A Bold New Era for Higher Ed
In the midst of nationwide budget cuts and declining college enrollment, The Brittano Group has introduced a game-changing initiative that’s turning heads across the country. Dubbed The Cornerstone Collection, this socially responsible, education-first hospitality model is reshaping the future of higher learning—merging the elegance of hotel development with the grit of real-world, interdisciplinary training.
With four colleges and universities already signed on—including one of the nation’s largest HBCUs—the Collection is proving itself as more than a vision. It’s a movement.
Hospitality Meets Higher Education
Launched in Summer 2024, The Cornerstone Collection is the brainchild of Hollywood actor and hotelier Julian Brittano and his powerhouse wife, Karie Brittano, a seasoned commercial construction executive and licensed Class A General Contractor. Together, they’re integrating workforce development directly into luxury hospitality spaces—turning hotel campuses into immersive learning hubs for students in business, engineering, media, design, and more.
Students gain access to:
Global internships and leadership residencies Industry-sponsored academic projects On-campus hospitality training labs Multimedia simulation experiences Direct exposure to brand activations and client relations
“We are redefining the American educational landscape,” says Julian Brittano. “Hospitality is no longer an extracurricular—it’s the cornerstone.”
A Historic Partnership with Choice Hotels
The Brittanos made headlines in 2023 when their flagship property, The Rook at South Boston, became the first celebrity-led hotel within Choice Hotels International’s ASCEND Collection. This partnership—through Choice’s rebranded SOAR division—signaled a major step forward for inclusive ownership in hospitality.
Their leadership has earned them national recognition, including an upcoming honor from Hospitality Design’s Diversity Action Council (HDAC). On May 6, 2025, the Brittanos will receive the 2025 Award of Excellence in Las Vegas. ( Read more here.)
Addressing a Broken System
With $80 billion in projected cuts to higher education (AP Higher Ed Funding Report, 2024), schools are being forced to evolve. The Cornerstone Collection presents a new model—one that bridges the gap between academics and career readiness.
“We’re embedding hospitality as a human-first leadership principle,” says Karie Brittano. “This isn’t about degrees. It’s about experience, exposure, and execution.”
Why Colleges Are Saying Yes
Signed MOUs and operational agreements in place No degree requirement—focus is on real-world training Inclusive of all academic majors and backgrounds Direct support from industry leaders Revenue-generating potential through events, real estate, and partnerships
Legacy Over Luxury
The Brittanos’ work is rooted in purpose. “Faith. And a relentless commitment to showing the next generation what’s possible when ownership becomes the goal,” says Karie.
Their motto? “Luxury doesn’t matter if legacy isn’t the outcome.”
About The Cornerstone Collection
A subsidiary of The Rook Hotels, The Cornerstone Collection is a premium hospitality brand that doubles as a high-impact academic tool. With support from partners like Block Builders Academy, Choice University, and AHLEI, it offers a scalable model for institutions seeking financial resilience and student success.
Launched during CIAA’s 2025 “Money Moves” Summit in Baltimore, the Collection is already driving conversations around generational wealth, community development, and inclusive access to ownership.
Learn more at www.therookhotels.com
“We are building cornerstones at higher ed institutions for the legacy of students and communities.”
— Julian Brittano
“We’re not waiting for access. We’re building the infrastructure to create it.”
— Karie Brittano
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