Talbert

Mark P. Talbert, a senior lecturer in information systems at the School of Hotel Administration (SHA), died Oct. 19 at his home in Ithaca. He was 55.

Talbert ’89, MPS ’92, began teaching at SHA as a visiting lecturer in 1996 and was named lecturer in 1999. He was promoted to senior lecturer at SHA in 2008 and also taught in the Department of Policy Analysis and Management at the College of Human Ecology since 2012.

“As a graduate and educator with a long affiliation to our school, Mark was a true Hotelie,” said Michael Johnson, the Bradley H. Stone Dean of SHA, in a message to the school community. “There are many who called Mark their teacher, colleague, classmate and friend, and I extend to you all my heartfelt condolences.”

Memorial service set for Oct. 30
The School of Hotel Administration invites all faculty, staff and students to celebrate the life and career of Mark Talbert at a memorial service Oct. 30 at 10:30 a.m. in Sage Chapel. A reception will follow at the Statler Hotel.

Talbert was an authority on real-time management simulation models and taught courses in business computing, modeling and programming. He was the author of several educational software programs including the Competitive Hospitality Education Simulation Series, Yield Lab and Menu Dynamics.

He taught in hospitality management schools in Australia, France and Switzerland, and he presented educational seminars to such companies as Inter-Continental Hotels, Group Accor, Holiday Inns Worldwide, Shangri-La and the Peninsula Group.

Talbert was founder and president of Management Simulation Technologies LLC, a professional consulting company specializing in the design and development of software applications for the hospitality industry and hospitality education.

Talbert is survived by his mother and several extended family members. The funeral will be in Pennsylvania. Viewing hours are set for Sunday, Oct. 25, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Schellhaas Funeral Home, 5864 Heckert Road, Bakerstown, PA 15007; the funeral Mass will be Oct. 26, 10 a.m., St. Richards Catholic Church, 3841 Dickey Road, Gibsonia, PA, 15044.

Support services
Support services are available to all members of the Cornell community. Students can consult with counselors from Gannett Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) by calling 607-255-5155. Students can speak with a peer counselor by calling EARS at 607-255-3277.

Employees can call the Faculty Staff Assistance Program at 607-255-2673. The Ithaca-based Crisisline is available at 607-272-1616. For additional resources, visit caringcommunity.cornell.edu.