The University of Alabama’s Meeting Professional International Club is hosting a talk with Southern lifestyle expert Rebecca Gordon in Lloyd Hall Auditorium Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Gordon, who is also the contributing editor to Southern Living Magazine, specializes in food and entertaining and is known for her expertise on hosting and cooking for football tailgates. Gordon is a Birmingham, Ala., native, and attended the University. Additionally, she is an established author who began her reporting with SEC media and preparing to release her book, “The Official Tailgating Cookbook.”

“In terms of Ms. Gordon being an incredible ambassador for the University, this is yet one more example of the quality of education that exists here at UA because she has really embraced the program and taken it to the next level,” said Lorie Tuma, assistant professor of human nutrition and hospitality management at the University. “The students benefit when alumni come back and tell their stories. I don’t know one student who doesn’t love the story of a successful person who has climbed the ladder and developed themselves.”

Mary Hogan, a restaurant and hospitality management student serving on the reception committee, will be escorting Gordon during her time on campus. Hogan said Gordon is the definition of a powerful woman.

“I’m so excited to spend the day with not only an incredibly successful UA [alumna], but a true Southern belle,” Hogan said. “I’m hoping to acquire some useful advice from someone with so much success in the industry I am involved in. Not only did she graduate with honors from the prestigious Johnson and Wales University, but she has spent the past 13 years gaining cooking experience throughout southern restaurants and is Southern Living’s former test kitchen director.”

Gordon will be discussing her career path, elaborating on her SEC tailgating venture, and providing some of her own homemade snacks for the audience.