Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Charlotte (Charley) Dunkle, Class of 2025
Hometown: Berwyn, Pennsylvania
Major: Hospitality Management, minor in Event Management
Post-graduation plans: Charley is beginning her career as a Voyager with Marriott International in Sarasota, Pennsylvania. The Voyage program is a 12–18 month, full-time leadership development initiative designed for recent college graduates to step into a manager-level role within a hotel operation. Participants receive discipline-specific, hands-on training in food & beverage operations while working at one of the company’s global properties and are equipped to transition into management positions upon completion.
How HPU helped you get there: “High Point University has provided me with hands-on learning experiences and professional development opportunities that have shaped my confidence and leadership skills. Through immersive classes, industry connections and mentorship from faculty, I’ve been able to turn my passions into clear career goals.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Dr. Marissa Ritter, assistant professor of hospitality management, has been one of my most impactful mentors at High Point University because of her constant encouragement and genuine investment in my growth. Her passion for hospitality and leadership has inspired me to pursue excellence in every opportunity, and her guidance has helped me connect classroom concepts to real-world applications. Dr. Ritter’s mentorship has truly shaped my confidence and direction as I prepare for a career in hospitality management.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was during my first days on campus when I heard Dr. Nido Qubein speak for the first time. His message about growth, purpose, and seizing every opportunity truly resonated with me and set the tone for my college experience. In that moment, I realized I was part of a community that encourages students to dream boldly and turn those dreams into achievable goals.“
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “HPU’s inspiring environment has motivated me to think bigger and approach every opportunity with purpose. Being surrounded by driven peers, dedicated faculty and world-class facilities has pushed me to develop both personally and professionally. The university’s culture of innovation and support has empowered me to set ambitious goals and confidently pursue a successful future in the hospitality industry.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “High Point University has helped me develop essential life skills such as leadership, communication, adaptability and professionalism. Through experiential learning, collaborative projects, and real-world industry exposure, I’ve learned how to think critically, manage time effectively and lead with confidence. These skills have prepared me not only for success in my career but also for long-term personal and professional growth.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “Life brings change and new paths, and while everyone’s journey is unique, each of us ultimately arrives where we are meant to be.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Be open to every opportunity and don’t let fear hold you back from new experiences. It may feel intimidating at first, but growth happens outside your comfort zone, and everything will fall into place once you take that leap of faith.”
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