MGM heiress Ruby Kemper is determined to carry on the legacy of her grandfather, the renowned businessman Kirk Kerkorian. Currently a student at Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration, Kemper is immersing herself in the world of hospitality and business, mirroring her grandfather’s remarkable career path. Kerkorian, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 98, was a titan in various industries, with notable achievements in private investments, media, and particularly in the hotel and hospitality sector.
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Before his passing, Kerkorian left an indelible mark by constructing some of the world’s most iconic hotels in Las Vegas. Notably, he unveiled the massive International Hotel in 1969, followed by the grand opening of the first MGM Grand Hotel just four years later. His visionary spirit led him to establish the second and current MGM Grand, which at the time of its inauguration in 1993, stood as the largest hotel globally. Kemper, at just 20 years old, is eager to delve into the intricacies of her grandfather’s work by pursuing a rigorous education at Cornell.
Attending the prestigious Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris on November 29, Kemper showcased her sophisticated style in a custom-designed gown, all while harbouring ambitions to step into the business realm akin to her grandfather. Embracing the academic challenges at Cornell, Kemper expresses her enthusiasm for studying the fundamental aspects of hotel management and operations. She articulates her passion for understanding the inner workings of the hospitality industry, beyond the glitz and glamour perceived by outsiders.
Acknowledging the dichotomy between the public facade and the behind-the-scenes operations of hotels, Kemper emphasises the significance of hospitality as the cornerstone of their family legacy. She appreciates the opportunity to unravel the mysteries of her grandfather’s successful endeavours and to gain insights into his operational strategies. Kemper’s dedication to her education and her commitment to honouring Kerkorian’s heritage highlight her aspiration to carve her own path within the family lineage.
As Kemper navigates her academic journey at Cornell, she is driven by a profound sense of admiration for her grandfather’s achievements and the impact he made in the hospitality industry. By immersing herself in the rigorous curriculum at the Nolan School of Hotel Administration, she is paving the way to uphold and expand upon Kerkorian’s lasting legacy. Through her studies and experiences, Kemper is poised to emerge as a formidable force in the business world, honouring her family’s heritage while forging her unique mark in the realm of hospitality.