Trevor Lazarus didn’t arrive at the University of South Carolina knowing exactly where a hospitality management degree could take him. His early understanding was narrow — hotels, restaurants, maybe events. Four years later, Trevor will graduate with an impressive global résumé, a leadership portfolio and a clear sense of purpose shaped by experiences that stretched far beyond the classroom.

“I’m from Westchester, New York, and when I toured HRSM in South Carolina, I really just fell in love,” Lazarus said. “The faculty, the campus, the culture — really everything about South Carolina.”

That initial connection set the stage for what would become a defining college experience built on exploration, adaptability and relationships.

As Trevor learned, the hallmark of USC’s hospitality program isn’t just coursework: it is immersion.

“I feel like the bread and butter of the school is out-of-classroom experiences,” he said.

Those experiences took him around the world. Most notably, Trevor worked at both summer and winter Olympic Games (in Paris and Milan/Cortino), gaining exposure across multiple sectors of the industry. His work extended far beyond event logistics, including ticketing operations and hotel management with internationally recognized brands.

“In Milan, I got to work with the Four Seasons, and in Paris, I worked with the Mandarin Oriental and Lutetia,” he says. “Getting to learn from those brands and applying what I learned in class was huge.”

Even courses he didn’t initially expect to shape his career, like finance, became valuable. Lazarus credits faculty mentorship for helping him connect classroom theory to real-world applications, especially as he explored the investment and financial side of hospitality.

That interest deepened during a trip to Dubai through the International Society of Hospitality Consultants, where Trevor networked with global leaders in hospitality finance and development.

Trevor’s transition to college wasn’t without challenges. Coming from a small high school, adjusting to a large university environment required him to step outside his comfort zone.

“I think when I first came here, I was much more shy,” he said. “It took getting out of my shell.”

That transformation was fueled in part by involvement. Through opportunities like the HRSM Leadership Program, Trevor built strong relationships with faculty, industry professionals, and peers: connections that would become foundational to his success.

As a senior, he serves as president of the USC chapter of Eta Sigma Delta, the international hospitality honor society, where he helps organize professional engagement opportunities and service initiatives. He has also been active in the school’s chapter of the Restaurant and Lodging Association, further expanding his industry network.

These leadership roles, combined with his academic and professional experiences, reflect a student who not only embraced opportunities but also helped create them for others.

For Trevoe, hospitality has become more than a major. It’s a pathway to meaningful connection.

“I chose hospitality because I wanted to travel, but also because of the people you get to meet throughout the industry,” he said.

That desire has already taken him across continents, into luxury hotels, global events and high-level industry conversations. It has shaped how he sees his future: one driven by relationships, adaptability, and continuous learning.

As graduation approaches, Trevor says his favorite memories include both the big moments and the simple ones: game days at Williams-Brice Stadium, friendships formed in student organizations, and the everyday experiences that defined his time at USC.

When asked what advice he would give incoming students, his answer is immediate:

“Network from day one,” he said. “We’re super lucky to have this network around us, so why not use it?”

It’s advice that mirrors his own journey: one built on saying yes, reaching out and embracing every opportunity.

From a curious freshman unsure of what hospitality could offer to a globally experienced, student leader ready to enter the industry, Trevor exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding senior: someone who not only takes advantage of opportunities but builds them into something lasting.