“Education is not an expense; it is an investment.” That was the position taken by Mr Richard Schultz, owner of the Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club, and the statement underpinning the launch of the Aurora University on Anguilla on Tuesday evening, June 7, 2022.
The Aurora University’s Dean, Mr Christopher Richardson, played a significant role in developing the framework for the corporate university in Anguilla to “ensure the delivery of a product that mirrors the resort’s standards, namely: we are Anguilla, we are host, we genuinely care, we strive for excellence,” Mr. Richardson noted.
Mr Richardson explained the purpose of the university. He said: “Inherent in Anguilla Aurora University is a holistic approach to ensure the training of our colleagues, more job descriptions, have alignment with standard operating procedures, and foster the achievement of successful succession planning outcomes.
“Our colleagues will receive competency training and certification in their roles, and the opportunity for job enrichment and enhancement through our professional and leadership development offerings.
“Aurora University is an investment in our colleagues, allowing them to work, develop and follow a tangent progression to advance their careers. It is a way of preparing our colleagues to execute their duties with cutting-edge precision while delivering impeccable service.”
Mr Richardson interjected the university’s vision: “To foster an environment of education and elevate the skill sets of Anguillians – and empower them to continue to learn and grow while passionately and consistently delivering meaningful and elevated guest experiences.”
Managing Director of Hospitality for Olympus Ventures, Mr Ed Staros, represented the Aurora Anguilla Resorts and Golf Club owner, Mr Richard Schultz, at the university’s launch.
He noted that it is Mr Schultz’s vision to “grow Aurora Anguilla” by making sure that everybody grows within the organisation through training and certification.
He said: “I am here as a guidance for [Dean] Christopher and the entire team. I am here today, on behalf of Mr Richard Schultz, to support the educational development of all employees so they can gain knowledge and become masters of whatever department they are working in, and can break out and become certified in multiple departments – that’s what really makes a great team.
“[The Aurora University platform] is intended to certify as many employees in as many areas or departments as they wish to learn.” He noted that this level of employee training and certification “is the future of this hotel,” and will “give young talent an opportunity to grow within the company. He indicated that “there will be promotions from within – employees can become supervisors, supervisors can become managers, managers can become department heads and, one day, one of you can become the general manager.”
The evening’s launch of the university was moderated by Ms Natasha Richardson and attended by a crowd of invited guests and Aurora Anguilla staff. Also in attendance were Aurora executives, Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam, Deputy Governor Perin Bradley, Premier Dr Webster and other government officials.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the enthusiastic crowd celebrated with a cocktail reception and a spectacular fireworks display.
