The hospitality industry is known for its generosity. At Missouri State University, our students learn the importance of giving back to the community early in their college career. This semester, Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) Hospitality Honor Society members, Lauren McGrath, Alexa Blankenship, and Jalyn Weaver recently volunteered at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in Springfield along with their co-advisor, Dr. Melissa Dallas. Combined, the volunteers estimated they moved close to five tons of tile in one afternoon and had fun completing the task.

The volunteer efforts of ESD represent the department’s commitment to community service. Each semester over 90% of our HRA students participate in community engagement activities. This is just one way the HRA department ensures that we are developing Hospitality Leaders who are also citizen scholars.