Waitner has worked in the hospitality industry for 22 years, but discovered that he did not meet the educational requirements needed to qualify for management positions at the resort. He chose AHLEI’s distance learning program as a way to increase his opportunities for career advancement. After completing the Hospitality Management Diploma, Waitner’s name began appearing in promotional discussions, and he was selected from more than 1,000 employees to attend the largest gaming conference held in Las Vegas, an honor usually reserved for department heads.

Waitner’s educational achievement has been a source of pride not only at his job, but also at home, where his teenage daughter, Morgan, has begun talking about going to college because she sees the value of education. He has said he is proof positive that earning a hospitality management diploma through distance learning is an effective plan and would recommend AHLEI’s program to anyone who needs a “leg up” in a very competitive industry.