Larry and Jo Shupnick hosted an intimate Imperial Wine Dinner at Spago in Beverly Hills to engage hospitality industry leaders in supporting the capital campaign for the expansion of the Shupnick Innovation Center at Cal Poly Pomona’s The Collins College of Hospitality Management.
Byron Lazaroff-Puck, President of Wolgang Puck Fine Dining Group, along with Wolfgang Puck and Barbara Lazaroff, welcomed guests and curated a menu to pair with the rare large-format Imperial wines from the Shupnicks’ private collection. Among the many supporters, alumni and industry leaders in attendance, the presence of Puck and Lazaroff underscored the evening’s strong ties to the hospitality community. During the event, Wolfgang Puck reflected on his longstanding connection to The Collins College, recalling the establishment of the college and his close relationship with former Dean Bob Small.
Shupnick reflected on his long-standing relationship with the college and the role it continues to play in its growth.
“This dinner was designed to bring prominence to the building fund and the transformation of these two buildings,” Shupnick explained. “Jo and I have been strong supporters of the college and the university for many years … it felt like the perfect moment to gather leaders and showcase what this renovation will mean for future generations.”
In 2025, the Larry and Jo Shupnick Family Foundation made a $3 million gift to fund the newly named Shupnick Innovation Center, which will include an interdisciplinary incubation hub, flexible learning and collaboration spaces and a state-of-the-art test kitchen.
“The Shupnick Innovation Center represents the next chapter for The Collins College,” noted Dean Margie Jones. “This renovation will create dynamic spaces that strengthen experiential learning, deepen industry collaboration and prepare our students to lead in a rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.”
