Israel Macias-Gutierrez

Hometown: Jalostotitlán, Jalisco, Mexico.
Major/emphasis: Hospitality management (management emphasis)/minor in Spanish.
Internships served: Hospitality management intern at Inn on Woodlake with Kohler Co.
Campus involvement: Vice president of Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (Lakeland Chapter), treasurer of Hospitality Management Association, Spanish National Honor Society (SNHS), Spanish Club, Enactus, Global Student Association (GSA), Student Ambassador (sophomore).
Dream job: Ever since I can remember I have dreamed of being a general manager for a hotel owned by Kohler Co. Later in my career I also want to manage a resort in Mexico on a prime beach.

Why did you decide to attend Lakeland University?
Ever since I moved to Wisconsin, I heard nothing but positive comments about Lakeland. After visiting Lakeland in middle school for a field trip, I was positive this was the place for me. I immediately fell in love with the campus; it was like love at first sight. I also chose Lakeland because of the small student-to-teacher ratio and the small campus. I knew that at Lakeland I would be able to experience and build relationships with people of many different backgrounds and cultures. Lakeland has many connections with some of the largest companies that are located in our backyard. I knew that this would be the most beneficial choice for my career path.

What is one thing you want everyone to know about Lakeland University?
Lakeland is a place that feels like home away from home. You will get to know everyone on campus and build relationships with professors and other faculty members like no other place. At Lakeland, professors and staff will do their best to ensure students are receiving the best education. Any faculty member will provide students with a strong support system that will give them the opportunity to connect and grow as young professionals. As a whole, Lakeland genuinely cares for the success of the student.

How do you want to impact someone else's life as a young professional?
Being the first one out of five brothers to graduate from a university in the United States, I want to impact someone else's life as a young professional by proving to them that it is possible to graduate from a university and doing it debt free. I also want to impact young professionals by showing that with hard work and perseverance it is possible to obtain a management role while still being enrolled in college.

How will the Gala scholarship impact your future?
It will allow me to pursue my dream of graduating from Lakeland University, a private institution, debt free. This scholarship will also help me focus on my studies. Not only will this scholarship help me financially, but the experience that I gained from making a video about myself and completing the speed interviews has given myself so much more confidence about my abilities.

Israel is being supported by Gala dancer David Black.