Jon Schultz Honored by University of Houston

Jon C. Schultz has been a “great model of success” throughout his 11-year career at the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM), according to one of his colleague.

Schultz’s successes include raising more than $40 million, assisting in the creation of the college’s San Antonio campus initiative and leading the project management team for the $14.5 million renovation of the Hilton University of Houston Hotel. Now at 72, Schultz, assistant dean for business development at HRM, continues to work 10 to 11 hours most days despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Schultz’s outstanding achievements and strong work ethic have earned him UH’s most coveted staff honor — the Charles F. McElhinney Distinguished Service Award. The annual award, which recognizes exemplary staff contribution to UH, includes a $3,000 prize. 

“I enjoy what I am doing, so I really don’t regard this as work,” said Schultz, who began his employment at UH in 2004. “As long as I am able to stay ahead of the youngsters and still make a difference, then I guess I’ll be around for a while. However, having said all that, I don’t intend to overstay my welcome.”

Schultz, who manages the college’s fundraising, industry relations and alumni office, is described by his nominator as a “team player who is always working and sharing with faculty and staff, within the college and across UH for the betterment of the University.”

His nominator added, “With over 40 years working in private industry, Jon has shared his business acumen and knowledge with students through teaching and speaking in classes at the college. He also serves as a professional and personal mentor to many of his counterparts throughout the university as well as at the executive level.”

Schultz, who received his bachelor of science degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, spent 10 years building and operating Westin hotels. He also owned and operated three businesses, including a start-up digital communications company.

Schultz’s association with UH began in the 1970s, when he was a volunteer for the Hilton College. As a volunteer, he developed and taught the college’s first hotel development course and eventually became a member of its industry advisory board, “contributing significantly with his knowledge of construction as we were adding our 94,000 square-foot south wing,” commented one supporter.

Another supporter described Schultz as “passionate, productive and pragmatic and knowledgeable about every facet of this College. Without him, this College would not be the preeminent leader in hospitality education that it is today. I believe that with all my heart.”

In addition to honoring Schultz, UH also recognized other staff members for their exemplary contributions to the University.