The HoST - November Recap — Niagara University CoHST

From the Dean’s Desk

Bridget Niland, Ph.D., J.D.

‘Tis the Season to Recognize the “Nobility in Service”

Greetings from the fourth floor of Glynn (formerly Vinnie’s) Hall. The fall 2025 semester is coming to a close. Students are readying for final exams, papers, and presentations. Senior students present their capstone projects during exam week, and first-year students wrap-up their study of Will Guidara’s bestselling book Unreasonable Hospitality.

We received the book from our Alumni Association co-president, Wendy Haralson. I read it over a weekend and immediately recognized that the book aligns with our college's mission of preparing students to become leaders in the hospitality, sports, and tourism/event industries. Sure enough, this past year, the popularity and principles of the book spilled beyond hotels and restaurants. Sports coaches and event managers quote the book to inspire teamwork, camaraderie, and servant-based leadership.

One of the book's most powerful messages is the nobility in serving and thinking of others. As Guidara phrases it, when you work in the experience industries, “you have the privilege of joining people as they celebrate the most joyful moments in their lives and the chance to offer them a brief moment of consolation and relief in the midst of their most difficult ones.” Guidara shares even more poignant words noting “we have the opportunity -a responsibility- to make magic in a world that desperately needs more of it.” I just love the challenge that is baked into that sentence.

How do we inspire each other to “make magic” in people’s lives? In a world hyper-focused on showcasing ourselves, how do we help people realize that the real fun is flipping the focus and showcasing the lives and experiences of others? At CoHST, we start by trying to be magic makers for our students while equipping them to do the same for others.

In November, our food and beverage management students planned and hosted the second annual CoHSTgiving meal in Glynn Hall. We also partnered with York College to provide students with a tour of luxury hospitality clubs in New York City. Our sports management students participated in Cornerstone engagement sessions focusing on improving youth sport experiences in WNY, and our Sabres Scholars toured Highmark Stadium with Buffalo Bills front office staff. These are just a few ways CoHST tries to practice our own version of unreasonable hospitality.

We also keep spreading the word about the CoHST magic. Last month, our faculty and staff presented at the Ulitmate DECA PowerTrip in Charlotte, North Carolina, and at the New York State School Counselor Association meeting in Albany, NY. I was fortunate to join WBFO’s Skin In the Game broadcast to discuss the connection between the sports, hospitality, and tourism industries.

As you start the magical month of December, all of us at CoHST wish you the warmest of holiday seasons. May each of you create some magic for yourself and those around you.

All the best,

Bridget

November Postcards

CoHST Marketing Challenge

In November, Visiting Assistant Professor Dr. Matthew Miller sponsored a marketing challenge for students in his digital marketing course.

Students were tasked with creating a new website to promote their products. “Participating in a marketing challenge provides students with invaluable hands-on experience. It encourages creativity, teamwork, and strategic thinking, all of which are crucial for their future careers,” said Dr. Miller.