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The Collins College of Hospitality Management may be a public institution, yet a tradition of philanthropy from industry partners has enabled the college to grow significantly in infrastructure, reputation and quality of education.

The college has fostered a strong alignment to industry trends and commitment from industry leaders since its formation in 1973. The growth and maturation of the program during the past 35 years is due largely to the unwavering support from industry partners. Private funding has allowed the college to build 43,000 square feet of high-tech facilities including classrooms, laboratories, the Restaurant Kellogg Ranch, and a living wine library for applied food and beverage instruction.

The college also benefits from more than $11 million in endowments. Interest earned from these endowments is used to support student scholarships, faculty development and alumni outreach.

Generous donors such as Carol and Jim Collins, Hae and Shina Park, Peggy and Andrew Cherng, and Mary Alice and Richard N. Frank have allowed the college to grow and flourish throughout the years. Additionally, numerous companies such as Darden Restaurants, Disney, Handlery Hotels, Marriott, Hilton Hotels, Hyatt, and Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. have bolstered the quality of education at The Collins College through generous contributions.

The college remains on the forefront of industry trends by working hand-in-hand with its Board of Advisors. This group of key hospitality leaders ensures the program’s methods and practices are consistent with those of the industry and that its curriculum is aligned with industry needs.

Throughout the academic year, numerous industry leaders visit campus as guest speakers sharing keen insights into their careers. The college's signature keynote speaking event is the annual Richard N. Frank Distinguished Lectureship Series.

Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Award

The college has shown its appreciation to individuals whose vision and leadership have advanced the wine and food industry with the Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Award. The award is typically given during Harvest Auction, which is college's premier fund-raising event.

In 2008, The Collins College of Hospitality Management honored the life and legacy of Carl N. Karcher the founder of Carl’s Jr., by awarding him posthumously with the Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Award. The award was presented to his family during the university's Southern California Tasting & Auction on May 4.

Karcher had been an enthusiastic supporter of Cal Poly Pomona and The Collins College of Hospitality Management. He was one of the first industry leaders to work with faculty and administrators to develop what is now the college. He provided major donations for the program’s two capital campaigns in the 1980s and 1990s and served as co-chair of the second campaign to expand the college’s buildings. The Margaret M. & Carl N. Karcher Plaza was named in his and his wife’s honor during the university’s Founders' Day festivities in 1997.

The inaugural Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Award was presented to Margrit and Robert Mondavi in 1999. Julia Child, Alice Waters, Carol and Jim Collins, Bruce J. Schwartz, Richard N. Frank, and Leslie and Bob Spivak have each received this award in subsequent years.