Erin Turner

I decided to come to NMU because I have always loved visiting Marquette growing up, I love the people, the nature, the businesses, etc. On top of this, in my college research, I saw NMU had a Hospitality program that really peaked my interest.

My major is Hospitality Management. My whole life I have loved to bake but I never thought of doing it as a career. That was until I researched the majors NMU offered, when I discovered the Hospitality program it opened so many doors for me in the possibilities I could do with my passion.

In my lab classes I have been able to bake and cook so many different things and explore the culinary world in working with different cultures, ingredients, flavors, and techniques. I have worked on converting recipes to meet dietary restrictions, playing with unique ingredients, and more.

Through the NMUHC, and the ACF I have participated in multiple culinary events where I have been involved in making hundreds of plated desserts and really put my skills to the test! One of the more recent events was through the ACF called the Heart of Gold dinner, this is an annual healthcare fundraiser, for this event myself and the NMUHC members created the desserts, 200 cranberry tarts.

Throughout my 4 years at NMU I have worked my way up to become the NMU Hospitality Club president! I am also a member of the ACF (American Culinary Federation), as well as the SLFP (Student Leader Fellowship Program). Through the SLFP I have been involved with a Chicago based program called Teen Innovators as a marketing intern.

I think that HM350 Events Management was the most influential for me, in this class we put on a themed event for the whole community including decor, entertainment, music, and a 5-7 course meal. When I took this class there were only 9 students, meaning we all were given multiple jobs in order to pull off the event. I was the lead on desserts as well as on the decor team. This class really helped grow my event planning, multitasking, and organization skills!

I have some ideas and plans in the works, but my ultimate goal is to open and run my own bakery/patisserie.

Come to wildcat weekend and explore the different programs offered, reading about them online is one thing, but being able to come in and see the labs, kitchens, classrooms, etc. that you will be working in is a whole different experience!