FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, May 18, 2005

CONTACT: Steve Dolan
(619) 594-5664
sdolan@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - When it comes to the Restaurant Industry, San Diego State University's College of Extended Studies has programs to satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst for continuing education.

With the booming California wine industry setting record growth standards, the College is beginning the second year of its Professional Certificate in The Business of Wine program.

In addition, the Professional Certificate in Hospitality program offers high-quality training and development to prepare employees for the many disciplines of the hospitality, restaurant, resort, hotel, and entertainment arena.

The Business of Wine curriculum is designed to prepare participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve success in numerous wine-related occupations. Most classes are held off-site at restaurants and wineries.

Among those having participated in the program are restaurant managers, owners, entrepreneurs, winery employees, bartenders, bar managers, and anyone interested in moving into those careers. Students must be 21 years of age to register for this program.

Employers in wine-related businesses prefer to interview job candidates who have a solid understanding of the wine basics. Our task is to make sure that a professional certificate from the College of Extended Studies in the Business of Wine will come to be a "stamp of approval" for our graduates, allowing them more opportunities in this growing career field.

Said Sean Magee, beverage manager of Lou & Mickey's at the Gaslamp: "It's an invaluable course for industry professionals. It will help simplify the whole wine business as far as selling wine and speaking about it."

Course topics include: Exploring Wine; Winemaking Behind the Scenes; Tableside Service; Selling Wine for Managers; Red, White, and Champagne; Dynamic Food and Wine Pairing; and Wine Business Strategies.

The Professional Certificate in Hospitality program now offers a new course in Workplace Spanish. This class will empower you with functional language skills to become more effective, confident, and service-oriented in meeting the needs of the diverse clients and staff in the hospitality industry. You will learn the "behind the scenes" language commonly used in hotels and restaurants.

The Hospitality Certificate program is targeted to entry-level managers, supervisors, leads, coordinators, front desk, and support staff within the professional fields of hospitality and culinary arts. Whether you are currently in the hospitality industry, seeking a career transition, or brand new to this exciting field, this program will allow you to meet your needs.

For more information on the restaurant-oriented programs offered by the College of Extended Studies, please call (619) 594-6255 or visit www.NeverStopLearning.net.

SDSU's College of Extended Studies offers a wide variety of lifelong learning classes, seminars, and certificate programs. Career advancement courses are offered in many areas of management, leadership, and quality improvement while self-enrichment courses range from astronomy to web design. Additionally, the College offers over 30 certificate programs, on-line courses, and many other learning opportunities. To register or for more information, call (619) 594-5152 or log on to www.NeverStopLearning.net.