Symbolized by the pineapple since American colonial times, hospitality is the key ingredient for students, graduates, and educators in the College of Human Sciences Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management at Auburn University. Lectures and hands-on training in state-of-the-art laboratories focus on social and ethical responsibility, service excellence and diversity of the hospitality industry in an intellectually challenging learning environment.

Since 1992, the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management (HSSHM) has held an annual benefit dinner and auction as a key fundraising event. With guidance from experienced faculty, staff, and industry professionals, students successfully plan, organize, and execute The Hospitality Gala. The funds raised support educational development initiatives for HSSHM students and faculty within the Auburn University College of Human Sciences. These initiatives encompass domestic and international study-tour programs, student participation in hospitality conferences and tradeshows, support for visiting professors, faculty development, and travel for graduate students to research conferences.