Penn State Named Darryl Wade Conti Professor
The Union Square Hospitality Group CEO will mentor students during the 2026-27 academic year.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Dining Out
Penn State has appointed Darryl Wade as its 2026-27 Walter J. Conti Visiting Professor. Wade, the current CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, will engage with students and faculty throughout the upcoming academic year.
Why it matters
This appointment continues a long-standing tradition of bringing industry experts to campus to advise the next generation of hospitality professionals. The program aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and the practical realities of managing major hospitality enterprises.
The Conti Professorship program has operated for 38 years since its 1987 inception. Darryl Wade, who became CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group in 2022, was recognized with the 2026 IFMA Gold Plate Award.
The players
Darryl Wade
He is the CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and the recipient of the 2026 IFMA Gold Plate Award.
Penn State
This is a public research university located in University Park, Pennsylvania.
Walter Conti
He was an industry figure whose career and contributions to the field inspired the establishment of the visiting professorship.
The details
Wade will provide instruction through virtual seminars to both undergraduate and graduate students at the University Park campus. His tenure as the visiting professor coincides with the program's ongoing commitment to professional development established in memory of Walter Conti.
Timeline
The Conti Professorship program was established in 1987.
Walter Conti passed away in 2016 at the age of 87.
Darryl Wade earned the IFMA Gold Plate Award in 2026.
Wade serves as the Conti Visiting Professor throughout the 2026-27 academic year.
Culture Shift
This appointment follows the long-standing educational mission established by the Walter J. Conti Visiting Professorship program. The initiative represents an ongoing commitment to connecting high-level industry leaders with students to maintain high standards in professional hospitality training.
Students at the University Park campus will have direct access to professional insights from a top industry CEO through upcoming virtual seminars. This mentorship opportunity provides a practical connection to global hospitality standards for those preparing to enter the professional workforce.
The takeaway
The Conti Professorship serves as a vital bridge between modern industry leaders and students pursuing hospitality careers. Engaging with experienced executives like Darryl Wade helps ensure that academic curricula remain relevant to the current business climate.
Further reading
For more on local culinary and hospitality programming, visit State College Dining Out.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hotel Online.
