HSMAI South Florida Names FIU’s Michael Cheng 2025 Hospitality Legend of the Year

# What happened

International announced Dr. Michael Cheng as its 2025 Hospitality Legend of the Year. Cheng is dean and professor at Florida International University's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, a program the article describes as top-ranked.

# Why this matters

HSMAI South Florida framed the award as recognition of Cheng's leadership in expanding the school's industry reach, philanthropic support, and academic programs. The school's changes affect students who enter hospitality careers and regional employers who hire them.

# Concrete achievements cited

• Cheng has served as dean since 2017 and created the school's Vision 2030 strategy.
• School raised more than $48 million in philanthropic support while he has been dean.
• Major initiatives established or grown under Cheng include the FIU Bacardi Center of Excellence, the McKibbon '75 Alumni Experience and Professorship in Technology, the Vidal-Duart Wine Studies Program, and the FIU Cruise Excellence Center.
• He is co-author of the textbook Hospitality Today: An Introduction.
• Cheng has been named among the Top 100 Most Powerful People in the USA and Global Hospitality by the International Hospitality Institute and listed as a South Florida Business Journal Power Leader in Hospitality Education for 2023–2026.

# Ceremony and timing

HSMAI South Florida will honor Cheng at its 41st Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Le Méridien Dania Beach.

# What leaders said

Dr. Cheng: "I am extremely grateful to be named HSMAI Legend of the Year and truly honored to be in the company of such amazing past industry greats."

Robert Levine, Co-President of HSMAI South Florida: "We are thrilled to recognize Dr. Michael Cheng as our Legend of the Year. Michael has elevated the Chaplin School onto the global stage, and in doing so has strengthened the entire South Florida hospitality industry. The students he has shaped are the leaders filling our hotels, restaurants, and destination organizations today."

Angie Franjul-Garcia, Co-President of HSMAI South Florida: "Michael's impact reaches far beyond the classroom. He has built partnerships, secured resources, and opened doors that created real opportunity for hospitality professionals across our region. His legacy is one of vision, generosity, and excellence—making him a truly deserving recipient of this distinguished honor."

# Background detail

Cheng is a native of Malaysia. The article lists the programs he helped create or expand as industry-facing: centers focused on spirits education and cruise operations, technology-focused alumni programming, and a wine studies program. Those initiatives tie the school closer to hospitality employers and donors.

# What to watch next

Expect local hospitality employers and HSMAI members to be present at the October awards ceremony. The recognition reinforces FIU's role as a source of trained hospitality managers and a partner for industry initiatives in South Florida.