As FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management celebrates its 50th anniversary, the school will be commemorating a significant milestone in its history. To mark this occasion, the school has planned an exciting celebration that promises to be an unforgettable experience.

The festivities will kick off with an interactive video series, showcasing the achievements and legacy of FIU's students, faculty, and industry partners. Additionally, a 3-D map highlighting the global presence of FIU alumni will provide a fascinating glimpse into the impact of the school on the hospitality industry worldwide.

One of the highlights of the celebration is the experiential activations that have been planned. The FIU Bartender's Guild, comprising student members of the school's professional club, will be mixing their award-winning cocktails, while Cecilia, the robot bartender powered by Artificial Intelligence, will also be serving up drinks. This unique combination of human talent and AI technology promises to create a truly immersive experience for attendees.

The 50th-anniversary cocktail party will take place in the same room where the school's first commencement ceremony was held, a testament to the school's rich history and commitment to excellence. The first graduation took place at the Fontainebleau's Fontaine/Fleur de Lis Ballroom, with just over a dozen students receiving their diplomas.

According to Michael Cheng, dean of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, 'Hospitality is one of the world's largest industries, which has gone through so much over the past three years. Now it's time to celebrate the accomplishments and legacy of our school, students, faculty, and industry with a party where it all began.'

The celebration will take place on Friday, May 13, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach, and everyone is invited to join in the festivities. The year 1972 holds significant importance for FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, as it was also the year when the school first opened its doors.

Interestingly, 1972 was a momentous year for other reasons as well. It was the year that PONG became the first commercially successful video game, HBO made its debut as a cable channel, and Trekkies gathered at the first Star Trek fan convention in New York City to pay homage to the iconic Vulcan salute.

Overall, FIU's 50th-anniversary celebration promises to be an unforgettable event that will bring together students, faculty, industry partners, and alumni for a night of revelry and remembrance. With its rich history, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to excellence, the school is poised to continue making waves in the hospitality industry for years to come.

Fiu robot bartender