Founder & Director Emeritus
Eric Hilton Distinguished Alumni Club

Emeritus Board Member of Eric's Club

Dr. Clinton L. Rappole was Hilton College's first Eric Hilton Distinguished Chair and is the founder of Eric's Club. He is the club's first director emeritus.

A Professor Emeritus at Hilton College, Dr. Rappole received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Colgate University in 1962. He attended the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University and received a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration in 1965, a master of science in 1968, and a doctorate in 1971. The latter two degrees had majors in food science with a minor in industrial and labor relations and education. 

After teaching at Cornell University for seven years, Dr. Rappole joined Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management in August 1972, and has thoroughly enjoyed contributing to the development of the College and watching it become one of the finest hospitality programs in the world. In retirement, he is assisting in researching the history of Hilton College.

Dr. Rappole has received numerous awards, including the University of Houston's Alumni Organization's Outstanding Faculty Award (2000-2001), the College's Research award (2000-2001), the Conrad N. Hilton College Alumni Association Distinguished Honorary Alumnus Award (2004) and the Lifetime Achievement Award (2005).