In Memory of Carla Petzold-Beck '95
Published on March 7, 2025
This week, we said goodbye to a beautiful soul who passed away in Chile, surrounded by her family. Carla Petzold-Beck ‘95 suffered a stroke on the plane while en route for a holiday with her family. What we will remember most is Carla’s extraordinary passion for life, her connection to countless people and places, and her infectious positive spirit and joy for living.
Carla made Morocco, her home over the last decade with her travel company Epic showcasing visitors a culture she cherished. Her adventures through Morocco's diverse landscapes, from the Sahara's breathtaking dunes to the vibrant streets of Marrakesh, reflected her adventurous soul and desire to connect with the world around her.
Before settling in Morocco, Carla spent 17 years in SE Asia, where she managed legendary hotels such as Nihiwatu and The Legian in Indonesia, La Residence D’Angkor in Cambodia, and Carcosa Seri Negara in Malaysia. Carla wholeheartedly embraced her grandfather's vision—Dean Beck who led Cornell’s Hotel School for 20 years—of fostering a spirit of global hospitality and cultivating meaningful human connections.
Carla retained a deep connection to Cornell, hosting the annual CHS Asia-Pacific meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2008, where the adventure-filled BMW treasure hunt remains a fond memory. She wanted to host a future CHS EMEA meeting in Morocco.
Despite her untimely passing, Carla's legacy continues to shine through the lives she touched and the warmth she shared. As one of her friends said, you have flown ahead, set up a magnificent dining table and filled the fridge with bubbles and rosé, eagerly waiting to greet us when our time comes.
This lovely tribute was shared with us by her dear friend Liv Gussing Burgess 91'