BUFFALO, NY, June 27, 2006 – Dr. Paul B. Hurley, Jr., President of Trocaire College, and Russell and Joseph Salvatore, Proprietors of Salvatore’s Italian Gardens Restaurant and Garden Place Hotel, today announced a new partnership between the academic world and the hospitality industry – creation of the Salvatore School of Hospitality at Trocaire College. The new program will be offered beginning this fall 2006 semester.

“We are delighted to be partnered with the Salvatore family – a name that speaks to dedication to service and hospitality within our community,” stated Trocaire President Paul Hurley. “What a great addition the Salvatore School of Hospitality will be to our college. One of the highlights of this relationship will be watching the first group of Salvatore-trained hospitality graduates enter the workforce.”

The new Salvatore School of Hospitality will offer a two-year associate of applied science degree in hospitality management, including industry certification. The program’s curriculum is designed to give students a broad-based understanding of the hospitality industry and to assist each student in developing advanced managerial skills through a practical industry experience. The association between Trocaire College and Salvatore Properties will give students access to hands-on skills training at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens Restaurant and the Garden Place Hotel. “This partnership is a one-of-a-kind venture that will bring new meaning to relevant, practical learning experiences for our students,” said Troy Hengst, hospitality program director.

“I am very excited about starting this program at Trocaire College,” said Russell Salvatore. “The college has been very special to me and my late brother Anthony. A scholarship in Anthony Salvatore’s honor was established to assist Trocaire hospitality students in achieving their educational goals. My life has been dedicated to excellent customer service and this partnership will ensure that this legacy continues.”

The mission of the Salvatore School of Hospitality program is to prepare future managers and industry leaders for positions in restaurants, hotel and lodging properties, convention and tourism bureaus, and conference and meeting centers through intensive academic coursework and practical work experience.

“Our goal is that every Trocaire College Hospitality Management student graduates with not only a diploma, but also the business skills, knowledge and experience required for long-term success in the hospitality industry,” noted Director Hengst. The program is unique in that it emphasizes 50% academics and 50% real life experiences exposing students to restaurant management and operations, hotel and resort management, and convention services. All students will assist with planning hotel and restaurant functions.

“I believe this will be a rewarding experience for all participants,” stated Joseph A. Salvatore, President. “We look forward to sharing our views on the hospitality field with Trocaire students. The students will also learn the difference between a true corporate environment and an independent environment. Students will have first-hand experience and we will have the benefit of potential employees in the future.”

To introduce the new Salvatore School of Hospitality and answer questions about the program, an information session will be held on Thursday, July 20 from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens Restaurant, 6461 Transit Road in Depew. For further information on this information session or the hospitality program, call Trocaire College Program Director Troy Hengst at 716-827-2553 or e-mail hengstt@trocaire.edu.