Many golf enthusiasts consider the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, to be the pinnacle of professional golf. Hosting the event is a huge undertaking, and this year 24 students and their professor from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management (HRTM) program will be working with members, patrons and staff at the famed venue for the 2018 Masters Tournament.
The group will be on the historic grounds of Augusta National prior to the start of the practice rounds and tournament, leaving Lincoln March 29. They begin their duties the next day. About 2,000 hospitality professionals are needed to provide service to participants, members and patrons of Augusta National during the Masters April 1-8 run. The UNL group returns to Nebraska April 10. UNL students and their professor Shannon Rowen will serve in a variety of roles in tournament operations at select locations throughout the property.
“We are thrilled to be returning to Augusta National Golf Club for the third year with a larger contingent of hospitality professionals,” said Rowen, assistant professor of practice in the Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences. “This is an incredible opportunity and experience for the students in our program, and we are so thankful for our relationship with Augusta National and the many private donors who helped make this experience possible.”
Students selected for the 2018 Masters HRTM internship include Ashley Keetle, Lauren Brudigan, Marissa Sandman, Taylor Carlberg, Valan Bellamy, Seanie Schmidt, Casey Smith, Cassidy Kruse, Chelsea Wilkinson, Jordyn Champoux, Jennifer Somma, Amelia Hansen, Eve Baird, Cassie Oliver, Jason Reed, John Silva, Murray Gilbertson, Stevie Dobson, Rachel Tyner, Garrett Bowder, Madina McManus, Samantha Parde, Jordyn Heinle, Paige Freitag and their professor, Shannon Rowen.
Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management students have a leadership minor and can specialize in event management, club management, lodging, human resources, food and beverage management, and/or tourism. The HRTM major resides jointly in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and the College of Education and Human Sciences.