Masters hospitality team to include 12 UNL students

Many golf enthusiasts consider the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, to be the pinnacle of professional golf. Hosting the event is a huge undertaking, and this year a dozen students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program will be part of the team providing the event’s hospitality.

As interns, the students will be on the historic grounds during the tournament’s April 7-10 run. They left Lincoln April 1 and began their duties that day.

“Augusta National is consistently listed as one of the top golf clubs in the United States,” said Shannon Rowen, director of academic programs and assistant professor of practice in the Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program. “We are thrilled to have the University of Nebraska represented at this $115-million-dollar event. This is an exceptional learning and networking opportunity, and we look forward to contributing to the overall success of the event.”

About 2,000 hospitality professionals are needed to provide service to participants, members and guests of Augusta National during Masters week. The 12 UNL students will be greeters, valets, servers, point-of-sale operators and supervisors.

“The Masters internship is going to enhance my resume and help me stand out to potential employers,” said Hannah Goodwater, a junior from Battle Creek.

Other students attending are Mandi Bonifas, of Roseland; Lauren Brudigan, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Miles Brudigan, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Taylor Carlberg, of Johnson Lake; Kayla Cody, of Beatrice; Hannah DeMaro, of Olathe, Kansas; Alyson Junge, of Norfolk; Katie Loof, of Lincoln; Maddy McClure, of Columbus; Natalie Pfeifer, of Grand Island; and Claire Phillips, of Hastings.

Hospitality, restaurant and tourism management is one of the fastest-growing majors at UNL. Students have a leadership minor and can specialize in event management, lodging, human resources, food and beverage management, and/or tourism. The program resides jointly in the College of Education and Human Sciences and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.