Kendall College Launches an Internationally Immersed Sports Management Concentration in Partnership with Spain's Real Madrid, Universidad Europea

CHICAGO, May 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kendall College School of Hospitality Management launched a new Sports Management Concentration in partnership with Real Madrid, recently listed by Forbes Magazine as "the most valuable soccer team in the world", and the Universidad Europea (UE). As the only U.S. academic institution to partner with this world famous organization, Kendall is taking the lead in offering top sports management training to students in Chicago, Illinois, and the nation. Classes begin July 2013.

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Universidad Europea partnered with the Real Madrid Graduate School in 2006, with programs now offered in 13 countries. Kendall College and UE are both part of Laureate International Universities (LIU), a network of more than 65 accredited campus-based and online universities spanning 29 countries throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, North Africa and the Middle East. The new concentration will continue to solidify Kendall's unique international academic footprint, while offering students the opportunity to explore sports venues in both Chicago and Madrid, Spain.

"This partnership is just one example of how institutions in LIU bring best practice curriculum, degree programs and faculty to students worldwide," said Kendall College President Emily Williams Knight.  "As a top-ranked hospitality school, it's important that Kendall continues to bring new opportunities that will have a positive impact on our students' career paths and position them as top candidates within a thriving industry.  Aligning with Real Madrid brings the organization's 110-year history and extensive knowledge of the many different areas of sports management to Kendall, Chicago and our hospitality students."

Sports Management is among the fastest growing industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012 Occupational Outlook data predicts an increase of 29 percent in jobs in coaching and scouting through 2020, and a 10 percent increase in agents and managers of athletes through 2016. Additionally, there is a 44% projected job growth for meeting, convention and event planners.  In Chicago alone, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has made significant investments in Choose Chicago and the Sports Commission. In fact, the Chicago Sports Commission projects an $11 million economic impact on the City of Chicago from sports and sports venue-related activities.

The new concentration will prepare graduates for positions in sports venue management, sport marketing and sports event management.  The curriculum, taught by Kendall-approved faculty from UE's Real Madrid Graduate School and adapted for the undergraduate level, will include six courses: Business and Economics of Sports Management; Sports Facilities Management; Sports Marketing and Communication; Sports Event Management; Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Social Responsibility in Sports Management; and Sports Management Law, Governance and Ethics.

"We are thrilled to partner with Kendall College, and for the first time ever, bring the teaching and history of our most highly regarded sports organization to the States," said Emilio Butragueno, General Manager Real Madrid Graduate School and Director of Institutional Relations at Real Madrid Football Club, who helped formally introduce the partnership at Kendall.

For additional information, visit http://hospitality.kendall.edu.

About the Kendall College School of Hospitality Management:
Kendall College, founded in 1934, is located in Chicago, Illinois and is a member of the Laureate International Universities network. Kendall offers undergraduate degrees in business, culinary arts, early childhood education and hospitality management to a diverse and passionate community of more than 1800 students. The curriculum combines strong academics with practical experience and international educational opportunities that help give students in business, hospitality and culinary arts programs the skills and expertise to be leaders in their professions. Kendall College was ranked the number one program in Chicago for preparing students for careers in hospitality management and culinary arts in a survey of management at Chicago's leading hotels and Michelin Guide restaurants (ORC International – 2011 Survey). The School of Hospitality Management focuses on the art of hospitality and the science of management – the European tradition of superior customer service with American managerial know-how. Kendall College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org; 1-312-263-0456. For more information, visit www.Kendall.edu.

SOURCE Kendall College