In its first year of operation, the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is being recognized as the top Tourism Partner by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and Auburn-Opelika Tourism.
The Tourism Partnership Award, presented at the 74th annual Auburn Chamber Meeting on February 23, was created to recognize a business, person or project that has been an excellent partner in tourism or instrumental in developing or driving tourism in the Auburn area.
“The mission of Auburn-Opelika Tourism is to positively impact our local economy and to improve the quality of life in our community through tourism and travel,” the nomination read. “We are proud and privileged to celebrate the Rane Center as a true partner that is both sharing and meeting every aspect of that mission. Congratulations to the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center.”
The six story state-of-the-art Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, is home to the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management in the College of Human Sciences. Located at the corner of East Thach Avenue and South College Street, students studying one of the three options in Hospitality Management (culinary science, event management and hotel/restaurant management) or pursuing a graduate degree can now utilize a space with world-class equipment and culinary laboratories all while learning from credentialed faculty, world-renowned chefs and a master sommelier preparing them to be top leaders in the hospitality industry.
“Designed to create a higher standard in education for the hospitality industry, the Rane Center is the ultimate academic and professional partnership, forever changing the landscape of hospitality and tourism in our community,” the nomination read. “Already receiving national and international attention, the facility has been welcoming guests since August and opened its doors to the first round of lucky students in the fall.”
In addition to the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center award, Hans van der Reijden, operating manager of The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center and the commercial aspects of the Rane Culinary Science Center, received the Chairman’s Award based on his outstanding achievement, leadership and dedication to the Auburn community.
For more information about the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center or the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, visit ranecenter.auburn.edu or humsci.auburn.edu/hosp. To view the award presentation video and learn more about the Rane Culinary Science Center, click here
