cain is in demand; doing speaking engagements, writing books and even filming a series of business-related videos. Therefore, Sneed has patiently sought after Cain for more than three years. "What we like to do," said Sneed, "is bring in as visible a person as we can get. We really want to bring in industry leaders who can be very inspirational to our students."
The first lecture was given by Henry Haller, a former chef in the White House. Haller had served during five different administrations. Since then, the series has continued in its tradition of excellence by bringing speakers such as vice presidents and C.E.O's from major restaurant companies like The Olive Garden, and The Outback Steak House.
This year, along with a dynamic speaker, participants can look forward to a career fair from 10 a.m. until 2:15 p.m.. At least 50 companies will be represented at the fair including: The Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Cookers, Club Management Association of America, Northern Haserot and The Outback Steak House. Students with disciplines across the board are urged to take advantage of the career fair. "The event is free and you don't have to be in our discipline to participate," said Sneed. "There are lots of opportunities for students in fields such as management, business and accounting."
Following the free lecture, a reception will be held in the Schwebel Garden Room. The event is a fundraiser and tickets for $25 must be purchased in advance. "This is a fundraising event to support scholarships for our students," said Sneed.
For more information or to obtain tickets for the Fifth Annual Schwebel Lecture, contact the School of Family and Consumer Studies at (330) 672-2197.
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10-12-98