The University of Utah has been granted a landmark $25 million gift from The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation to establish the J.W. Marriott, Jr. Institute.
The new initiative is designed to change how students across disciplines develop leadership skills rooted in hospitality principles. The Institute represents a student-centric approach to hospitality education beyond traditional classroom learning and will serve as a multidisciplinary hub providing immersive, co-curricular programs that integrate hospitality principles into diverse academic fields, according to the company.
"We are redefining hospitality not simply as an industry, but as a mindset that empowers leaders in every field to create exceptional experiences and drive meaningful impact by honoring the values that have long defined the Marriott name—excellence, integrity, and service to others," said Taylor Randall, president of the Salt Lake City-based University of Utah, in a statement. "The Marriott family's deep connection to the University of Utah, with J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr. as a proud alumnus and long-time supporter, is a testament to their enduring commitment to expanding opportunities for all people. We are deeply grateful for their visionary leadership in establishing this pioneering Institute, which will carry Bill Marriott's legacy forward and prepare our students to lead in the evolving experience economy."
The Institute will eventually offer programs ranging from global internships and leadership development to campus-based hospitality training and industry-sponsored projects. These experiences are designed to provide students with real-world skills, industry access, such as offerings from The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, and resume-defining opportunities regardless of academic discipline, according to the company.
Marc Brown, the inaugural executive director, will oversee these efforts as the Institute transforms the University of Utah's campus into a living laboratory where students can work directly with on-campus businesses, events, and services.
"The J. W. Marriott, Jr. Institute represents our commitment to attracting and developing the next generation of hospitality leaders," Mieka Wick, CEO of The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, said in a statement. "Through this Institute, we aim to inspire students to carry forward Bill's legacy of visionary leadership, integrity, and service and to elevate hospitality as a leadership philosophy across the global economy. We envision a future where students from all academic backgrounds gain the hands-on experience and relationship-centered outlook needed to excel in their careers. By equipping students with adaptable leadership skills, service excellence, innovation capabilities, and customer experience expertise, the Institute will build a talent pipeline uniquely prepared to lead in environments where people care for people."