Raul Bermudez

Year in school: 5th

Statement about being a Collins Ambassador: I am extremely happy and honored to be one of the Collins Ambassadors. I feel that the Collins College has done so much for me. I believe so much in our college, faculty, and staff that I really want to help recruit and promote involvement among our students. I am very excited about helping other students.

College activities: Last year I was inducted into the Eta Sigma Delta Honor Society. I have volunteered throughout the year in different events such as Career Month and Hospitality Uncorked. I recently joined the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality and look forward to getting more involved.

Career goal: My career goal is to work in hotels and resorts in Spain or another city in Europe. My short term goal is to join the Corporate Management Trainee program at Hyatt once I graduate.

Most memorable college experience: My most memorable college experience would have to be being selected as a Scholarship recipient by the Hotel and Restaurant Foundation (HARF) and volunteering at the Hospitality Uncorked event.

Kristin Conant

Year in school: 4th

Statement about being a Collins Ambassador: I am honored and excited to represent the Collins College as a Collins Ambassador. It gives me the opportunity to give back to the college. Thanks to this college, I have learned all aspects of the hospitality industry by taking advantage of numerous extracurricular and volunteer opportunities. It is my time to show others what The Collins College is all about and inspire young students to get involved in this wonderful industry.

College activities: I have lived on campus for three years. I enjoy supporting our sports teams and bringing life to campus. I thrive on filling up my schedule with being on the Cal Poly Yoga Alliance executive board, a member of the gym, the director of fundraising for Association of Student Event Planners, active member of Cal Poly Hospitality Association, Roundtable for Food Professionals, and the United Culinarians. This year, I will be serving as vice president of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality.

Career goal: My goal is to become well rounded in both foodservice and the hotels/resorts industries. I aspire to become a college professor after many years of putting quality time into the industry.

Most memorable college experience: My most memorable college experience was receiving a phone call that I was chosen for a scholarship that was very important to me. It made me feel like all of my hard work paid off.

Melissa Fackler

Year in school: 3rd

Statement about being a Collins Ambassador: I am so excited to be spending this year as a Collins Ambassador for so many reasons. I cannot wait to educate people not only about the hospitality industry, but about our incredible program that I am so honored to be a part of. I am thrilled to keep the spirit of Collins thriving and to get current students excited and involved.

College activities: I am a current member of United Culinarians, Round Table for Food Professionals and Club Managers Association of America as well as Vice President of The Association of Student Event Planners and Director of Food and Beverage for the Cal Poly Relay for Life.

Career goal:I have an extreme passion for the events world and would like to focus my career on that.

Most memorable college experience: Starting my second year at Collins was when I really realized that I was where I needed to be. Coming back to school and realizing how many people I had built relationships with in just one year was incredible. From students to professors and staff, The Collins College has created a family for me that I am thrilled to spend the next two years with!

Mario Jaramillo

Year in school: 4th

Statement about being a Collins Ambassador: I am thrilled to be a Collins Ambassador because I am proud to be a student at the Collins College of Hospitality Management. I want others to experience all the great opportunities that are available, from working at The Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch, to meeting industry professionals. The amount of co-curricular events, scholarships, and job placement opportunities at Collins are incredible.

College activities: Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Management Society, Kellogg Honors College Ambassadors, National Society of Minorities in Hospitality.

Career goal: After graduation I plan to start my career with a company that is a leader in the hospitality industry. I also would like to continue my education by earning a Master of Science in Hospitality Management and eventually become a professor for a hospitality education program.

Most memorable college experience: I have so many memorable experiences at the Collins College, but the one that takes the cake is volunteering at Hospitality Uncorked. Just being part of an event that brought together some of the biggest names in hospitality in southern California was an unforgettable experience.

Katy Johnson

Year in school: 4th

Statement about being a Collins Ambassador: I am so honored to be representing the Collins College as an Ambassador. I look forward to promoting the college to all ages of students and encouraging their dreams of being in the hospitality industry. This year, I hope our team is able to develop a great connection with current students as well as prospective students and alumni.

College activities: I have been actively involved as a student assistant for HRT 281 helping students develop the necessary sanitation, cooking, and cleaning procedures to work in a professional kitchen. I was also involved in the Rose Float Club.

Career goal: After graduation I plan on becoming a manager for Brinker International's concept Chili's. I plan on working my way up the management ranks and one day hope to be a regional manager.

Most memorable college experience: My time spent learning and working in the Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch has been my most rewarding experience of my college career. Not only did the restaurant broaden my knowledge of restaurant management, it opened my eyes to all the possibilities that lie before me after completing my degree. I also have made valuable friendships with my fellow students as well as teachers that will last me the rest of my life.

Helen Kim

Year in school: 4th

Statement about being a Collins Ambassador: I am so honored to be a Collins Ambassador for the 2012-2013 school year. We are so fortunate to represent such an amazing hospitality program. The journey as a Collins Ambassador going into my final year at Collins College will be remarkable.

College activities: Collins Ambassador

Career goal: My career goal is to be in the hospitality industry with a focus in hotel operations. I am currently employed with Marriott International and seek growth within the company. I will pursue a Management in Training program position with the company once I graduate. I aspire to become a General Manager.

Most memorable college experience: Studying abroad in Florence, Italy. This experience was through the Apicius Program through The Collins College. To be abroad and learn about the language and culture of Italy was such an unforgettable experience. Not to mention the food was absolutely amazing!

Matt McMaster

Year in school: 4th

Statement about being a Collins Ambassador: I'm so happy to be a Collins Ambassador for a second year! I love the Collins College and being able to share my passion for both education and the hospitality industry with students, professionals and many others. The first year of being an Ambassador was incredible and I think this year will be even better.

College Activities: President CPHA. Member of Association of Student Event Planners, Roundtable for Food Professionals, United Culinarians, and Club Managers Association of America. Volunteering for multiple events including Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival and LA Magazine Food Event.

Career goal: Senior Management for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Most memorable college experience: Meeting the Board of advisors as a freshman. It was my first time having the opportunity to meet with such high level executives and I ended up getting my first internship out of it. It was really a great experience.

Tracy Tran

Year in school: 5th

Statement about being a Collins Ambassador: As a returning Collins Ambassador, I am extremely excited to work and grow together with the new team throughout the course of the year. There is nothing better than representing this wonderful school with a group of students who feel the exact same way.

College activities: President of Roundtable for Food Professionals, United Culinarians, Eta Sigma Delta, Collins College Ambassador

Career goals: I would love to one day manage and operate my own café.

Most memorable college experience: Meeting so many wonderful people, whether on campus or off campus at a school-related function. Not only have I been blessed to create bonds with classmates, but I have also had the opportunity to meet important individuals who have made an impact in the hospitality field.