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A Teacher & Mentor for the Ages: Al Izzolo

The hospitality “industry man” became a UNLV legend.

Longtime UNLV hospitality professor Al Izzolo with his wife, Cora, at the 2019 Vallen Dinner. 

Editor's Note:

Associate Professor Emeritus Al Izzolo died April 29 after battling cancer. He was 79.  The former restaurant recruiter began teaching at what was then called the “UNLV Hotel School” in 1976, just seven years after the program became a stand-alone college. As a member of the Hotel School’s early faculty, Izzolo was instrumental in defining the college’s unique brand of industry-focused, hands-on learning. Generations of Hospitality College graduates credit Izzolo for guiding them into successful careers. He is survived by his wife Cora and two children. The following article, originally published in 2020, describes Izzolo’s rich history with the college and includes a comment section penned by alumni and friends.    

To say that Al Izzolo is well known is a gross understatement.

Even when his legions of his former students don’t immediately recognize him, it doesn’t take long for the lightbulb to go on.

“Rarely do I go out without encountering a graduate,” commented UNLV Hospitality College professor Al Izzolo in a book interview in the early 2000s. “I’ve changed over the years, so the conversation always starts, are you Al Izzolo?” 

Izzolo’s legacy, which now spans four decades, triggers something profound in graduates. Some remember Al as a trusted student adviser and mentor. Others, who joined in his international educational expeditions, credit “Captain Al” with introducing them to the world. Generations of alumni know Izzolo as an industry sage, always willing to share his unique brand of inspiring realism.

Prior to joining the faculty in 1976, Izzolo was a restaurant recruiter who frequently visited the college looking to hire students because they “always seemed to work out.” Soon, however, Izzolo was the one being recruited. An industry man through and through, he found the opportunity to teach intriguing.

“Coming from [the restaurant] industry, the three-course load, which proved to be four, with a few office hours and a bit of committee assignments, sounded like a 20-hour week. I wound up working closer to 60 hours.”

But it was a labor of love for Izzolo, who was instrumental in laying the foundation for the fledgling college — bringing in early donors, helping to create administrative standards, securing internships for students, and hosting fundraisers. He even partnered with colleague and fellow Professor Pat Moreo to write a popular food column titled Under Five, letting students know where to eat for less than $5. 

Captain Al's Influence

Upon his retirement in 2020, Izzolo remained predictably quiet about his role in nurturing the college and its students into maturity. But the beneficiaries of “Captain Al’s” wisdom and guidance weren’t nearly as reserved. In fact, when news of Izzolo’s retirement spread, the comments poured in. Here are some of the comments:

Al was one of those once-in-a-lifetime professors that not only teaches you the industry but truly teaches life lessons and real-world experience. There are not enough Al Izzolos in this world. I am fortunate that he was both a teacher and a friend.
- Adam Gordon ’04

Looking back, I realized he [Al] believed in his students more than we believed in ourselves. Al saw the potential and provided so many of us not only with hospitality knowledge but also with the confidence to move forward in our careers.
-Bobbie Barnes ’93

Al always had a kind word and plenty of time for us doctoral students. He is a true fountain of knowledge and always brought the operator's perspective to his discussions.
 -John Farrish ’10

Al is a mentor and friend. He was instrumental in guiding many young college students, including me! I appreciate Al and his years of service. 
- Marc Moulinet ’96

Al is a legend!
- Matthew Abramsky ’94    

Professor Al Izzolo was a great teacher and industry professional. I learned great things from his teachings, and he really cared about the students. If you worked in food & beverage, you realized he was right about everything he taught. 
- Perry Keith Todd ’84

I had the pleasure of being one of Al's teaching assistants in 2016. Getting to learn from and teach with Al was a highlight of my college experience.
- Emelia Santos ’18

Al was a great teacher. I had the chance to travel with Aussie Al to Australia and Fiji. The trip was amazing, and Al always made great memories that will last a lifetime.
- Brayton Williams ’07

I took a class from Professor Izzolo in 1977. I remember him talking to us about the real world and how it would tempt us to live beyond our means as we grow in our careers. This lesson helped me build a successful 40-year career with Aramark and retire comfortably to enjoy my wonderful family.
- Tom Minor ’78

I have so many favorite stories of Al. He was a great teacher but a better friend.
 - Matt Snitzer ’07

What I remember best about Al was his intention to provide practical knowledge that we would use in our careers. And just as important, whenever I was on campus or at an alumni event, he remembered me – even after 30 years.  
- Jim Mikula ’78

It was always an honor to associate with Al Izzolo. When I interviewed for a Japan internship he ran, I was comforted knowing it'd be a great opportunity since he was involved. I had one of the greatest experiences in my life!
- Jennifer Zajac Winters ’93

I traveled with Al to Australia and Fiji, as well as Europe. He came to be known as “Euro Al” to us at the time. I have never learned so much as I did being immersed in the culture. It was amazing, fun, and had a lasting impact on my life.
- Angela (Szewczyk) Archibald ’07

There are too many memories to mention just one, but two things stick out in my mind from my college days at UNLV: Runnin’ Rebel basketball and Al Izzolo.
- Lucia DePretto ’92

Big Al was a mentor and a real leader for students. It was always a great time to attend the Hotel Association happy hours at Sunset Park on Fridays. He would share his knowledge and experience with students. Thank you for your friendship, Al. 
- Bob Hester ’79

There will forever only be one Captain Al! I could go on and on about my favorite stories! So many great memories and travels, and I treasure them all! 
- Angela Birdsell Siegel ’91

Al was not only a very important person during my time as a student but also in my early career. We had great times together during our travels and as representatives of IFSEA. Al is one of the people in life who you will always remember and cannot thank enough. 
- Don Boobe ’78

Thank you, Professor Al, for helping us all create life-long memories!
- Tessa Riess-Norton ’05

One of my favorite memories was a joint-school (UNLV & NYIT) trip for 3.5 weeks in Europe, lead by Captain AL. Thanks for the memories, sir!
- Roberto Ramirez ’05

Professor Izzolo was one of my favorites! He was always upbeat and would do anything to help. 
- Rochelle Bernstein ’89    

Al was a wonderful professor and mentor. He gave me the first opportunity in a leadership style role as a TA for his TCA 201 class. I enjoyed every moment of that and felt very honored to have been recognized by him for the role!
- Lauren Wier ’11

I was Al's admin from the late 80s to early 90s. Best experience of my life. I will never forget what an amazing leader, mentor, and friend he was to all of us – not just his students, peers, and family but anyone who crossed his path.
- Marilynn Yelvington

 

Campus Units:

William F. Harrah College of Hospitality

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