Cameron Jenerou

Meet Cameron Jenerou, an Hospitality Management major from Apache Junction, AZ. Cameron plans to graduate in 2026.

Why did you decide to come to NMU?

I have family close to campus that I can reach whenever I need support and I wanted to get out of Arizona.

How did you decide your major/minor?

For about 6 years, I've been studying and researching culinary and the hospitality industry. I have a lot of passion for this industry and it has made me who I am today.

What's an example of a cool, interesting or helpful thing that you have done as a part of your major in the classroom (or lab)?

My professional cooking class last semester probably holds one of the most important skills I've learned today. My final for that class was a handcrafted, main course with multiple components that worked well together. I made a mushroom-stuffed turkey roulade with sweet potato and russet mashed potatoes and collard greens. My favorite part of the dish was my personal caramelized onion and jalapeno cranberry sauce that I made to drizzle on the dish. We had to learn conversions, recipe making, flavor combinations, time management, and much more.

What's an example of an experience where you have used skills from the Hospitality Management program outside of the classroom?

I currently work at 2 on-campus dining facilities (3 if you include concessions) which are Tamaki and NMU Catering Kitchen. There, I use important time-management skills, knife skills, and sanitation skills to ensure a safe environment for our guests and my fellow coworkers.

Are you involved with anything on or off of campus beyond the classroom?

I am! I get involved with as many Hospitality Club events as Chili Challenge, Brew Fest, etc. I am also the secretary for the Queers & Allies club which hosts many events for our club and the rest of the school. :) I am also a tutor for the Hospitality Management program to both increase my knowledge and help boost my classmates that can't get help in class.

Which class in the Hospitality Management program has been the most influential (so far)?

Definitely Professional Cooking 1. I learned a lot that has been beneficial for future classes and some jobs I've had. This class has given me a leg up over my peers, especially if I decide to take a managerial position.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from NMU?

I am not positive honestly. With this degree, you can go into millions of professions and places around the world so I have been taking my time deciding exactly where and what I will be. Current ideas are something related to tourism or something culinary-related at a high-end resort. Definitely keeping my options open for the right job for me.

What would you tell someone who is considering coming to NMU?

COME! It's so nice and the people here are insanely nice. They will help you every step of the way and you will almost accidentally step out of your comfort zone. I've done things I thought I'd never do and I'm happy to see what else I can accomplish with my next years to come.

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