The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation and Howard University, an historically Black institution, have created the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership, in honor of Marriott International’s late CEO Arne Sorenson, who died last week from pancreatic cancer.
Arne SorensonThe foundation plans to give $20 million to launch the center. Marriott International will also establish the Arne M. Sorenson Hospitality Fund, meant to support career development at the center, which will be housed in Howard University’s School of Business.
“Lack of diversity in the executive ranks of companies across America has long been a headline and has been further elevated in the national conversation as we are in this important moment of racial reckoning,” said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, Howard University’s president.
“This program will be a game changer for Howard University students and the hospitality industry by designing unique educational opportunities that meet the future demands of the industry, shaping the already promising talents and passions of our business students, and connecting those students with meaningful careers in the industry,” said Frederick. “What we are creating is a direct connection between an industry that is on the edge of change and a top caliber talent pool for them to recruit from.”
