Meet Donna Albano of Stockton University

By Judy Felicetta, GACCA Communications Director

Events Director, Blue Dog Hospitality Group

We had the pleasure of chatting with Donna Albano of Stockton University, and she was so kind as to share with us more about her work!

Judy Felicetta: Where do you work and what is your title?

Donna Albano: I am a professor of Hospitality Tourism and Event Management at Stockton University.

JF: Would you be able to tell us more about what you do?

DA: Yes! I am responsible for Teaching, Research and Service at the University.

JF: Share with us a little more about the Stockton University.

DA: Stockton is our local University providing an excellent environment with more than 160 undergraduate and graduate programs. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary education in a welcoming, vibrant learning community. Our Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management program prides itself on launching student’s careers through active learning, internship experiences and professional networking.

JF: What is the one reason one MUST visit your University?

DA: There’s a million reason to visit Stockton University including the value of our many educational opportunities! However, it’s the community support of our students, events and scholarships that is most important from our friends and colleagues in the GACCA.

JF: What is your favorite part of your job?

DA: The opportunity to be engaged with young scholars learning about the Hospitality Industry.  The ability to continually learn and grow in an academic environment.  The reward of helping support the next generation of hospitality professionals.

JF: What inspires you to be in the hospitality industry?

DA: Hospitality has always been a deep-rooted calling that has resonated throughout my life. Both in industry and academia I am rewarded and fulfilled by the power of human interactions.

JF: Tell us, Donna, why did you join the GACCA?

DA: To connect with like-minded industry professionals and connect the next generation through networking and scholarship.

JF: Rapid-Fire Question time! Favorite Happy Hour spot in the area and why?

DA: Queen Jaynes, Somers Point, NJ. Why?  I have a very personal connection to QJ.  Love the menu iterations, complexity of the cocktails, talent of the team AND I live in Somers Point!

JF: Best recommendations for a family-style dinner?

DA: I have to admit – I don’t often have a need for family style dining – but I did order Carmine’s AC Thanksgiving dinner to go this year, and it was fantastic!

JF: Best got-to spot for Italian Cuisine?

DA: Huge fan of Poppi’s in Wildwood!

JF: What was your favorite GACCA event you ever attended?

DA: I genuinely miss the Wine/Art Fundraisers.  We would host these at various locations in Atlantic City (AC Country Club, Noyes Arts Garage, etc.) to raise money for Hospitality Education Scholarships.

JF: Best bang for your buck in Atlantic County?

DA: Somers Point FREE Beach concerts all summer!

JF: Best recommendation for a luxurious meal?

DA: I love American Bar and Grill and everything Chef Aram Mardigian makes!

JF: Do you have any upcoming announcements or anything you’d like to highlight?

DA: I just want to encourage everyone in the GACCA to continue to support the next generation of hospitality professionals, through scholarship support, internships and supporting Stockton University.

JF: Donna, thank you so much for sharing more about what you bring to our local hospitality community!

DA: My pleasure!

Website: https://www.stockton.edu/business/hospitality-tourism-program.html

Phone: 609-652-4493

Email: donna.albano@stockton.edu