Chattanooga State’s Michael P. Hennen Hospitality and Culinary Center recently received a beautifully transformative addition to the classroom learning space from friends and partners at The Marriott Springhill Suites Downtown Chattanooga who have donated an entire dining room of furniture.

The Michael P. Hennen Center boasts a fabulous state-of-the-art culinary kitchen and learning space for students enrolled in the Hospitality & Tourism Management Program. The learning space doubles as a café for the Culinary and Restaurant Management classes. “The space and equipment are perfect for our students, but the old classroom style furnishings did not invite a café style environment. The new furnishings from SpringHill Suites Downtown completely change the atmosphere and are conducive to hands-on learning,” stated Daniel Zink, Hospitality & Tourism Management director.

Two years ago, the culinary students began offering delicious weekly gourmet luncheon meals to complete their capstone course requirements prior to graduation. While those lunches were paused due to the pandemic, the addition of new furnishings will provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for future events.

The Downtown SpringHill Suites, managed by Victoria Grace, is part of the 3H Group of Hotels. Located on the Chattanooga riverfront, The SpringHill Suites downtown hotel offers contemporary suites that provide extra space for working and relaxing. “The management team at the hotel has been wonderful to our students, providing class sessions and internships, as well as this wonderful donation,” added Zink.

For more information on Chattanooga State’s Hospitality & Tourism Management Program, visit chattanoogastate.edu/hospitality-and-tourism-management-aas or call (423) 697-4441.