Eugenie Soulie MMH ’25: Winner – Leif Evensen EMEA MMH Scholarship Award
Congratulations to Eugenie Soulie MMH ’25, the inaugural winner of the Leif Evensen EMEA MMH Scholarship award. The award is named in memory of Leif Evensen ’66, former CHS Global President and affectionately known as “Mr. Cornell in Europe.” The award is given to an EMEA-based student who has been accepted into the Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) program at the Cornell University Nolan School of Hotel Administration.
Eugenie grew up in France, and her family loved to travel. Eugenie’s mother was an architect, and after a trip to Morrocco she fell in love with the design of the riads (a garden courtyard style home associated with palace architecture). The family eventually purchased multiple riads in Marrakesh, and ultimately moved to Tangier to operate their expansive guest house business throughout Morrocco. This was Eugenie’s entry to the hospitality industry, and the ethos of Life is Service.
Eugenie attended IE University in Spain for her undergraduate degree. Entering college, Eugenie wanted a broad business education. However, during her time in school she reverted to her passion for organizing events, trips, and dinners. Therefore, upon graduation from IE University, she sought to continue her education with a graduate degree in hospitality.
When investigating hospitality Masters programs around the world, Cornell’s MMH program stood out. Eugenie was attracted to Cornell’s reputation for building strong relationships and fostering a sense of community among students. Further, the Cornell MMH program had more of a corporate business orientation, unlike the operations emphasis at competitive universities.
Upon arrival in Ithaca in the fall of 2024, Eugenie was thinking about a career in real estate and finance. However, after taking a few classes, and talking to professors and guest speakers, Eugenie’s interest shifted to brand development. Ultimately, Eugenie would like to re-join the family guest house business and grow the brand throughout EMEA.
Like Leif, Eugenie is a networker. She assertively seeks opportunities to speak with others to learn. Accordingly, Eugenie has reached out to multiple professors, alumni, and industry leaders to seek their guidance. CHS luminaries Liv Gussing ’91, Richy Petrina ’91, and Ted Teng ’79 have had a great impression on Eugenie, and confirmed the promise of the extensive Hotelie network. From them she has received career advice, as well as referrals to other Hotelies in the EMEA region. After communicating with a guest speaker in one of her classes, Eugenie earned the opportunity to work in Miami on a brand development project during the summer of 2025.
Consistent with her desire to network and be engaged with her community, Eugine has joined multiple activities outside the classroom. Eugenie is an active member of the Women in Real Estate Club, as well as the Tableside Club. The latter is a discussion group organized by Richy Petrina featuring local business leaders.
Eugenie has also taken on the role of Head Designer for the MMH lunch during HEC 100 in April 2025. In this position, Eugenie gets to elucidate the theme/brand of the luncheon. Please be sure to say hello to Eugenie if you are attending HEC this year.
During her remaining time in Ithaca, Eugenie is looking forward to continuing to expand her network of contacts around the world. She is looking forward to taking advantage of her access to banking and presentation courses in the Johnson School of Business. Upon graduation, Eugenie plans to work 4 to 5 years in the hospitality industry before joining her father to grow the brand of the family business.
