San Manuel and Collins College Connect Students with Jobs

As the world continues to reopen, the demand for workers in the hospitality industry is growing. San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (SMBMI) is going to great lengths to fill these much-needed positions. SMBMI recently formed a unique collaboration with The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona to connect its graduating students with the new hospitality management positions being created with the Tribe’s casino resort expansion.

The collaboration began in May when San Manuel held a special virtual hiring event created specifically for The Collins College of Hospitality Management students and alumni to inform and excite them about the many opportunities available at San Manuel Casino and the soon to be completed resort. The hiring event showcased the company’s culture, recruiters who were on hand for a live Q&A with students and alumni, and the opportunity for both to apply for jobs during the event.

"As we continue to focus on providing a best-in-class experience for our guests and team members, recruiting top talent is key", said Peter Arceo, General Manager San Manuel Casino. "This new collaboration with The Collins College of Hospitality Management allows us to expand our dynamic team and connect students and alumni with endless opportunities."

Located at Cal Poly Pomona, The Collins College of Hospitality Management is one of the top hospitality programs in the world and has more than 1000 undergraduate students enrolled. The college incorporates a learn-by-doing approach that helps prepare students for careers where they can quickly put that hands-on experience to work.

“We are excited to work with San Manuel to connect them with our students. We have some very talented individuals that are poised to become the next generation of leaders in the hospitality field,” said Dr. Lea Dopson, Dean of The Collins College of Hospitality Management.

With the proximity of the college less than a one-hour drive from San Manuel Casino, graduating students have long been interested in careers at the casino which currently includes eight dining options. The casino expansion that is currently underway includes a larger gaming space, a 24-hour restaurant, a high-end dining venue, and new retail shops. Later this year, San Manuel will open its first on-site hotel, featuring 432 luxury rooms and suites, premium dining venues, and a best-in-class event venue.

Christina Allgaier, who currently holds the position of VIP Services Concierge at San Manuel, reflected on her time at The Collins College of Hospitality Management and how the program prepared her for her position at the casino. “I never thought of myself as a leader before college, but during my time at The Collins College of Hospitality Management, I blossomed in that area. I learned all about dynamic teamwork and collaboration with different personality types from varying cultures and professional backgrounds. The Collins College prepared me for the multitude of career opportunities that awaited me after graduation and led me to my new position at San Manuel Casino.”

Allgaier said that Belinda de Villa-Lopez, recently retired Lecturer at The Collins College of Hospitality Management, was responsible for encouraging her to see how different styles of work contributions can mesh and work well together for a better result. “Those projects helped me to excel whenever I needed to get interdepartmental or internal work accomplished,” Allgaier added.

San Manuel Casino is currently hosting hiring events for Food and Beverage, Culinary, and Hospitality positions twice a week throughout the summer. Those applying for select cook, kitchen, housekeeping roles and more can receive up to $1,000 as a sign-on bonus and many other perks. Job seekers can visit sanmanuelcareers.com/Ontario to learn more about hiring events and current openings.

About the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians:

The San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians is a federally recognized American Indian tribe located near the city of Highland, California. The Serrano Indians are the indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys and mountains who share a common language and culture. The San Manuel reservation was established in 1891 and recognized as a sovereign nation with the right of self-government. As an indigenous community the origins and history of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians stem from our relationship with the land and to all who share it. Since ancient times we have expressed ourselves through a culture of giving. Today, San Manuel is able to answer the call of Yawa’ (Serrano word meaning “to act on one’s beliefs”) through partnerships with charitable organizations. We have drawn upon our history, knowledge, expertise and cultural values to direct our philanthropic giving in our local region, as well as to Native American causes nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.sanmanuel-nsn.gov.

About San Manuel Casino:

San Manuel Casino is Southern California’s one-stop destination for entertainment and fun, located just 60 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and a short drive from LS-Ontario International Airport. Millions of guests each year enjoy more than 5,000 slots, Vegas-style blackjack, high-limit gaming, incredible entertainment, sumptuous dining, and a generous player’s reward program. Since 1986, players have won thrilling jackpots and exciting prizes, making any visit to San Manuel a memorable and best-in-class experience. For more information on San Manuel Casino, visit www.SanManuel.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.