Updates from the Directors

The Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship typically publishes updates from its directors a few times each year. You can view all past updates below. Additionally, you can see all of PIHE’s news and features on BusinessFeed.

Rob Gregor headshot

Robert Gregor Esq. '00, JD '07

Executive Director of the Pillsbury Institute 518.222.1535
Linda Canina

Linda Canina

Academic Director of the Pillsbury Institute; Professor of Finance 607.255.8051

Welcome Back to Campus!

The energy that comes with our students’ return to campus is palpable. As summer gives way to fall, our focus shifts from planning the academic year to executing. In that respect, the Pillsbury Institute has a tremendous semester planned, starting with our open house on Thursday, August 31st from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Statler 189. Also, the Entrepreneur in Residence mentorship program returns with fifteen entrepreneurs joining us on campus to work with, and mentor, our students. In October, we will partner with Hilton Hotels for our annual Hospitality Hackathon. Thanks to the generous gift of Keith Kefgen ’84, we will host an evening reception the night before the Hackathon for advisory board members, mentors, faculty and members of the Pillsbury Institute team. Additionally, the Pillsbury Institute is pleased to host the Winner’s Dinner on the Monday following the Hackathon.

November is busy as well. Our Pitch Deck competition, where student teams ideate and pitch their hospitality business to a panel of judges for cash prizes returns on November 7th. Also, on November 13th, the Pillsbury Institute and the Center for Hospitality Research co-host the Hospitality Innovators roundtable in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

It is going to be a great semester! On a personal note, thank you to our advisory board and the Nolan School for making the first months of my Executive Directorship so special.  The Pillsbury Institute, along with the Nolan School and Cornell University are extraordinarily special places and I am humbled to play a part.  Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or if you are interested in sponsoring any of our amazing programs.

Yours Truly,
Rob Gregor


PIHE co-directors' previous updates

Below are previous messages from the current academic directors of the Pillsbury Institute.


Previous Director's Updates

Below are previous director’s messages from academic directors of the Pillsbury Institute.

Neil Tarallo, former director


Susan Fleming, former interim director


Mona Anita K. Olsen ’04, former director


Neil Tarallo, former director