UKIAH, Calif. – On Thursday, May 12, Mendocino College in Ukiah opened its campus to 150 high school students from Lake and Mendocino high schools for the Hospitality & Business Career Summit.

The goal was to expose students to a variety of careers and post-secondary opportunities.

Upon check-in, students received a college backpack along with supplies for the day before embarking on their daylong journey.

College President Arturo Reyes and Interim Dean Steve Hixenbaugh addressed the group and reinforced the message that it is never too late to strive for academic success.

With college student ambassadors at the helm, students rotated through a series of sessions where they participated in workshops on hospitality, tourism, culinary, business and finance.

Presenters included industry professionals as well as instructors.

Tourism was hosted by Erica Tyner of Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce and Gracia Brown of Visit Mendocino.

Culinary was lead by Matt Dunkin of Slam Dunk Pizza, Julia Siderakis of Ukiah Garden Café, and Ashlin Garbocci of Maple Café.

Guiding the hospitality sessions was Steve Brutocao of Brutocao Cellars, Jitu Ishwar of Travelodge and Patrick Streight of Coyote Valley Casino.

Sid Harper of Savings Bank and Dan Buffalo of the city of Lakeport conducted the finance sessions and the world of business was directed by Steve O’Mara of West Company, Chelsea Hendershot and Keli Anthis who serve as deputy sector navigators for the state of California.

Along the way students were provided mini tours of the campus, focusing on key elements such as the library, counseling office and most importantly Schat’s Bakery.

Lunch time activities included participation in a career fair, lunch by Maple Café and a raffle of prizes including college spirit items, travel drives and Kindle Fire tablet. 

The summit was supported by the Career Pathway Trust Grant, Doing What Matters, Mendocino College, Mendocino County Office of Education and the Lake County Office of Education Career & College Readiness Department.