Impact -- student testimonials

My name is Madeline Hill, and I am a part of the 2023 graduating class of Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management. Although I have graduated college, I have been taught the benefits and importance of always being in a student-mentality. Upon being a student of Christine Cleaver, I look at every situation with an open mind and willingness to learn. 

Throughout my four years at Temple University, I have felt supported and encouraged to be the best version of myself. I was constantly challenged to not only get things done, but to get them done the right way. There was not a specific definition for what “the right way” meant, but Professor Cleaver taught us so well that we just knew. I would leave her classes and meetings with a new way of learning what it means to do something right. This is what makes her teaching style so unique and beneficial compared to any other instructor I have had before; I was encouraged to make my own decisions and act on them through experiential learning. I was able to be hands-on with my work to discover what works and what does not in situations I could have never thought of if I was kept in a traditional classroom. Professor Cleaver’s class expanded beyond our four-walled room, and I learned such a great deal about the hospitality and event and experience management industries that not only empowered me with knowledge but set me up for great success. 

On May 12, 2023, I graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management and a Minor in Event and Entertainment Management. On May 15, 2023, I started in my role as a People Experience and Events Coordinator, three days after I graduated college. I attest my drive and skill set that allowed me to be chosen for this role to a mentor who has taught me what it means to be a professional in the events industry, Professor Christine Cleaver. 

Not only does Professor Cleaver focus on in-classroom learning, but dedicates countless hours to our student professional organization, Temple University’s Event Planning Association. With her oversight, our team was able to plan three events within a year and attend the PCMA Convening Leaders Conference in Columbus, Ohio in January of this year. During my application process for my current position post-graduation, I was informed that no other applicant had half of the experiences that I was able to offer to the team. I had a skill set that set me apart from others, and I believe that is because of how determined I was, and am, as a student to one day be as knowledgeable as Professor Cleaver to inspire, teach, and mentor other young individuals interested in all that is the events industry. As Professor Cleaver’s student, I felt heard, respected, and valued, always. Whenever I approach her with a question or a problem, she never explicitly tells me what to do, but helps me discover a solution and an answer that she knew I was able to create on my own. She has so much care for every single one of her students, and I know how much we all value the impact she has had on our lives. Professor Cleaver is a teacher, a mentor, and a role model to me, and I am beyond excited for other students to find their passion for creating experiences that I did while being her student. 

Madeline Hill, 2023

Tourism, & Hospitality Management

Event and Entertainment Minor

"Professor Cleaver not only has changed my perspective of teaching but has changed my perspective on life. She teaches you things that go beyond the classroom and help you grow as a student/professional. She implemented a flipped classroom which helped students stay engaged and interested in learning. She also brings the outside world into our classroom by showing us how to work with real companies. She provided us with resources and connections to help us grow in our careers. Not only was she vital to my academic career, but she was also a mentor that played a vital role in me accomplishing my dreams. I know that without the guidance, teachings, and leadership of Professor Cleaver, I would not be in the current role I am in. Professor Cleaver puts endless time and effort into every class and every assignment. All this is shown by her students' successes."

Natalia Errico, 2023

Event and Entertainment Management

"Professor Cleaver’s style of hands-on teaching enables students to learn in real time. Her lessons will be very valuable in my career as I already feel experienced in everything she taught. I will be forever grateful for her guidance.”

Juliana Anderson, 2023

Event and Entertainment Management

Since being graduated from the classroom for a few months now, I can confidently say I look back on my time at Temple with Professor Christine Cleaver with gratitude, appreciation, and knowledge. Professor Cleaver would always teach us with outside of the box ways to prepare her students for their futures, and I felt fully prepared to step into my current “real life” role because of Professor Cleaver. She leaves lasting imprints on her students hearts and ensures all of her students learn in a safe environment , and thrive in their futures. 

Molly McKeown, 2023

Event and Entertainment Management

I had the great pleasure of having Professor Cleaver during the Spring of

2020. Professor Cleaver was a driven, organized teacher who developed inspiring

relationships with students during my time. She took COVID-19 by storm and put

in extra work to improve our situation. Even though we were over Zoom, she put

so much effort into connecting with all her students on a personal level.

In addition, I have watched Professor Cleaver diligently working to develop her

skills as a teacher. She has put in the time to work towards her Doctor of

Education. She continues to set an exemplary example for her students and

colleagues and embraces any opportunity for professional and personal

development.

Professor Cleaver has an excellent rapport with students and colleagues alike. I am

one of the fortunate ones to know her as a teacher, but I’m even more lucky to call

her now my colleague.

Amanda Ehrhardt

Masters in Sports Business, May 2021