Letter from 2026 Global President Alex Koch '04
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Dear Fellow Hotelies, There is a unique energy that comes with being part of the Cornell Hotel Society—a sense of belonging that stretches far beyond the walls of Statler Hall. Whether you graduated decades ago or just recently walked across the stage at Barton Hall, that shared commitment to "Life is Service" remains our strongest bond. No matter where the road of life takes us, our shared experiences and hospitality mindset make us “Hotelies for Life.” As we look toward the upcoming year, I am filled with gratitude for this community and excited about the ways we are growing together. The Heart of Our Society: Volunteering and Connection Our chapters thrive because of the time and passion you invest in them. Seeing so many of you at our recent mixers, volunteer events, and regional summits has been a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do. These events aren’t just networking opportunities; they are moments to reconnect with old friends and mentor the next generation of hospitality leaders. I invite you to join us at an event this year. Our global event calendar is continually being updated in The Lobby. For the more than 2,800 of us who have attended an event in the last year, I encourage you to stay engaged. Whether it’s hosting a local dinner or speaking to a group of students, your presence is what makes this network the most powerful alumni association in the world. To our more than 200 volunteers helping at chapter, regional, and/or global levels, thank you. As a volunteer-led organization, we can only fulfill our mission with the capable and caring hands of many volunteers. Hotelie Office Hours: Mentoring In the survey last year, you told us you wanted to mentor and be mentored. The CHS Global Board and the Mentoring Committee have been working hard to roll out Hotelie Office Hours. This program will facilitate high-impact, low-barrier connections across our network. Keep an eye out for registration details coming soon. If you want to volunteer on the Mentoring Committee, please reach out to me or CHS Executive Director, Susan Boyle ‘87 at [email protected]. Teeing Off: Our Inaugural Golf Tournament I am thrilled to announce a new tradition: our first-ever CHS Chapter Golf Tournament in Palm Springs this September! This isn't just about the links; it’s a fundraiser to support our Society's mission and scholarship funds. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just coming for the networking, we want you there. Celebrating Dean Walsh: A Decade of Leadership Finally, we have a significant milestone to celebrate. This year marks Dean Kate Walsh’s 10th and final year of service as dean of the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration. As her tenure as Dean concludes in June, it is difficult to overstate her impact. She has ensured that Cornell remains a gold standard for hospitality education, while championing our alumni network at every turn and adapting the curriculum to meet market demands, without compromising what it means to be “A Hotelie for Life” or our ethos of “Life Is Service.” As we gather this year, let’s take the time to express our appreciation for her vision. A search is underway for the next Dean, and when the University announces the candidate, we will be ready to welcome them into our global family. Looking Ahead: Global Leadership I am so privileged to volunteer alongside an amazing CHS Global Board of Directors, including:
I’m also excited to volunteer alongside the 13 Regional Vice Presidents, 56 Chapter Presidents, Executive Director Susan Boyle ‘87, and the dozen Global Committees & Functional Teams across the globe. Looking Ahead: 2026 Anchor Events I hope to see you at one of our many upcoming gatherings:
With over 150 gatherings expected across the world this year, I look forward to Hotelies connecting with each other, and hope to attend many events this coming year. Looking Back: Thank You My journey with CHS has been shaped by many incredible individuals. I want to thank my family: my wife Ellen, daughters Gabriella (Hotelie ‘38?) and Charley (Hotelie ‘40?), my parents (who sacrificed greatly so I could attend Cornell and for whom I'm forever thankful), and my sister Liz CALS ‘07 and her husband Ryan for their love & endless support. I am also deeply grateful to extended family, in-laws, and my colleagues at The Familee Company and Eureka Casinos for encouraging my devotion to this Society. I am grateful to those Hotelies who opened doors and helped mentor me: Bob Arnold ‘68, Andrew Klebanow MPS ‘91, Andre Carrier ‘92, Mark Birtha ‘94, Zach Conine ‘03, and Julia Greenman ‘03, and SHA faculty & staff including Cheki Dev, Mark & Reneta McCarthy, Bruce Tracey, Preston Clark, Giuseppe Pezzotti, Rupert Spies, Neil Geller, Daphne Jameson, Phil Miller, and Dave Sherwyn. To my fellow alumni: Keep taking those calls. When a professor calls with a great candidate, make room for them. You’ll be amazed at the greatness that follows. I also want to thank our recent past Global Presidents, Jeff Scott MPS ‘91, Richy Petrina ‘01, and Becky Lee ‘02 for their leadership and care for CHS. It’s been a privilege to volunteer alongside you. Thank you to Anika Malhotra MMH ‘12 and Daryl Ansel MMH ‘99 for their recent service on the Global Board. Conclusion: 2026 is a Year of Growth & Change I’m so excited for what 2026 has in store for us all and for the Cornell Hotel Society. The hospitality industry is undergoing a period of significant change; as leaders of the industry, it is our responsibility to help shape its future. By connecting through CHS and taking advantage of the great panels, educational opportunities, and networking opportunities, we can help direct the industry to a brighter future. I’m so looking forward to a brighter future together and am thankful for your faith in me to help lead the organization effectively. Cheers to a great 2026!
Sincerely,
Alex Koch '04 Global President Cornell Hotel Society Email: [email protected] #HotelieForLife
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