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Remembering Leif R. Evensen – A Legacy in Hospitality

It is with great respect and fond memories that we share an article honoring the life and legacy of Leif R. Evensen (1935 – 2024)

Leif R. Evensen, affectionately known as “Mr. Cornell in Europe,” and a deeply respected figure in the hotel industry, passed away on September 6, 2024, at the age of 89, after a long illness. He spent his final weeks at Ullern Health Centre.

Born in Grimstad, Norway, Leif lived a long and remarkable life filled with passion for hospitality and service. He began his career as a purser with SAS Airlines but soon developed an early passion for the international hotel industry, recognising that a solid educational foundation was essential for success. He pursued studies in hotel management at the Norwegian Hotel School in Stavanger, the EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, and the Cornell School of Hotel Administration in the United States.

Leif’s connection with Cornell was lifelong. After graduating from Cornell in 1966, Leif became an active member of the Cornell Hotel Society, the alumni association for former students. In 2005, he was honoured with the role of Global President and held an instrumental role in the leadership of the Norway Chapter for many years and was strongly engaged in the establishment of several chapters across Europe.

Leif’s international career took him to leadership roles in hotels in New York, Washington DC, and Chicago. Upon his return to Norway, he worked with SAS Catering and SAS International Hotels. His final position was as Director of Hotel Europa in Oslo. However, his greatest legacy lies in his dedication to nurturing talent and advancing education within the hospitality and tourism sectors. In recognition of his contributions, a Cornell scholarship titled “Master of Management in Hospitality” was named in his honour. Driven by his passion for supporting young professionals, Leif initiated several scholarships to help promising talents advance their education.

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