Unlocking a Career: Meet 2024 PNW Graduate Anthony Powell

Anthony Powell, 24, will take a step closer to his dream of owning a winery and restaurant when he graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) from the White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management of the College. of Business at Purdue University Northwest (PNW).

Growing up, cooking was always a part of Powell’s life. He knew from a young age that he wanted to be a part of the restaurant industry and a job in high school confirmed that this was the field he wanted to pursue. He knew that to be successful in owning his own restaurant, he needed a formal education and chose PNW’s HTM program. A course in wine appreciation piqued his interest and led to a more in-depth study of wine, visits to regional wineries, and even wine production at home.

Powell is the recipient of a Chancellor’s Medallion, an honor awarded to baccalaureate candidates with the highest grade point average at each academic college.

As a member of the Honors College, Powell served as a mentor to new students and participated in numerous volunteer opportunities. He played a role in reactivating the HTM Club, a student group that had been dormant since before the pandemic. Additionally, he has served as a teaching assistant for the Wine Appreciation class and has worked as a volunteer on several HTM events while working full-time in the restaurant industry.

The Valparaiso native has presented twice at PNW’s Days of Discovery. In 2022 his topic was The Ethics of Automation and in 2024 he presented Understanding Young Consumers’ Perceptions of Alcohol: An Exploratory Study on Declining Alcohol Consumption Among “Generation Z”.

After graduating, Powell is looking to enter the wine industry and gain hands-on training and experience, possibly through an apprenticeship in the field. He is working towards certification through the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, an international organization dedicated to the development and delivery of qualifications and courses in wine and spirits, and plans to pursue certification in online winemaking through Purdue West Lafayette. Eventually, he would like to open a winery and restaurant somewhere in Indiana, Michigan or Wisconsin.

What does being named a recipient of the Chancellor’s Medallion mean to you?

“I am honored to receive this medallion. This shows that my hard work over the past four years has paid off. Besides getting good grades, there isn’t really a physical representation of the time and effort I’ve put into school – receiving this recognition allows me to have something to show for it.

What did you like most about PNW?

“I really enjoyed the people of PNW. It’s just about meeting and connecting with people and learning about each other’s different backgrounds and experiences.

What did you like most about your HTM program?

“My favorite part was the laboratory courses because of the challenges they presented. You come in, put together a menu and a complete program for the day, set everything up, serve your guests and then you still have to clean up – you do it all in one day. It’s a lot of work but it’s exciting and it keeps you on your toes.

“I really enjoyed having to figure things out, it’s like a giant puzzle and you have to arrange it to get the best results. It provides practice and experience without the fear of being fired. It was just a very pleasant experience for me.

How do you think your involvement in campus organizations and activities has helped define your success at PNW?

“Participating in events on campus has been a great way to meet other students and make connections. The main lessons were developing communication skills, working in groups and learning to be patient and more compassionate by taking into account multiple people’s perspectives – all of which you really need for a workplace .

What advice would you share with future students interested in attending PNW?

“Start early by joining or doing more with student clubs and organizations. It’s a great way to connect with other people and have different experiences. It also helps create who you are as a person. Also try working while you study – this gives you experience, a foot in the door and connections to make your job search easier.

Is there anyone at PNW who has inspired or encouraged you along your journey?

Pitparnee Stompor

CLINICAL PROFESSOR OF HOTEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

“Chef Pit taught me to see the value in everything and pushed me to become a better leader and a better person. She was talking about personal empowerment.

Matthew Bauman

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF HOTEL AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

“Dr. Bauman pushed me to pursue my studies in wine and helped mentor me through the wine certification I am working on. It has also given me multiple opportunities to do more with wine, host different events and get my foot in the door to the workplace and the wine industry.