The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation together with Howard University announced the establishment of the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership in honor of Marriott International’s former president and CEO, Arne Sorenson, who recently passed away from pancreatic cancer. The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation will provide a $20 million endowment to launch the Center at Howard University, one of the nation’s leading historically Black colleges and universities.
In addition, Marriott International announced the creation of the Arne M. Sorenson Hospitality Fund which will support the critical programmatic and career development elements of the center. This fund is dedicated to helping the industry build leadership talent in hospitality. Marriott has pledged the first donation of $1 million and is inviting other companies, organizations, and individuals from all industries to support this effort.
The Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership, which will be housed in Howard University’s School of Business, will feature a best-in-class program that expands educational and professional opportunities for Howard students and aims to develop future executives in the hospitality industry.
Photo: Courtesy of Marriott International
