Remembering Matt Haley
UD students take service trip in memory of Delaware business leader Matt Haley
1:56 p.m., Nov. 10, 2014--Last month a group of University of Delaware Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management (HRIM) students participated in a weekend of community connection in southern Delaware. In their minds was the memory of Matt Haley, president of SoDel Concepts, who gave an address at UD earlier this year before passing away in a motorcycle accident in August.
Haley spoke at UD in March as part of Hospitality Week with UD’s National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH). Sean Freeman, events coordinator for the NSMH, said she appreciated Haley’s candid tone when speaking about his past experiences.
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“During his talk he was honest and willing to share the imperfections in his journey,” said Freeman. “Many students felt he truly embodied hope.”
After the talk students from the NSMH had dinner with Haley at the student-run restaurant Vita Nova. During this dinner, Haley spoke about his love for giving back and invited NSMH to plan a service weekend with him.
Haley and Freeman planned a trip to the Children’s Beach House in Lewes, a community center that provides resources for children with special needs and their families. The NSMH decided to continue with plans for the service weekend in honor of Haley’s memory after his sudden passing.
The trip, which Freeman called “wildly successful,” included 16 members of the HRIM department.
During their time at the Children’s Beach House, students carved pumpkins, played games, painted murals and cooked recipes like tortilla soup and banana bread with the children.
“We all connected with the kids and they connected with us,” said Dan McCreary, president of NSMH on campus. “We got to learn their names and they learned ours. They were great kids and a lot of fun.”
“It was really meaningful,” McCreary continued. “I think they enjoyed having us and we really enjoyed meeting them.”
McCreary said that because their experience with the Children’s Beach House was so positive, the student groups hope to plan similar service trips in the future.
During the trip the group also spent a night at UD’s Virden Center and visited restaurants owned by SoDel Concepts. These included brunch and a wine seminar at Fish On! as well as dinner at Papa Grande’s.
“At each restaurant, various managers and chefs came out to explain the progress in the company since Haley’s passing,” said Freeman. These include plans to expand to international locations and other community service projects.
“Matt Haley’s spirit will live on because of the passion and hope he instilled in his company and in everyone he encountered,” said Freeman. “His memory will not be forgotten and his legacy will continue to inspire everyone he touched.”
Article by Sunny Rosen