Howard University Receives $20 Million Gift from the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation

Dear Howard University Community,
 
Today I am pleased to announce The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation will provide a $20 million endowment to establish the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership in honor of Marriott International’s beloved president and CEO, Arne Sorenson, who tragically passed away last week from pancreatic cancer. 
 
In addition, Marriott International announces the creation of the Arne M. Sorenson Hospitality Fund which will support the critical programmatic and career development elements of the Hospitality Center. As part of Marriott International’s talent development strategy, the company will provide a grant of one million dollars in support of the Fund and commit to provide internships and full-time positions annually to Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership students. 
 
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. 
 
Lack of diversity in the executive ranks of companies across America has long been a headline and has been further elevated in the national conversation as we are in this important moment of racial reckoning. Through this partnership with The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation and Marriott International, we are best positioned to further our existing commitment and address this most pressing issue. As I have gotten to know the Marriott family over the years, I have been impressed with their commitment to the community and excellence. This program will be a game changer for Howard University students and the hospitality industry by designing unique educational opportunities that meet the future demands of the industry, shaping the already promising talents and passions of our business students, and connecting those students with meaningful careers in the industry. What we are creating is a direct connection between an industry that is on the edge of change and a top caliber talent pool for them to recruit from.

To learn more about the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership and the Arne M. Sorenson Hospitality Fund, or to consider a gift, please visit https://giving.howard.edu/sorensonfund.
 
Please join me in thanking the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation and Marriott International for this life-affirming gift in honor of Mr. Arne Sorenson.
 
Excellence in Truth and Service,

Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA
Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery
President