NEW ORLEANS — Delgado Community College recognized 15 hospitality educators at a presentation of credentials and pins earned through training offered by Delgado and funded by a grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

Six new Delgado hospitality adjunct instructors and nine high school hospitality instructors earned Certified Hospitality Instructor (CHI) and Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) credentials awarded by the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Education Institute. St. John the Baptist Parish teachers were among the educators recognized.

“Our tourism industry in St. John the Baptist Parish is growing. This gives students an opportunity to consider the industry for employment,” said Shannon Magee, career and technical education district coordinator for St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools.

Billie Duncan, career and technical education master teacher for St. John Parish Schools, said she is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Delgado.

“Delgado offers so much for our students,” Duncan said. “They sometimes see college as something distant, and this program helps make it real for them.”

Instructors from St. John Parish and other school districts demonstrated a commitment to providing relevant, rigorous training to their students, according to Barry Brantley, professor and hospitality management chair for Delgado Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Program.

“I know our stakeholders in the community will see the impact of their teaching in a qualified, engaged workforce,” Brantley said.

Williams Langkopp, executive vice president of the Louisiana Hotel & Lodging Association, also offered comments.

“We have been trying for many years to establish this program as we have continued to see our industry grow,” Langkopp said.

The educators were recognized at a Nov. 4 ceremony at the Student Life Center on the Delgado City Park Campus in New Orleans.

Among those present and those recognized were affiliates of Delgado Community College, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Jefferson Parish School District, Orleans Parish School District, St. John the Baptist Parish School District, Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association, Louisiana Hotel & Lodging Association, Louisiana Restaurant Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association and the National Restaurant Association.

Refreshments were provided by Delgado Culinary Arts.