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Department of Hospitality Management

Senior Spotlight: McKenna Stout

My name is McKenna Stout and I’m a 5th year senior in the Events track of Hospitality Management, graduating this summer after my final internship! I actually originally began college as an Interior Design major. It wasn’t until spring of my sophomore year that I decided to pick up Hospitality as a minor. By the end of my junior year I realized that I really enjoyed my Hospitality classes, even more so than my design classes. So, I decided it was time for a change. I switched majors and began the fall semester of my senior year with all hospitality classes.

I dove in head first! I got involved in the PEMS club, attending several PCMA events; joined the CMAA club and picked up an officer position; was invited, initiated into and became an officer of the KON Human Ecology Honor Society, and even had a role as a Union Program Council co-chair to gain more event experience. I was hooked! Within my past two years as a Hospitality major, I have had a multitude of opportunities that have helped me to grow in my education and set me apart for my future career. I’ve managed events through my classes, (including the Travel and Dining Auction and the Hospitality Summit), through an internship at the Hyatt Place Kansas City/Lenexa City Center, and through the HM Department (the first World of Wines Event Series). In addition to the hospitality experiences, I was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority as well as the Honor and Integrity Honor Council. Needless to say, I’m very grateful for the relationships I’ve made and the knowledge I’ve acquired during my time here at K-State and in our beloved Justin Hall.

As for the future, this summer I will be interning in the events department at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown! I am looking forward to learning more about larger scale events and client interactions. I hope to remain in the event industry in my career and continue to make this university and this department proud. As always, Go Cats!