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11:20 a.m., July 14, 2003--The University of Delaware has partnered with the Shaner Hotel Group to have Shaner manage the operations of the University’s Conference Services.

Construction is under way on the Courtyard by Marriott, slated to open later this year. Photo by Kevin Quinlan

This partnership, which took effect July 1, provides the University with key marketing and management support for its meeting and conference services operations throughout Delaware. Shaner Hotel Group, based in State College, Pa., is one of the nation’s premier private lodging and conference center management companies.

The expanded relationship builds on the existing partnership between UD and Shaner, who are now jointly developing the $12 million Courtyard by Marriott adjacent to the Clayton Hall Conference Center in Newark. The 126-room hotel, currently under construction, is expected to open in late 2003.

Under the terms of the hotel partnership, the University will be the majority owner of the hotel, which will be operated by Shaner. The four-story, business-class hotel also will serve as a teaching laboratory for the University’s Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management (HRIM).

“Shaner brings proven experience in hotel and conference center operations to the partnership, “UD Executive Vice President David Hollowell said.

“The University anticipates an enhancement of its conference services by working with the Shaner Hotel Group,” Hollowell said, “given the company’s more than 20 years’ experience in managing meetings and convention services at its hotels throughout the country.”

Current University Conference Services employees will continue on the University payroll but will be directed by Shaner management.

Shaner recently named hospitality industry executive Ted McCallum as managing director of the Courtyard Newark-University of Delaware and the University of Delaware Conference Centers. University Conference Centers include the 40,000-square foot John M. Clayton Hall in Newark, Arsht Hall and the Goodstay Center in Wilmington and the Virden Retreat Center in Lewes.

Ted McCallum Photo by Kathy Atkinson

“Ted’s experience in hotel and conference center management is a great asset to Shaner Hotel Group,” Lance Shaner, co-founder and CEO of Shaner Hotel Group, said. “We are pleased to have him act as a partner with the University of Delaware on this exciting venture, which will enhance an already successful conference center operation.”

Hollowell said the University has turned to the business sector for the delivery of campus services on several occasions when it made good business sense to do so and would result in enhanced services for the campus community, particularly students. For example, Barnes & Noble operates the campus bookstores and Aramark Corp. oversees University food services.

About Shaner Hotel Group
Shaner Hotel Group (www.shanerhotels.com) is one of the nation’s premier private lodging and management companies. Founded in 1983 by brothers Lance and Fred Shaner, the State College, Pa.-based company owns and/or operates 23 hotels in 15 states, with assets totaling $260 million. Twelve well-known brands are represented in the Shaner Hotel Group portfolio including Marriott, Hilton, Radisson and Holiday Inn.