How MGM Heiress is Honoring Her Grandfather’s Legacy in Meaningful Ways Beyond the Spotlight
Ruby Kemper at Le Bal des Débutantes; Kirk Kerkorian in February 2012.
Ruby Kemper; Chelsea Lauren/Getty
### Ruby Kemper Shines at Le Bal des Débutantes
On November 29, Ruby Kemper made a striking appearance at Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris, showcasing her chic fashion sense in a custom Chrome Hearts gown. At just 20 years old, Kemper, a native of Los Angeles, is currently enrolled in Cornell University’s renowned Nolan School of Hotel Administration.
As the granddaughter of the late Kirk Kerkorian, a pioneer in the hotel and entertainment industry, Kemper’s studies provide her with a unique perspective into her grandfather’s legacy. Kerkorian, who passed away at age 98 in 2015, was instrumental in building a business empire that heavily influenced hospitality and media.
Kerkorian made headlines with the establishment of the International Hotel in Las Vegas in 1969, which was then the world’s largest hotel. He further set records by opening the first MGM Grand Hotel four years later, followed by a second iteration of the MGM Grand that claimed the title of the largest hotel upon its opening in 1993.
Ruby Kemper with her family at Le Bal des Débutantes.
Ruby Kemper
Now pursuing her studies at Cornell, Kemper is deeply focused on understanding her grandfather’s contributions to the industry. She embraces the rigorous curriculum, finding it both challenging and rewarding.
Kemper expressed her enthusiasm for her academic journey, stating, “It’s an amazing school. I love what I’m learning. It’s very cool, because I get to learn and see the insights of what my grandfather did and how he ran his hotels.”
Her interest in the hospitality sector extends beyond the glamorous front-of-house operations; she is also keen to explore the less visible aspects that contribute to a hotel’s success. “I feel like people only really see the glitz and glamour part [on] the outside. You don’t really know what goes into running a hotel,” she explained. “The core of our world is hospitality.”
