Students of the Eta Sigma Delta chapter at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management recently honored chef instructor Jay Judy as Teacher of the Year. The international hospitality management honor society presents the annual award to the faculty member who shows exemplary teaching and professional service that contributes to the real difference in the life and education of students.
Members of the Eta Sigma Delta chapter created the faculty award as a way to honor excellence in the areas that are central to the honor society’s mission: service, leadership, excellence, creativity and ethics.
“I’m honored to receive this award,” said Judy. “I feel extremely fortunate just to be able to teach what I’m most passionate about, so for students to actually show their appreciation through this award is just icing on the cake for me.”
The former executive chef, who has served as an instructor at UCF’s Rosen College since 2010, teaches Food Preparation for Catered Events (FSS 2282), Techniques of Food Preparation (FSS 2221), Sanitation in the Food Service Industry (HFT 4844), and Catering and Banquet Organization (FSS 4286). Judy taught more than 215 students during the Spring 2013 term.
About Eta Sigma Delta
In 1978, a group of students from the University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore School of Business and Economics identified a need to recognize hospitality and tourism students for outstanding academic achievement, meritorious service and demonstrated professionalism.
At that time, honor societies existed for other disciplines, but not for the field of study serving one of the world’s largest industries.
As a special project, the students researched and evaluated a variety of options for fulfilling this need. The end result was the establishment of the first chapter of Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Management Society. Today, there are over 90 active Eta Sigma Delta chapters throughout the world. The growth is testament to the dedication of both students and professionals in hospitality and tourism to the pursuit of academic, professional and personal excellence. The guidance and support of International CHRIE has made it possible for ESD to grow. It is the intent that this Society will lead hospitality and tourism educators and professionals to the highest levels of professionalism and achievement.