Tracy Holmes of Courtyard Newark named 'Manager of the Year'

10:52 a.m., Jan. 27, 2012--Tracy Holmes, director of hotel operations at the Courtyard Newark at the University of Delaware, has been named "Manager of the Year" by the Delaware Hotel and Lodging Association (DH&LA). 

The award was announced at the annual DH&LA Stars of the Industry Dinner, held Jan. 20 at the Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Dover. The event honors associates in the Delaware lodging industry and awards scholarships to hospitality management students in Delaware.

Honors Stories

National Medal of Science

President Barack Obama recently presented the National Medal of Science to University of Delaware alumnus Rakesh Jain.

Warren Award

Rosalind Johnson, assistant dean for student success in the NUCLEUS Program in UD's College of Arts and Sciences, was presented the John Warren Excellence in Leadership and Service Award during a May 26 ceremony.

• Warren Award
• Athletic training accolades
• Outstanding student teachers
• Library recognition

The Manager of the Year award goes to persons serving in a management capacity who show leadership in their department and a strong commitment to customer service. 

Holmes was nominated by her peers, and one nomination read, in part, "Tracy is an exceptional leader! She combines the business acumen in hotel management with a caring for the community and associates that produces exceptional results. As part of the opening team of this hotel, she has led the efforts for the hotel in all areas of operational excellence." 

The nomination also cited Holmes' community engagement, her commitment to including persons with disabilities on the hotel staff and her work with the local Autism Society, bringing autistic children to the hotel to swim so they can develop socialization skills. 

Bill Sullivan, managing director of the hotel, said, "Tracy is an exceptional leader for our hotel, students and community. She is a role model to all who work with her. She is widely recognized for her leadership skills, work ethic and concern for people and the environment. We are proud to have her on our Courtyard Newark at the University of Delaware team."

The Courtyard Newark at the University of Delaware is owned by the University of Delaware and managed by the Shaner Hotel Group. The hotel is a full service Marriott Courtyard and also is a teaching hotel for the students in the Hotel Restaurant and Institutional Management Program at the University of Delaware. Opened in 2004, the hotel is a thriving business and continues to be recognized as one of the top 2 percent of all Courtyards worldwide.