New school opens in downtown Sandusky

SANDUSKY — Brittney O'Hara grew up near and spent four seasons working at Cedar Point, a place she truly loves. So, upon hearing about an unprecedented opportunity specifically tailored to amusement parks, O'Hara immediately signed up, knowing full well she could develop her passion into a lifelong career. "Cedar Point is something that is very close to my heart," said O'Hara, a 2016 Perkins High School graduate. "And I have always struggled with school: This is my fifth year of college, and I took a year off because I couldn't find what I really wanted to do," she added. "But when this program came about, and my old manager introduced it to me, I felt like this was a perfect fit for me." O'Hara represents one of about 40 initial class members enrolled in a resort and attraction management higher-education program in downtown Sandusky. The tourism-focused academic center, at its maximum, can house upward of 200 students This past week, the two primary project stakeholders — Bowling Green State University along with Cedar Fair, Cedar Point's parent company — debuted the brick-and-mortar college campus on East Market Street. It happened about 18 months after a groundbreaking ceremony took place. "What I find most exciting about (this project) is the stance we are taking as a community that invests in education and the quiet statement about our faith in our country's future," Sandusky city commissioner Dennis Murray Jr. said during the April 2019 event. A $14 million project involved crews constructing a five-story, 78,000-square-foot structure to house a learning center along with 80 upper-floor apartments — known as Falcon Point Lofts, it's open for both students and other community members — along with street-level retail space. Marous Development Group served as the project's contractor. The Cleveland-area firm has overseen several construction projects in Sandusky, including City Hall and ongoing work at the Feick Building. Before heading to class, on Thursday, O'Hara found a quiet space inside the center, where she went over some notes. "I would love to do something with in-park events," she said. "I'm just looking forward to being here." Studying the curriculum BGSU educators, through either in-person or online classes, began their introductory-level classes on Monday. Here's what students participating in the inaugural semester are learning: • Managerial accounting and financing: This helps students understand the business philosophies and entertainment aspects of tourism. • Guest services: This helps students learn how to treat guests. • Management information systems: This helps students better grasp different technological systems and processes within the industry. • Merchandise and gaming management: This helps students in getting a handle on financial aspects related to purchasing merchandise and ethics in retail operations. Students enrolled in the two-year program will tackle a new set of classes each semester. For instance, in the spring, they'll learn about best lodging practices and human resources strategies. "This is so exciting for both them and us," said Mary Wisnom, the program's associate teaching professor, who relocated from Florida Gulf Coast University after teaching there for several years. "The students are ready to learn the ins and outs of the industry and are also excited about being in this brand new building while moving into their apartments." Jared Hillman, the program's assistant teaching professor, also shares a similar level of enthusiasm collectively displayed by students. "The students are really passionate about the industry," said Hillman, who previously worked in human resources for Cedar Point. "These students have always wanted to be a part of this industry, and now they have a chance to do that." Course outline Here's how the partnership between BGSU and Cedar Fair for their resort and attraction management program breaks down: • Bowling Green State University established a two-year academic program tailored to students taking tourism-related courses taught by its faculty. • BGSU Firelands will administer the bachelor's degree program. • Classes will concentrate on subjects pertaining to the business of traveling, hospitality and entertainment. • During their studies, students can also receive on-the-job training opportunities through paid internships. • Undergraduates at the junior and senior levels can register for classes on these subjects. • BGSU students, no matter at the main campus in Bowling Green or BGSU Firelands in Huron Township, are eligible to sign up for these classes. Meanwhile, those enrolled elsewhere, such as at other colleges, can transfer into the program. • Cedar Fair, headquartered in Sandusky, will work with students to prepare them for careers in tourism. • Executives envision this academic program serving as a professional pipeline, directing trained and skilled graduates to employment opportunities at one of the corporation's 11 properties, including Cedar Point in Sandusky. • A degree can also prepare students to find work at other amusement parks, cruise lines, resorts, hotels and countless other tourism-related jobs or careers. Students "will complete a comprehensive, management-focused curriculum while gaining valuable in-the-field leadership experience," said Swathi Ravichandran, the program's founding director who's also a professor. "In applied fields like those in the broader tourism field, both of these components are crucial for success," she added. "We will work with students, one-on-one, to place them in departments and positions that best meet their career interests and goals."