Category: Hospitality and Tourism Management

Susan Gordon, associate professor in the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM), is the recipient of the 2024 Jane S. Link Outstanding Teaching Award.

Ivan Anthony Henares’ passion for tourism, especially in his home country of the Philippines, started in the 2000s when he was an influential travel blogger. As the years passed, Henares obtained degrees, awards and opportunities to make a career in the travel and tourism industries, including a Fulbright scholarship to study in the Purdue University White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Henares earned his PhD from the program in 2021.

Over the course of a year, Becky Neal, a sophomore in the Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences, went from being new to campus to being hired as the spring 2024 student café executive officer (SCEO) for the new Saxbys location, which had its grand opening March 6, in the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering.

A woman stands in a dimly lit living room and begins addressing a roomful of industry professionals and Purdue faculty with expertise spanning hospitality and tourism management, industrial engineering, computer graphics technology, theater and more.

It’s another year removed from the COVID-19 pandemic and major global supply chain issues, and United States consumers are ready to spend for the holiday season despite inflation throughout 2023, according to Rodney Runyan, professor of retailing in the Purdue University White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Purdue researchers Jonathon Day, associate professor in the Purdue University White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, and senior Libby Loprete noted that successful indigenous tourist destinations acknowledge the past.

On Oct. 19 and 20, hundreds of industry professionals and alumni will arrive on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus to attend the second annual Spirit of Hospitality Summit curated by the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM). This distinct two-day event offers opportunities for industry leaders, alumni, faculty and students to network and learn from sessions that explore key topics in experience innovation, including digital transformation, experience design, luxury, sustainability, entertainment, technology and more.

Starship robots are seen throughout Purdue University’s campus daily, delivering food to hungry faculty, staff and students. They serve as an example of one of the many ways robotics and technology have been introduced to the service industry.

Brad Niemeier, Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences alumnus, former Purdue football player and founder of Azzip Pizza, recently was recognized as the Top Menu Innovator in Pizza Marketplace’s list of 100 Top Movers and Shakers. Since launching the business less than two years after his 2012 graduation from the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM), Niemeier has grown Azzip Pizza to 10 locations, with the 11th opening in Indianapolis this summer.

Jay Kandampully, professor of service management and hospitality at the Ohio State University, has built his career teaching and researching service on that very idea, working to build relationships and networks that help others around him to grow knowledge in the ever-changing service industries.

As president of what is now the HTM Society, Elizabeth Whittaker (BS ’99) wanted to put the hospitality skills she was learning into practice. From presentation to getting the food out hot and delicious, it was a way to show what HTM students could do front- and back-of-house in an upscale setting.

A team of Purdue University researchers in the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management investigated if Americans are willing to put on their walking shoes to take in the sights and sounds at an urban tourist destination.

Jim Dora Jr., a 1986 Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences alumnus and president and CEO of General Hotels Corporation, has a photo on his desk from the launch of a water park at one of his hotels in the 2000s. A success until the 2008 recession, the water park marked just one instance of the innovation that Dora has maintained throughout his more than 30 years in the hospitality industry.

Growing up, I deeply cared about others, but I didn’t know how I was going to apply that as a future career. Being from out of state, I was intimidated to attend such a large university where I didn’t know many people. After touring the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management in Purdue’s College of Health and Human Sciences, I knew this was the right place for me. I felt welcomed by the students and faculty. I was inspired by the students’ eagerness to share their experiences and was amazed by their diverse ideas and visions for how they can change the future of hospitality.

Anne Edwards, an alumna of the Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences’ (HHS) undergraduate and graduate programs in hospitality and tourism management, has translated her hospitality knowledge to a variety of positions, ultimately pursuing a path in higher education. Coming from Northern Illinois University’s Center for Black Studies, Edwards recently returned to Purdue as the new director of the Black Cultural Center.

While some students find their perfect fit in Purdue University’s College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) right away, there are many avenues that lead students to the college, whether they transfer from another university or change their major at Purdue.

Kiana Skobel is using her fashion-forward talents to help her fellow Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences students look good — all while earning internship credits.

From place cards to making sure passing the potatoes is done with less strain, Purdue etiquette expert Anthony Cawdron has simple tips for a smooth holiday meal.

Located inside Marriott Hall, the John Purdue Room serves as a learning laboratory for future hospitality managers, event planners and hoteliers within the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management while offering the Purdue University community international and American fine dining experiences.

