Karl Holz, a graduate of SUNY Fredonia Class of 1973 who was named president and Chief Operating Officer of Euro Disney last year, will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award at Homecoming on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Homecoming Awards dinner at 6 p.m. in the Williams Center.
 
SUNY Fredonia students chose "Fredonia Goes to the Disney Classics" as the theme of this year's Homecoming and Pep Rally in honor of Mr. Holz. For tickets and a complete listing of this year's Homecoming events visit www.fredonia.edu/alumni/homecoming.asp.
 
Mr. Holz will be visiting campus from his home in Paris, France, accompanied by his wife, Wendy, '75 and two children. During his stay he has accepted an invitation to address students in the School of Business on Friday, Sept. 23.
 
Holz first joined the Walt Disney World Resort in 1996 as vice president of the Downtown Disney area. Prior to being promoted to president of Disney Cruise Line in 2003, he was senior vice president of Walt Disney World Operations, where he managed the day-to-day operations of Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios; the Downtown Disney retail, dining and entertainment district; and 11 Walt Disney World resort hotel properties. In 2002, he was given additional responsibility to manage Disney's newest line of business, Magical Gatherings.
 
Mr. Holz, a native of Germany, received a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1973 from SUNY Fredonia. Before going to Disney, Holz's career had included leadership and executive positions in tourism and travel service industries, including theme parks.