Celebrating excellence: Induction of new members into Eta Sigma Delta Honor Society

The Bellevue Hotel in Dubrovnik set the stage for an inspiring evening as RIT Croatia hosted its annual Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) Honor Society Induction Ceremony on Thursday, April 3, 2025. The event welcomed 13 exceptional students from the Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) program at the Dubrovnik campus, as well as a distinguished professional from the hospitality industry, into the prestigious international society.

Under the mentorship of Professor Milena Kužnin, the ESD chapter at RIT Croatia continues to recognize students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to service in the hospitality and tourism industry. The April 3 ceremony served not only as an acknowledgment of individual achievements but also as a community-building celebration that brought together students, faculty, and industry professionals.

Honoring excellence and commitment

The evening began with a formal induction ceremony, where each inductee was introduced through a personalized presentation highlighting their unique backgrounds, accomplishments, and aspirations within the hospitality field. This year’s new members include:

• Tin Butić
• Tita Butić
• Mira Carnevale
• Kaitlin Chimney
• Elena Jaušić
• Jana Krstić
• Lukrecija Novaković
• Marta Ožegović
• Ines Palunčić
• Kira Rimaj
• Viktoria Roglić
• Iman Vreto
• Domenica Vukić

Adding to the significance of the evening, the society also welcomed a Distinguished Member — Mr. David Taylor, CEO of Adriatic Luxury Hotels, in recognition of his contributions to the hospitality industry and ongoing support for academic and professional excellence.

Building a community of future leaders

The induction ceremony concluded with a lively networking session, where students and guests connected over refreshments, sharing ideas, aspirations, and experiences. These interactions reflect the deeper purpose of Eta Sigma Delta — to foster a sense of community, integrity, and leadership among future professionals.

“Being inducted into Eta Sigma Delta is more than a recognition — it’s a responsibility to uphold the values of our industry and make a meaningful impact,” said Professor Kužnin, who has been a guiding force behind the society’s success at RIT Croatia.

About Eta Sigma Delta

Founded by the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE), Eta Sigma Delta is an international honor society that now includes over 90 chapters worldwide. The RIT Croatia chapter is proud to be the first in Croatia and the surrounding region, emphasizing the school’s dedication to elevating hospitality education on a global scale.

Members of ESD pledge to embody the values of excellence, leadership, creativity, service, and ethics, continuing these ideals in both their academic and professional endeavors.