Alumni Events Planned to Celebrate the Race Track Industry Program’s 50th Anniversary
Symposium to Feature Alumni Speakers, Alumni Events, and Special Recognition of Graduates
Tucson, AZ – The University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) is proud to announce a special series of alumni events to commemorate its 50th anniversary during the 2024 Global Symposium on Racing. This milestone celebration will bring together distinguished alumni, industry leaders, and students for an engaging series of activities that highlight RTIP’s rich history and its ongoing impact on the horse racing industry.
The anniversary celebration will take place during the annual Global Symposium on Racing, December 9-11, 2024, at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. The Symposium is one of the industry’s premier events, providing a platform for leaders and stakeholders to exchange ideas, discuss trends, and shape the future of the racing industry.
Key Alumni Events
Alumni Speakers:
- "Champions. Challenges. Commitment. A Conversation with Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher" will bring two of the most recognizable former RTIP students back to Tucson to share their insights on past success and the future racing.
Networking Receptions:
- The morning of Tuesday, December 10, will feature a special welcome breakfast for RTIP alumni to gather and kick off the Symposium strong.
- Tuesday evening, RTIP Alumni will have an exclusive invitation to connect with each other, share stories, and celebrate the rich heritage of the program at the historic Mountain Oyster Club.
50th Anniversary Recognition Ceremony:
- A highlight of the Symposium will be a formal recognition ceremony on Wednesday, December 11, where the program’s 50 years of accomplishments will be celebrated with longtime supporters and distinguished alumni being recognized for their industry impact.
Student-Alumni Mixer:
- To foster connections between current students and the program’s alumni network, a mixer will be hosted on Monday, December 9, giving the next generation of racing professionals the chance to learn directly from those who have shaped the industry.
“Celebrating 50 years of the Race Track Industry Program and the Global Symposium on Racing is a tremendous milestone,” said Race Track Industry Program Chair Robert Hartman. “This anniversary is not only an opportunity to honor the legacy of our program and the people who have built it, but also to look forward to how we can continue to educate and inspire future industry leaders. Our alumni are an integral part of that legacy, and we’re excited to welcome them back to Tucson.”
About the Race Track Industry Program
The RTIP was founded in 1974 with a mission to provide a specialized education that prepares students for a variety of careers within the racing and equine industries. Over the past five decades, the program has produced an exceptional group of graduates who have gone on to influential roles in race track management, horsemen’s groups, regulatory agencies, breeding and training operations, race calling, and media organizations.
About the Global Symposium on Racing
The Global Symposium on Racing is a marquee event on the international racing calendar, attracting professionals from across the industry to discuss key issues and emerging trends. Topics typically covered include safety and integrity, new wagering platforms, and best practices in horse racing governance. Hosted by the Race Track Industry Program, the event is a cornerstone of the program’s outreach and engagement with the broader racing community.
For more information on the RTIP’s 50th anniversary events and the Global Symposium on Racing, please visit RacingSymposium.com