Motwani Gala to Raise Funds for Hospitality Students at Broward College

With the tourism industry continuing to rebound post-Covid and Visit Florida reporting that a record 36 million visited the state in the first quarter of 2022, the workforce needs in the industry also continue to increase.

To support students in their pursuit of a career in hospitality, the Motwani family will host the annual R. Motwani Family Gala from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, October 27th at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale to raise funds for students enrolled in the R. Motwani Family Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Broward College.

Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner and an evening filled with successful student accomplishments. Tickets and sponsorships are available at giving.broward.edu/gala.

“It’s important to recognize the Motwani family and the positive impact they have had on our students,” said Paul Moore, Ed.D., Esq., Dean, Business & Management Studies at Broward College and the R. Motwani Family Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Management. “Through the incredible generosity of the Motwani family, our students have access to internships, scholarships, guest speakers who are leaders in the industry and hands-on field trip opportunities.”

The Academy, established three years ago, is a memorial tribute to Ramesh “Bob” Motwani by Ramola and sons Nitin and Dev Motwani to honor the patriarch’s legacy, leadership and commitment to the hospitality industry.

“It is so essential for us to give students a quality education focused on hands-on experiences and innovative initiatives,” said Ramola Motwani, chairwoman of Merrimac Ventures, real estate investment and development firm focused primarily on luxury real residential, resort and mixed-use developments with significant investment in multi-family residential, hotels, retail and office. “This program at Broward College brings the industry to life through an environment of experiential learning and opportunities that result in graduates who are ready to hit the ground running. That’s important because the hospitality industry is so economically vital to our community.”

Sponsors include Rick and Rita Case Automotive Group, Greenberg Traurig, P.A., Stearns Weaver Miller, P.A., Bilzin Sumberg, Native Realty and more.

The hospitality and tourism management programs at Broward College develop leadership, communications and management skills necessary to succeed in the industry. Students develop competencies that a successful hospitality professional will need during their first five to ten years of employment within the field. Students are offered flexible class schedules, a skill-based curriculum, professors who are active in the industry, job placement and internship assistance and affordable tuition with dedicated scholarship funds. The Hospitality Advisory Board, comprised of local hotel executives, meets bi-annually to share updates about the industry and the program. The partnership between industry leaders and the College helps to ensure that the program curriculum remains relevant.

For more information, email Elisa Stone at estone1@broward.edu.

About the Broward College Foundation:

The Broward College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the officially designated means of making private, charitable contributions to Broward College.  Its purpose is to change lives through education by providing community awareness, advocacy and funding to the College.  Members of the Foundation’s volunteer board of directors work closely with the College’s Office of Advancement to raise money to support scholarships, academic programs and learning facility enhancements. They believe every person who is determined to change their life through the pursuit of higher education should be afforded that opportunity.  For more information, visit broward.edu/foundation or call 954-201-7414.

About Broward College:

Serving approximately 60,000 students annually, Broward College provides residents with certificate programs, two-year university-transfer degrees, two-year career degrees, and baccalaureate degrees in selected programs. The mission of the College is to provide high-quality educational programs and services that are affordable and accessible to a diverse community of learners. For more information, visit www.broward.edu.