L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Announces 2026 Outstanding Students

Fiona Mary Gmeiner: Outstanding Undergraduate Student of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Fiona Mary Gmeiner is an outstanding undergraduate student in hospitality and tourism management, with a focus on sustainability. She has centered her SDSU experience on leadership, global learning, and industry engagement.  

Since her first year, Gmeiner has been actively involved with the Meetings and Events Student Association, serving in multiple roles, including president. She also worked as a lower-division peer advisor, mentored students, participated in the SDSU Center for Surf Research, and studied abroad in Prague, expanding her global perspective on the industry. She was also selected to represent the Payne School at the 2025 SDSU Evening of Philanthropy.

Her hands-on experience includes internships with The US Grant Hotel and SD Meetings & Events, where she developed leadership, problem-solving, and event coordination skills while gaining confidence in fast-paced, professional environments.

“It taught me to let go of my perfectionism, strengthening my ability to accept mistakes and move forward with resilience,” Gmeiner said. “It also taught me the value of a positive and helpful attitude. I continually helped the banquet servers when I could, and they told me how much they appreciate the extra work I put in to make their jobs easier.” 

Through these experiences, Gmeiner learned to move beyond perfectionism, developing confidence in her decision-making and leadership style while embracing growth through challenges.

After graduation, Gmeiner plans to move to Ireland to further explore the global hospitality industry before returning to the U.S. to pursue a career in client engagement within the events sector.

She credits Sue Greenberg for her mentorship and support, which helped her build confidence and navigate her academic and professional path.

Her advice to incoming students: take risks, embrace failure, and use every opportunity as a chance to grow.

Flynn Murray: Outstanding Undergraduate Student of Recreation Administration

Flynn Murray, an outstanding undergraduate student in recreation administration with an emphasis in recreation systems management, is focused on supporting communities through collaboration and leadership.

During his time at SDSU, Murray was actively involved in the Recreation and Tourism Student Association for over three years, including serving as president. His leadership experience challenged him to balance academics with organizational responsibilities, strengthening his time management skills and pushing him to grow as a leader. 

“My biggest challenge by far was managing being a full-time student as well as being President of my student org,” Murray said. “The time commitment was heavy, but I can say confidently it was worth the struggle to push me out of my comfort zone and become a better leader through it all.” 

Through his academic and extracurricular experiences, Murray developed a strong understanding of teamwork and collaboration, recognizing the importance of group dynamics in both student organizations and professional environments.

After graduation, he hopes to continue working in parks and recreation, helping communities in need and creating meaningful impact through his work.

He credits Jason Hemmens for his support during his time in the program. 

His advice to incoming students: be as involved as possible and take every opportunity.

Tara Spencer: Outstanding Graduate Student of Hospitality and Tourism Management 

Tara Spencer, an outstanding graduate student in hospitality and tourism management, developed an Adaptive Training Model for the Raleigh Convention Center’s Events Team designed to strengthen employee onboarding, improve team preparedness, and create a more supportive work environment.

Her capstone project focuses on formalizing training processes through personalized timelines, consistent knowledge checks, and a stronger emphasis on safety and security protocols. By addressing knowledge gaps and strengthening team cohesion, the model aims to improve employee retention and operational success while benefiting clients, event attendees, and departments across the organization.

As she continues her professional journey, Spencer hopes to further build her career in venue and event management, a field where she has developed a strong passion for leadership and organizational operations.

“The Hospitality and Tourism Management program at SDSU has helped me to see my organization from a leadership perspective and gave me the tools to look deeper and understand various aspects of operation that ultimately makes me a better manager,” Spencer said.

Throughout the program, Spencer developed leadership goals that helped her grow into a more confident and well-rounded leader, both professionally and personally.

Her family and friends describe her as responsible, patient, and committed to serving others, qualities that continue to guide her work in hospitality and event management.

Caitlin Mann: Outstanding Graduate Student of Meeting and Event Management 

Caitlin Mann, an outstanding graduate student in meeting and event management, developed Once Upon an Event LLC, a capstone project centered on launching a business that combines event planning, exhibit coordination, and Disney-focused travel services for the “Disney Adult” market.

Her project outlines business formation, service design, and phased pilot testing to create a scalable, experience-driven model within the hospitality and tourism industry. By identifying a gap in the market, Mann applied organizational change and strategic planning principles to build a business concept focused on immersive and personalized experiences.

After years of working in nonprofit events and conferences, Mann hopes to continue advancing into leadership roles where she can apply a more strategic and business-focused approach to event management and organizational growth.

“My academic journey at San Diego State University has helped me strengthen my skills, broaden my perspective, and build the confidence to take that next step,” Mann said. “The program has been instrumental in preparing me to think more like an executive and lead with greater impact.”

Her family and friends describe her as a loyal and dependable person who is always willing to support others and step in when needed.