The Gina and Frank Day Leadership Academy (DLA) was founded on a commitment to strengthening the hospitality industry through education, leadership, and community impact. Inspired by the legacy of Frank and his wife Gina Day whose dedication to hospitality, mentorship, and service shaped countless careers the academy was created to carry forward their vision of investing in people and building a stronger industry.
Rooted in the School of Hospitality at MSU Denver, DLA connects higher education with real-world industry experience to create accessible, meaningful learning opportunities. What began as a vision to support hospitality professionals has grown into a dynamic platform for leadership development, workforce training, and industry collaboration across Colorado.
Today, DLA serves professionals, emerging leaders, and business owners by providing practical education, fostering connections, and creating pathways for growth within the hospitality community.
The Day Leadership Academy (DLA) supports the growth of Colorado’s hospitality community by delivering accessible, industry-relevant education and resources for professionals, emerging leaders, and business owners.
Through partnerships with industry and higher education, DLA creates initiatives that build skills, strengthen connections, and drive meaningful impact in the communities they serve.
To be the first place hospitality professionals and businesses turn for education and solutions that advance careers and business growth.
Community Centered
We strengthen the hospitality community—and the broader community it serves—by fostering connection, collaboration, and shared growth.
Accessible
Our education, resources, and support are affordable, flexible, and designed for working professionals and business leaders at every stage.
Industry Relevant
We deliver practical, relevant learning experiences and resources that provide clear value to individuals, organizations, and the hospitality industry.
Impactful
We focus on creating lasting, measurable impact for people, businesses, and the hospitality community.
Innovative
We combine faculty expertise with industry partnerships to deliver forward-focused content and experiences.
Stewards of the Day Vision
We act as responsible caretakers of Gina and Frank Day’s vision by honoring the values and purpose that founded the Day Leadership Academy.
We design flexible, real-world training experiences that help teams grow, lead, and perform at a higher level.
This course will introduce participants to core AI concepts and will explore their practical applications across lodging, food and beverage, travel, and event sectors. Through engaging case studies and real-world examples, students will analyze how AI enables personalized guest experiences and supports data-informed decision-making.
This course equips working restaurant professionals with practical, evidence-based techniques to diagnose and improve menu profitability. It is aimed at current and aspiring restaurant operators, food-and-beverage managers, chefs, and analysts who need practical, spreadsheet-based tools to improve menu profitability across on-premises and off-premises channels.
This course empowers hospitality professionals to discover and communicate their organization’s unique story. Through real-world examples, interactive exercises, and applied projects, participants will learn how to design and market authentic brand stories that attract guests, build loyalty, and set their business apart in a crowded marketplace.
Located in the Hospitality Learning Center (HLC)
Address: 1190B Auraria Parkway Room 209
Email Us Today For More Information
School of Hospitality
PO Box 173362
Campus Box 60
Denver, CO 80217-3362
We’d love to answer your questions — reach out anytime!
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.msudenver.edu/dla
We aim to respond within 24 business hours!
Office hours:
Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM
Welcome guests, manage check-ins, and deliver friendly, efficient front desk service.
Serve guests with attentive, high-quality service in a luxury hotel restaurant setting.
Prepare quality drinks and deliver friendly, efficient café customer service.
Clean and prepare guest rooms to ensure comfort, quality, and satisfaction.
