Author: Abby Lillpop

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – At the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, our faculty and staff are the driving force behind our mission to educate, innovate, and lead in service to students and the broader Purdue community. At our annual awards ceremony held on April 25, we proudly recognized outstanding individuals whose work exemplifies excellence in teaching, research, service, and operational leadership.

Faculty Award Recipients

Faculty Service Award: Dr. Shinyong (Shawn) Jung
Dr. Jung was honored with the 2025 Faculty Service Award for his extraordinary commitment to service within the HTM community. His leadership in elevating the Spirit of Hospitality Summit during a time of transition speaks to his servant leadership and deep dedication to our mission. Despite the behind-the-scenes nature of much service work, Dr. Jung’s efforts have had a visible, lasting impact on students, faculty, and industry partners.

Faculty Research Award (Assistant/Clinical): Dr. Wookjae Heo
As an Assistant Professor of Financial Counseling and Planning, Dr. Heo’s cutting-edge research focuses on improving financial consumer welfare through behavioral insights, stress mitigation, and advanced analytics. His scholarly achievements have strengthened the School’s research reputation and contributed meaningfully to the field of consumer science.

Faculty Research Award (Associate/Full): Dr. Ailen (Alei) Fan
Dr. Fan received this honor in recognition of her outstanding research productivity and scholarly excellence in hospitality and tourism studies. Her prolific publication record and impactful research have elevated the School’s national and international standing, while her work continues to influence both academic and industry practices.

Arnold I. Cohen Faculty Development Award: Dr. Shinyong (Shawn) Jung
In addition to the Service Award, Dr. Jung was also selected for the Cohen Faculty Development Award. His visionary leadership of the Spirit of Hospitality Summit, especially in integrating experiential learning and technologies like virtual reality, is helping redefine student engagement. This award will support his continued innovation in curriculum development and research.

Lazarus Undergraduate Teaching Award: Dr. Jiyun Kang
Dr. Kang was recognized for her exceptional contributions to undergraduate education. Her industry-relevant, research-informed teaching methods—ranging from Google Trends analyses to retail simulations—bridge theory and practice in impactful ways. Students consistently highlight her role in boosting their confidence and career readiness.

Bravo Excellence Award (Faculty): Dr. Carl Behnke
With 27 years of service to HTM, Dr. Behnke embodies operational excellence. His leadership of the HTM Society and the Black Tie Dinner, which raised over $66,000 this year alone, speaks to his deep investment in student success. Dr. Behnke’s mentorship and legacy of giving have left an indelible mark on our school.

Staff Award Recipients

Bravo Spotlight Award (Staff): Barclay Gibbs
Since joining HTM, Barclay has rapidly distinguished herself through her adaptability, creativity, and willingness to take initiative. From coordinating major projects to enhancing office efficiency, her efforts have significantly benefited the School’s operations.

Bravo Excellence Award (Staff): Caitlin Sullivan
Caitlin’s leadership across HTM Catering and events has driven substantial growth in our operations. Her positivity, reliability, and ability to inspire those around her make her a cornerstone of our success. Her guiding principle—“Look for the good”—has uplifted the entire team and strengthened our community.e a testament to the strength, depth, and future promise of graduate education at Purdue HTM.