A Legacy of Learning: The Cohen Family’s Gift Fuels Faculty Innovation

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — At Purdue, victories aren’t just moments – they’re momentum. They’re the breakthroughs, the bold ideas, and the people who turn possibility into progress. Thanks to a meaningful family gift from the Cohens, the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is celebrating a new kind of victory: one that invests directly in the faculty who shape tomorrow’s leaders.

The Arnold I. Cohen Faculty Development Award, cestablished in honor of Arnold “Arni” Cohen, reflects a family legacy built on vision, perseverance, and a belief in the power of people. Arni embodied the entrepreneurial spirit that defines so many Boilermaker heroes. In 1965, he opened his flagship restaurant, Arni’s Restaurant, at Market Square Shopping Center in Lafayette. What began as a 100‑seat neighborhood restaurant quickly grew into one of Indiana’s largest and most beloved dining destinations, seating nearly 500 guests within a decade. His success was rooted in community, innovation, and a commitment to doing things the right way—values that continue to guide the Cohen family today.

By creating this award, the Cohen family honors Arni’s legacy while empowering Purdue faculty to pursue their own victories. The award supports faculty members in expanding their industry knowledge, advancing their research, and bringing real‑world insights into the classroom. It is a family gift that fuels the next generation of heroes – those who teach, mentor, and inspire Purdue students every day.

This is the heart of Purdue’s Victories and Heroes campaign: celebrating the victories that move us forward and the heroes who make them possible. The Cohen family stands proudly among those heroes.

Advancing Excellence: Dr. Shawn Jung Named 2025 Award Recipient
This year, the Cohen family’s legacy of support shines through the work of Dr. Shawn Jung, the 2025 recipient of the Arnold I. Cohen Faculty Development Award. Dr. Jung has emerged as a visionary leader within the School, particularly through his role as co‑chair of the Spirit of Hospitality Summit, the School’s signature experiential learning event.

Guiding the Summit through transitions and limited resources, Dr. Jung demonstrated resilience and creativity – ensuring that students, faculty, and industry partners experienced a meaningful, forward‑looking event. His scholarly focus on transformative event experiences and his integration of cutting‑edge technologies, including virtual reality, reflect a commitment to preparing students for the evolving landscape of hospitality and tourism.

The Cohen Award supports Dr. Jung as he continues to elevate the Summit, strengthen industry engagement, enhance curriculum development, and contribute impactful research. His work embodies the very purpose of the family’s gift: empowering faculty to innovate, inspire, and lead.

A Family’s Gift, A Community’s Opportunity
The Cohen family’s generosity is a powerful reminder of how philanthropy fuels progress. Their gift uplifts faculty, enriches student learning, and strengthens the School’s connection to industry – all while honoring the legacy of Arnold “Arni” Cohen.

As Purdue’s Day of Giving approaches on April 28, their example invites the entire community to join in shaping the future. Whether supporting faculty development, student experiences, or emerging initiatives, no gift is too small or too large to leave a lasting impact.

This Day of Giving, you can join the Cohen family in shaping what comes next. Because at Purdue, every hero fuels a victory, and every victory moves the world forward.