As I write this, a group of five hospitality and tourism management students have just landed in Nanjing, China, ready to embark on a five-month study abroad experience that will not only expand their knowledge of the world, but will also give them a competitive edge in the job market.

The students will be completing internships at the Jinling Hotel, one of China's top 10 luxury hotels. China is emerging as a leading international destination and the Jinling program, which began in 2000, is a great opportunity for our students. In addition to rotating through all of the hotel's departments, the students will take a six-credit course in Chinese at Nanjing Normal University. Students also have the option of doing a three-credit independent study with an HTM professor. Through this experience, they can earn up to 11 credit hours toward their bachelor's degree.

Study abroad programs are growing by leaps and bounds in CFS — and our students are taking advantage of the opportunity. In 2004-05, we had approximately 135 students traveling abroad to work or study. This summer, we have 81 students participating in study abroad programs around the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, England, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Ireland, Hong Kong, and the Bahamas.

As we compete in a global economy and international borders shrink, our students need to be at the forefront of understanding different cultures, politics, and economies.  

Hail Purdue!

Dennis Savaiano
Dean

Meet us at the fair! On Wednesday, August 17, visitors to the Indiana State Fair will have the opportunity to visit more than 50 exhibits showcasing Purdue's colleges and schools, including CFS. Purdue Day events are free with admission to the fair. For a schedule on the day's activities, visit the Purdue Day at the State Fair Web site.

Purdue is teaming up with Indiana University to establish Infant-Toddler Specialists of Indiana, a network for professionals who work with infants and toddlers. The project is made possible by a $275,000 grant from the Indiana Child Care Fund. Read more about the project.

Hoosier native Laura Sloop joined the CFS development team as a director in June. Previously, she worked as assistant director of development at Manchester College. A 1999 graduate of Manchester, she earned a bachelor's in communication with a minor in journalism. Read more about Laura Sloop.

We hope you are making plans to attend Purdue's Homecoming celebration October 13-15. For information on CFS activities, including Festive Friday events and game day information, visit the CFS Homecoming Web page. For details on celebrations across the University, including a carnival, pep rally, parade, and more, visit the Purdue Homecoming Web site.

Carl Behnke, chef and instructor in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, is offering "Cooking with Chef Carl" classes on July 12 and July 20. Get class and registration information.

Ray Kavanaugh, professor and head, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, has been elected to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Board of Trustees as vice chairman for the 2005-06 term. He has served as a trustee since 1997, most recently serving four years as chairman of the foundation's Certification Governing Board.

Volker Thomas, associate professor, Department of Child Development and Family Studies, received the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Training Award. The award honors AAMFT members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the field of marriage and family therapy by encouraging and training the next generation of MFT researchers and/or practitioners.

September 26-27: HTM Career Day

September 29-October 1: Foods and Nutrition Corporate Affiliates Meeting

October 6: Eva Goble Lecture Series

October 7-8: President's Council Annual Fall Weekend

October 14: CFS Alumni Association Board Meeting

October 13-15: Homecoming Weekend

If you have a comment or question about a story, or if you would like to unsubscribe to CFS e-News, please contact us at cfsalums@purdue.edu. Thanks for reading!