Before Danielle Johnson found Ohio State, before she found her much-appreciated major in the Hospitality Management program, she was a college dropout. 

“I had passions,” she said, “but the classes, the environment, nothing really vibed with me at that time … nothing … that I could see myself doing long term.” 

So, after her third semester at a university in Indiana, she applied to the Disney College Program. Her family had vacationed there often when she was growing up. “It was always a place where everyone could find their own enjoyment and happiness,” she said. 

What might seem boring — six months serving customers at a food and beverage stand — fueled Johnson’s ambition to build a career centered on delivering exceptional customer experiences.   

At the Florida theme park that puts guests first, she found her niche in hospitality. 

“This was my break from college. It led me to discover that I really enjoy making people happy,” she said. “As Disney calls it, ‘making magic for people.’”

The path to Ohio State

Making magic for people became Johnson’s new career goal, but she still wanted time to consider how to move forward.

After Disney, she took a job as manager of an ice cream parlor in Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio. Her parents were there in their summer vacation home, so she joined them. Providing sweet treats in a resort area was a fun and rewarding way to gain valuable skills in how to bring people joy. 

Johnson thrived on managing a team of 20 customer service professionals. She enjoyed finding ways to enhance guest experiences and communicate to form relationships. 

Yet something still was missing: a college degree to propel her future forward. 

Her dad, Curt Johnson, had always been a Buckeyes fan. “That was the only university I heard about growing up,” Danielle Johnson said.  

So, when Ohio State’s acceptance letter came, the 10 other universities she’d applied to — just in case — didn’t matter. “I was meant to be a Buckeye,” she said.   

Finding Hospitality Management — and her community 

Some students find the college’s Hospitality Management program only after arriving at Ohio State. Johnson was no exception. 

She signed up for CSHSPMG 2600: Introduction to Hospitality Management in autumn 2024. The online, asynchronous course let her work at her own pace, and she fell in love with it. 

“Hospitality is how you talk on the phone; it’s how you send your emails; it’s how you connect with your customers or your coworkers,” she said. “No company, no doctor’s office, dentist, entertainment facility (can) function without hospitality.” 

She advocates for every undergrad to take the course. “Having that background … would benefit any student in any major. It could help boost you in your career path, even if that’s not your focus. It could even put you that one step above your competitor and help you get that interview or that job.” 

The course, as Johnson explains, provides different models of how to connect with people from different backgrounds or through different company structures.  

For instance, the LEARN model “stands for Listen, Empathize, Apologize, Respond and Notify,” she said. “This model can help when assisting with a guest’s needs or trying to interact with an unhappy guest. It can help to communicate with anyone, in any situation.” 

Students taking spring 2026 intro course to receive free textbook

Johnson’s enthusiasm for her major extends beyond herself. She wants to encourage more students to experience the introductory course, to learn how to be hospitable in all walks of life and to be aware of the major.  

So, when she asked her parents, Curt and Ann Johnson, if they would fund the textbook for every student who signs up for CSHSPMG 2600: Introduction to Hospitality Management in spring 2026, they agreed. They explained their belief in the program this way.

“In today’s business world, human interaction, people skills and hospitality will become more important than ever. As AI continues to expand, they will become crucial. This program and Ohio State provide students with the opportunity to learn skills that can go in any direction.”

Finding a specialty within the hospitality realm: Managing events 

During that introductory course in spring 2024, Johnson learned about The Big Dish. Each year, the program hosts an awards and networking event for industry partners, graduating seniors and their families. 

“My mom is a volunteer fanatic, so of course I volunteered,” she said. “That’s what you do. You give back.” 

Johnson reveled in the excitement of the event, held in NetJets Landing, a premium event space in Ohio Stadium. Her excitement rose as her volunteering peers filled her in on experiences — tours, mentorships, internships, career fairs — offered by the program and industry partners.  

“It was the first time I met Anne Turpin in person, (clinical assistant professor and key faculty for the undergraduate program), because the course was online. I met my advisor in person, Ahmed Hassan, who helped figure out my schedule to ensure it lined up with graduation. I met people that I still talk to,” she said. 

The experience double-confirmed Johnson’s choice of major. “This is my program,” she thought. “These are my people.” 

In spring 2025, Johnson took CSHSPMG 4600: Special Events Planning and Management and joined the student team that put on The Big Dish. 

“I’ve been on teams before, but nothing this monumental. You get to see and feel the outcome,” Johnson said. 

She took charge of the stage program. “I didn’t realize it until I did The Big Dish how much I can handle stress in an appropriate way,” she said. “Whatever is going to happen, happens. So, making that plan B, figuring out how to change course, I found that I kind of fed off it.” 

Event planning and execution became Johnson’s career goal. 

Hospitality students enjoy multiple internships, industry contacts 

While at Disney, Johnson attended an Ohio State alumni event. She met organizer Craig Rowley, senior engagement and alumni relations associate with Ohio State’s Alumni Association. 

Once at Ohio State, she reached out, and Rowley invited her to intern with the association. Doing office work with a team expanded her skills. 

“I learned how to start making that (event) outline, how you start a budget, looking at previous numbers. Getting email etiquette experience (with all the engagement team members) was amazing.”

She even contributed to a plan for an upcoming alumni event at Disney in 2026. “Having experienced the event, to be on the other side and see what it takes to make it happen, that was really neat. I definitely learned that I’m okay with doing office work.” 

During autumn 2025, Johnson is fulfilling her practicum requirement in food service. She landed a coveted internship with Delaware North, a privately owned hospitality and entertainment company.

It provides food and beverage services to venues around the world, from sports arenas to theme parks to national parks. 

Johnson’s assignment is at Nationwide Arena in Columbus’ downtown Arena District. She assists in providing food and beverages to participants in premium seating and suites.  

In spring 2026, she will conduct her hotel internship experience at a local hotel, then graduate. The industry connections gleaned from her many experiences are invaluable assets as she continues to build her career. 

Alignment with Ohio State’s Education for Citizenship 2035

“Danielle’s journey reflects Ohio State President Carter’s Education for Citizenship 2035 vision,” said Anne Turpin, clinical assistant professor of hospitality management. “It emphasizes preparation through both coursework and meaningful work experiences. Her pathway illustrates how experiential learning equips students to lead with empathy, adaptability and people-centered skills.”

“Her story underscores how the Hospitality Management program helps students gain both technical knowledge and citizenship skills: the ability to strengthen communities, foster belonging and create moments that matter.”

Looking back on her first arrival at Ohio State, Johnson said she examined every major offered on every campus. Hospitality Management was the only one that stood out for her. 

“I love the magic that I can provide people (through hospitality),” she said. “Creating an unforgettable experience is what I strive for. Just knowing that I have been a part of their journey brings me joy and lets me know I have picked the right field.”