Weisser Named Purdue HTM Outstanding Senior

Two millennial women female friends sitting outdoors eating takeaway food, laughing and having fun. Food delivery and takeout.

Author: Abby Lillpop

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The White Lodging–J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is proud to recognize Alivia Weisser as the 2024-2025 Outstanding Senior. With a passion for food, a talent for leadership, and an impressive record of involvement both inside and outside the classroom, Alivia exemplifies the spirit and excellence of Purdue HTM.

A native of Indiana, Alivia chose Purdue because it offered both a close-knit community and the expansive opportunities of a Big Ten university. “I chose Purdue because it felt the homiest,” she said. “I wanted to be a part of a large community, with a big sports atmosphere. The HTM classes sounded interesting, and there were multiple different minors or concentrations I wanted to explore.”

Alivia majored in Hospitality and Tourism Management, while also earning a minor in Accounting and Management, along with a certificate in Entrepreneurship. Her passion for hospitality began with a love of baking and selling custom cakes and cookies in high school. That early interest sparked a deeper curiosity about the food and beverage industry and ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in restaurant and hospitality management.

Throughout her time at Purdue, Alivia was deeply involved in the campus community, contributing to organizations such as Purdue University Dance Marathon (PUDM), Boiler Gold Rush, Eta Sigma Delta Honor Society, and the HTM/CSR Career Day Board. She also worked as a Student Chef with Purdue HTM Catering and Westwood, residence of the University President and his family. Her leadership roles were many, including serving as the PUDM High School Marathon Relations Committee Chair, Boiler Gold Rush Team Supervisor, and Treasurer of Eta Sigma Delta.

“I have grown to be a more socially confident person in my time at Purdue,” Alivia reflected. “I joined organizations that I was passionate about and that pushed me to grow personally and professionally. I feel more confident as a networker, and my hands-on classes and job on campus have made me a more confident leader in the kitchen and front of the house.”

Alivia’s academic journey reflects her drive to gain a holistic understanding of the hospitality industry, from culinary operations to financial management. “My hands-on HTM classes made me love learning about food and wine and integrating sustainability into the industry. The curriculum also introduced me to accounting and how critical financial analysis is to hospitality, which I was able to explore further through my minor,” she said.

After graduation, Alivia will join the prestigious Food & Beverage Manager Development Program with Auberge Resorts at The Mayflower Inn & Spa in Connecticut. She’s eager to deepen her knowledge of the fine dining industry and continue growing as a leader.

“As I join Auberge Resorts Collection after graduation, I am confident that Purdue has provided me a well-rounded degree and that I am prepared to thrive in the hospitality industry,” Alivia said.

Congratulations to Alivia Weisser on this well-deserved honor! The Purdue HTM family celebrates her outstanding contributions and looks forward to her continued success in the world of hospitality. Purdue remains dedicated to equipping them with the skills and confidence needed for success in the sales industry.