Hospitality Industry Leader John Caparella to be honored by SUNY Delhi with Doctorate

DELHI, NY (05/08/2013)(readMedia)-- John Caparella '78, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian, The Palazzo and The Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, will be presented an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at SUNY Delhi's 96th annual commencement exercises Saturday, May 25, at 10 a.m. in the Maines Arena, Clark Field House.

"We are very pleased to honor John as one of SUNY Delhi's most successful graduates and friends," said President Candace S. Vancko. "John's professional and philanthropic support demonstrates his love for Delhi and we are proud to recognize his extraordinary efforts."

John Caparella's vision, leadership and management expertise have led him to rank among the most powerful and most respected hospitality and entertainment industry leaders. He is president and chief operating officer of The Venetian, The Palazzo and The Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, the largest resort in the world with AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Four-Star ratings. The property generated $1.32 billion in revenue last year and features over 7,000 suites, 36 restaurants led by award-winning chefs including Mario Batali, Wolfgang Puck, Thomas Keller and Emeril Lagasse, a retail luxury brand complex, four theaters, and extensive casino and gambling rooms. As president and COO, Caparella has secured major entertainment agreements for acts that include "Rock of Ages," Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's "Soul2Soul," "America's Got Talent," David Spade, Joan Rivers and Tim Allen.

Caparella is a dedicated alumnus of SUNY Delhi's Hospitality Management program, earning SUNY Delhi's Distinguished Alumnus Award for his professional achievement and long-time support of his alma mater. He has served as a member of the college's Hotel and Resort Management Advisory Council for more than 25 years. Caparella was the youngest member of the college's first capital campaign, helping raise funds to convert a campus building into a state-of-the-art hospitality center with industry-sponsored guest suites. He has supported special summer internships for Delhi students and his industry connections have led to sponsorships of the SUNY Delhi culinary team that captured the 2010 American Culinary Federation National Championship. As part of the college's centennial celebration, he has established a scholarship endowment to benefit hospitality majors and is leading fund-raising efforts to convert Thurston Hall, the last original building on the Delhi campus, into a boutique hotel that will be managed by hospitality students as part of their professional work experience.

Over 600 candidates for baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees and certificates are expected to graduate on May 25. SUNY Delhi's Class of 2013 will receive special tassel charms to signify they are part of the college's centennial class. President Vancko will recognize the Baccalaureate Student of the Year and the Associate Degree Student of the Year.

Also scheduled to address the graduates are Provost John Nader and Vice President for Student Life Barbara Jones. Assistant Professor Daniel Klossner will sing the national anthem and the alma mater.