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Celebrating the Training and Employment Success of more than 360 Graduates

Nearly 200 people came together to celebrate the National Statler Center’s 10th Anniversary; the celebration was held in conjunction with the graduation of our 34th Hospitality class.

The Statler Center was founded in 1999 by Ronald Maier, President of the Olmsted Center for Sight. Statler was envisioned as becoming the leading training and employment opportunity center for blind, visually impaired, and physically disabled individuals. With a focus on opportunities in the hospitality and hotel industry, the Statler Foundation was approached to help fund the new center—and they generously agreed to support the concept. 

Bob Bennett of the Statler Foundation served as MC at the 10th Anniversary event, and he represented the passion and personality that is Statler. Mr. Bennett first introduced Class 34 Student Speaker Brian Follett (Wakefield, RI). Brian reflected on the cause of his vision loss (a tick bite that resulted in Lyme disease) and described how he has overcome the resulting vision loss—through a winning attitude, desire for learning, and personal growth. He reflected that those same character traits are held by all his classmates. Each student brings unique personal experiences to the classroom, and yet they share a common goal for education and career success.Brian was followed by Aaron Siegel, of the Herb Siegel Foundation, another generous benefactor. Mr. Siegel presented the Dr. James J. Scibetta Award to a student who exemplifies the Statler commitment to hospitality, dedication to pursuit of one’s goals, and leadership in the classroom. Pedlyn Guerrier (New York, NY) received the award and a handsome check in recognition of her excellence.The graduation commencement continued with ceremonial awards of the Graduate Certificates, honoring each of the dedicated students for their accomplishment. 

Our guest speaker was Kevin Mitchell, a graduate of Class 10, 2002. Kevin received the “Outstanding Graduate Award”. Since graduation, he has worked at the Crown Plaza (Albany, NY) as the PBX switchboard operator. Kevin is highly regarded at the hotel and their Director of Human Resources, Trudy Hinkle, was in attendance. Trudy accepted an award on behalf of the hotel management in recognition of their being such an important employer, and had nice words to say about Kevin. In his presentation, Kevin attested to the life changes Statler has brought him. He praised the program, the faculty and the foundations that support Statler, all critical to the success of every graduate. Kevin commended the graduating class on their accomplishment and wished them the same employment success which he has worked hard to achieve. 

Other important guests were present, including dozens of past Statler graduates, members of the Statler Foundation Board of Trustees, employers of Statler graduates, and Olmsted and Statler center benefactors. There was representation from Congressman Brian Higgins office, including recitation of the July 20th Congressional Record where Congressman Higgins spoke to the US House of Representatives bringing attention to Olmsted Center for Sight and the Statler Center by recognizing their outstanding role serving the blind, visually impaired and physically disabled community. Also, Assemblyman Sam Hoyt issued a Proclamation that cited Statler’s outstanding service, and stated that July 29, 2010 will be forever known as “Statler Center Ten Year Anniversary Day”. This was witnessed into Assembly of the State of New York.The event ceremony was followed by a festive reception where guests shared their reflections of Statler successes and memories, and considered the future of continued Statler service to the blind, visually impaired and physically disabled community.

Upcoming Classes

Great news! There are a few seats open for our next Hospitality Training class and our STEP training class. If you are looking for nationally recognized training, and help to win a terrific job in the hotel, travel, tourism, and customer service/contact center industries, Statler training is what you need!

The Statler Center offers blind, visually impaired, and physically handicapped adults an exciting opportunity for job training and placement in one of the largest industries worldwide.

The Statler Center features:

• Specialized instruction in Microsoft Office Suite
• Training with state-of-the-art computers and software
• Industry-specific training in the student’s field of interest
• Hands-on work experience
• Job placement assistance
• Follow-up services

You can contact our Admissions Department at 716.888.4526 for more information, or email jpease@statlercenter.org. You may also apply online at www.statlercenter.org.