This fall marked the dedication of an innovative new classroom at the Marriott Courtyard at the University of Delaware.
This addition, made possible by a generous donation from the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, is often fondly referred to as “ALICE” ““ Advanced Learning Interactive
At ALICE, students in the Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management (HRIM) at UD’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics experience the real hotel industry, just as they will in their future careers.
The classroom is equipped with seven flat-screen monitors and numerous glass writing surfaces, allowing educators to easily use the classroom as both a traditional lecture classroom and a collaborative student-centered workspace.
The room also features two high-definition video camera systems for teleconferencing and distance education, enabling faculty to engage with guest speakers and students across the world.
“This hotel and classroom exemplify what we do at the Lerner College,” said Lerner College Dean Bruce Weber. “We take students out of the classroom and give them the opportunity for practical applications for that knowledge.”
HRIM Chairperson Sheryl Kline agreed, saying, “Our students learn by doing. They practice, reflect and do it again.”
Bill Sullivan, hotel managing director and adjunct instructor of HRIM, added that the new classroom enables the HRIM department to triple the number of students who gain valuable experiences at the Marriott Courtyard at UD.
