What is your background?: My name is Chloebelle Fausey and I am from Maquoketa. I attended Maquoketa High School and graduated in 2024. My parents are Kyle and Casey Fausey, who are my rocks and such an amazing support system. In high school I participated in lots of activities, which ranged from softball, soccer, golf, bowling, band, and student senate. Bowling is my ‘hidden’ talent! I went to state individually three years in a row and won state as a team in 2023. I was also enrolled in Clinton Community college as a senior, commuting each day to receive my culinary arts diploma, which I received in 2024. Being involved helped me stay focused on my goals for sure. I have been enrolled in Kirkwood since fall of 2024 and plan to graduate in May of 2026!
What brought you to Kirkwood and why?: Kirkwood honestly was always my first choice due to how friendly and helpful people are, as well as all the resources they have to offer! Cedar Rapids is also such a fun, expressive, and pretty city as well. It has brought me so much opportunity and has allowed me to grow as an individual. These are things in the small town of Maquoketa that I would’ve never experienced! At Kirkwood you get a great education with such a great staff all over campus as well!
What is your program of study and what interests you about it?: My major is Hospitality Management. I love this program so very much. It has taught me so much and strengthened my personality, confidence, people skills, and allowed me to build so many relationships! It dives deep into core management skills and practical skills, including clinicals, which are hands-on training sessions, in a fully operating four diamond hotel on campus! I have to give Greg Krawiec props for giving me a full tour on why they have the best hospitality program to offer, in addition to truly believing in my abilities in the industry and mentoring me to get to where I am today! Along with all of the amazing hospitable staff at the Kirkwood Hotel.
Are you involved in anything on campus?: I am currently only involved with AHLA club which helps create fundraising for the hospitality program. We also hold events for groups as well. Clinical sessions in hospitality are lots of hours, which can take the majority of my time, but it is hands-on, and involves interactions with guests in the community or maybe even from across the country! So, getting to serve them and show them hospitality from Kirkwood is a very great opportunity on campus!
Are you involved in anything off campus?: Even when I’m not in school I’m still engaging in hospitality at a high level! Since I moved to Cedar Rapids about a year and a half ago I have been working my way up at my job at Black Sheep Social Club. Starting as a host, a server, and then a manager. It was so motivating to grow in such a short time, and at only the age of 19! I do spend most of my weekends there or when I’m not busy with school. I love it because my school and work correlate so well, which sets me up for success. I have such a passion for the restaurant industry. It is always changing, and so much fun!
What do you do for fun?: In my free time I enjoy concerts, traveling, nature, going to the gym, video games, and spending time with friends and family. I have a Bengal Cat named Tigs who I occasionally take on walks!
Where do you see yourself in five years?: In the next five years I see myself moved out of Iowa. I plan to move somewhere tropical like Florida, Georgia, or South Carolina. My main focus will be my job so I will be utilizing my degree and be either a food and beverage director, or food and beverage manager. I would love to be working in a fine dining restaurant or a resort close to the ocean! I hope to create new innovations in hospitality and run a very strong team to show the world what hospitality is truly about.