William J. “Bill” Callnin ‘56

The Cornell Hotel Society mourns the passing of Bill Callnin ‘56.  Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a leading hospitality consultant, and a dedicated Hotelie.  He passed in Virginia Beach on December 31, 2025 at the age of 91.

After graduating from the Hotel School in 1956, Bill served over 10 years as a Naval Aviator.  Upon completing his service, Bill worked as a consultant with Laventhol and Horwath, followed by management roles within the gaming industry.  In 1989 he co-founded Cayuga Hospitality Advisors, an international group of consultants primarily from the Cornell Hotel School.

For Cornell, Bill was five-time chairman of his reunion class.  On behalf of the Cornell Hotel Society, bill served as Global President during the 1981 / 1982 academic year.

Memorial donations can be made in Bill’s honor to The Wounded Warrior Project.

Below is a link to Bill’s obituary in the Williamsburg Yorktown Daily.

William J. “Bill” Callnin, 91, of Virginia Beach | Williamsburg Yorktown Daily