Presenting 2024 Hotelie Hall of Fame Story - Richard E. Holtzman ’41

Richard E. Holtzman arrived at Cornell in the fall of 1937 from Millersburg, Pennsylvania, a small town outside of Harrisburg, Pa. He was raised by his mother as his father died unexpectedly at the height of the depression, when Richard was very young. His childhood hero was aviator Charles Lindberg, and he had an early fascination with flying. Having the opportunity to attend Cornell University was a dream answered and he fully engaged for his entire time on campus. He was an athlete, served on the Student Council, and enjoyed the Hotel School experience fully, including serving as Managing Director of Hotel Ezra Cornell his senior year.

In his senior year, Richard was also manager of the Cornell varsity basketball team.  In March of 1941, Richard traveled to Cuba with the team for a game organized with the Cuban national team.  He also had the extraordinary opportunity to meet with Cuba’s Prime Minister Zayas.  Below is Cornell President Edmund Day’s letter of introduction paving the way for Richard’s meetings as an ambassador for HEC.