The University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce announced today that Hilton has committed $250,000 to support the School’s recently launched COMMence program, a co-curricular experience designed to guide second-year students as they enter the B.S. in Commerce curriculum. The four-year investment will fund multiple key elements of the program, including the Kickoff Conference, small-group workshops, assessments, experiential learning activities, and critical resources designed to help students meet their goals throughout their time at the Commerce School.
The gift builds on the growing collaboration between Hilton and McIntire. In recent years, Hilton has increased its engagement with the School through class consulting projects; student programming; and participation in events connecting practitioners with students, faculty, and alumni. As Hilton leaders also serve in advisory capacities that inform curriculum planning and strategy, their gift expands the company’s involvement in supporting the education of all McIntire students as well as providing employment opportunities at the “No. 1 World’s Best Workplace” as named by Great Place to Work and Fortune.
Laura Fuentes (Engineering ’97), Hilton Chief Human Resources Officer and Supply Management, says, “At Hilton, we’re committed to creating pathways that open doors for students—helping them build careers in hospitality and beyond. By bringing our expertise into the UVA classroom and connecting our leaders with students through the curriculum and signature events, we can showcase the innovation and industry leadership that define Hilton not only as a great place to stay, but a great place to work.”
Hilton has also partnered with the UVA Foundation to launch the UVA Hospitality Fellowship, a 12-week immersive program debuting in fall 2026. Open to students of all majors and class years, the fellowship offers hands-on experience across hotel operations, corporate strategy, and asset management, complemented by mentorship from Hilton executives and UVA Foundation leaders. Applications for this Fellowship will open in February 2026.
Hilton’s commitment coincides with the Commerce School’s transition to a three-year undergraduate experience. In fall 2025, the School enrolled its first cohort of students entering the B.S. in Commerce Program during their second year; this change provides students with an additional year of academic and professional preparation within McIntire.
Hilton’s commitment will help maintain the infrastructure needed to deliver the program consistently year after year. The global hospitality leader’s essential support enables McIntire to sustain an unmatched experience for all McIntire students while continuing to refine the program based on student feedback and evolving educational needs. The gift also increases visibility into career pathways within Hilton and the broader hospitality sector, which spans strategy, operations, analytics, customer experience, and technology roles across a global organization.
Allison Teweles, Associate Dean for Corporate and Employer Relations, said the commitment strengthens an existing relationship that has benefited students across multiple programs. “All of us at McIntire are deeply grateful for Hilton’s partnership and support, led by CEO Chris Nassetta (McIntire ’84), and belief in what COMMence means for our students,” she says. “Hilton understands that preparing new professionals requires academic excellence, but it also requires intentional support, reflection, and community. Their investment helps us deliver a consistent, high-quality experience for every second-year McIntire student, ensuring they build the skills and confidence they need to thrive. Hilton’s commitment elevates COMMence and strengthens our ability to grow the program thoughtfully, positioning it as a model for holistic, human-centered business education.”
The COMMence experience begins before the fall semester with online content and assessments that help students reflect on their strengths, values, and goals. As the academic year begins, students then take part in the aforementioned two-day Kickoff Conference introducing themes such as academic readiness, collaboration, well-being, and cultivating a growth mindset through exploratory workshops. In the spring, students receive their block assignments for McIntire’s hallmark Integrated Core during a block reveal event, which marks their transition into the third-year curriculum. With multiple opportunities for continued guidance, mentorship, and skill development throughout undergraduates’ third and fourth years, the COMMence program will continue to grow and provide avenues of essential student support.
The Hilton-McIntire partnership provides sustained support for a program designed to meet students’ needs and is part of a larger strategy to create multiple pathways for their personal and professional success. The collaboration demonstrates the aligned missions of both organizations to provide exceptional experiences while making positive impacts, a vision shared by this leading global hospitality company and preeminent business school. As McIntire continues to fortify the undergraduate program, Hilton’s generous contribution ensures that COMMence remains a reliable foundation for second-year students embarking on their Commerce studies.
