UTPA to offer inaugural certification program for event, corporate, wedding, hotel and non-profit industry Fall 2013

The University of Texas Pan American's Office of Continuing Education has partnered with the Wedding Planning Institute a division of Lovegevity, renowned celebrity wedding and event designer Preston Bailey and the Valley Wedding pages in bringing a national certification program in the wedding and event planning industry to UTPA. UTPA's Office of Continuing Education will offer the Event Management Certificate which includes in-class sessions for anyone seeking a career or enhancing their skills in the event, corporate, wedding, hotel and nonprofit industry beginning Fall of 2013. Classroom students will fulfill all course requirements and will prepare for the certificate exam. In-class sessions will allow for instructor interaction and bring new perspectives and insider information from others in the industry who bring advice, insight, and experience to group discussions. Courses will be taught by Leticia Guerra Cantu, seasoned wedding and event designer professional and owner of the Valley Wedding Pages, LLC. The course will allow for application and utilization of business tools, formulas and presentation methods that students will learn in their training. This includes role playing, vignettes and discussions to practice actual business objectives or work settings in the day-to-day of event planning. Students will also be to able gain hands-on training during the course. Information will be presented in a fast paced, enjoyable classroom atmosphere. Local vendors will be invited as guest speakers giving students the opportunity to begin networking with local professionals and asking questions specific to the vendors industry. Other courses available include Preston Bailey Wedding & Event Design, Green Wedding Planning, and Preston Bailey Floral Design I. Tuition of $1,300 includes course, online curriculum, online student center, wedding and event planning software, textbook, and certificate exam. This is a non-credit certificate program and not an academic program. Scholarships are now available through August 2, 2013 at the UTPA Division of University Advancement, 1201 W. University Drive, ITT 1.210 or at the UTPA McAllen Teaching Site located at 1800 Main Street, Suite #1100, McAllen, Texas. For additional information call (956) 665-3665 or (956) 665-2071 or visit www.utpa.edu/ce Pictured at a recent scholarship check presentation to UTPA's Office of Continuing Education are Lydia Aleman, Associate VP for University Advancement, Yvette Padilla, Director of Stewardship and Annual Giving, Jayshree Bhat, Director of Office of Continuing Education, Christie Cantu, UTPA Development Officer, Leticia Guerra - Cantu, owner of the Valley Wedding Pages, scholarship donors Henry Cantu and Susie Cantu - Oliveira, Veronica Gonzales, Vice President for University Advancement, Dr. Cynthia Brown, Vice Provost for Graduate Studies and Sofia Oliveira.