When people hear the word “salesperson,” it doesn’t always elicit a positive reaction. Many people default to the image of the disreputable used car salesperson who is invested in selling a defective clunker. Others think of the persistent door-to-door salesperson who pushes you to buy something you don’t really want or need. But Jen Riley, assistant professor of sales in Purdue University’s Center for Professional Selling, noted the modern sales industry isn’t about selling people things they don’t want or need — it’s about problem-solving.

Organized by HTM faculty, staff and students, the summit aims to bring together industry thought leaders, alumni, faculty, and undergraduate and graduate students to network and learn about pressing topics and trends that are shaping the future of the hospitality industry.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HHS study abroad returned in May. Dozens of students took advantage of the opportunity to learn more about their program while immersing themselves in new cultures.

Purdue University White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) alumnus Jeremy Warriner’s dream was to travel the world in the hotel industry. However, in 2005, after many successful years in the industry, a severe car wreck changed his life forever, causing him to lose both of his legs to severe burns.

Assistant Professor Shawn Jung studies the ins and outs of conventions and similar events — technology that enhances attendees’ experiences, technology that assists organizers, how events impact cities’ economies and how conventions are navigating loosened COVID-19 restrictions.

Locally owned downtown businesses do much more than just sell goods and services to customers — they sell the city or town, according to Professor Rodney Runyan.

Robert Wright (’67) and his family’s Beef House Restaurant has been home to sizzling ribeye steaks and famous hot dinner rolls since 1964.

Keith R. Molter, a cherished and dedicated husband, brother, uncle, friend and mentor, passed away May 23 at IU Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana, following a six-month illness.

Purdue University’s College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) has announced Ceridwyn A. King as the next head of the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM), effective July 1, 2022. She will be preceded by Dr. Xinran Lehto, who has served as interim head since October 1, 2021, and will remain on the HTM faculty.

Lois Dennison’s dream college had advanced Chinese language courses and a stable where she could bring her horse along with her. Purdue University offered both. A 2013 College of Health and Human Sciences alumna, Dennison arrived at Purdue with an open mind about where her education might lead her, and during her second semester, she found her passion in the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM).

Phil Klaus and John Gremling, both 2004 graduates, worked together to not only provide shelter to the displaced families — they helped establish the Afghans into central Indiana communities.

The HHS Online Faculty Fellows Program launched in the fall of 2021 and explores opportunities for new professional, continuing and graduate education online offerings while providing support for the development of new online offerings. This initiative was inspired by the “Create More Online Offerings” strategic theme in HHS’ 10-year Strategic Roadmap.

In a year where topics such as high inflation rates made frequent appearances in the news, saving more money is likely toward the top of many households’ resolutions lists for 2022. While it can seem like a daunting task, setting a New Year’s resolution to save more money or improve financial well-being doesn’t have to be difficult to achieve.

The Lodde family’s business has lasted through 16 U.S. presidents, six U.S. wars, 456 Purdue football victories and countless road construction projects. One pandemic will be on that list as father and son Bill and Wiley Lodde have teamed up to keep Igloo Frozen Custard in the minds, hearts and stomachs of its loyal clientele.

To help prevent foodborne illness outbreaks across households and commercial organizations, faculty in Purdue University’s White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) provide all hospitality and tourism management students with food safety knowledge. They also align their research with the College of Health and Human Sciences’ Healthy Lifestyles and Vital Longevity and Sustainable and Thriving Organizations and Communities signature research areas to foster food safety and operations best practices.

As vice president of hospitality at Staples Center, HTM alumnus Sam Porter must make sure guests are comfortable and provided with quality food, drink, merchandise and any other request — whether it’s from someone with 13 million Twitter followers or 30.

The person who started the phrase “it’s the thought that counts” probably didn’t work in retail. As the holiday shopping season reaches full swing and individuals began to brainstorm gifts and spending amounts that won’t disappoint, certain trends are showing up across retailers and consumers — even beyond the pressure to shop early.

Service learning can benefit the student’s character and career path.
Several programs in the Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences urge their students to use what they learn in the classroom to benefit off-campus communities.

From large retailers to small businesses, restaurants, hotels and more, there are few areas that haven’t been hit by the current labor shortage in the United States, and it’s left many employers scrambling for solutions. Some businesses are using service technology, such as robots, self-service machines and mobile apps, to help supplement their workforce and avoid closing their doors.

Bianca Pryor co-founded Dr. Shalon’s Maternal Action Project, which strives for equitable, quality care for Black birthing people. It is named after Shalon Irving, a fellow Purdue alumna, mother and former epidemiologist for the Centers for Disease Control.

For Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) alumna Virginia Jacko, there are three kinds of people: those who do not see an opportunity, those who see an opportunity but are afraid to act on it, and those who both see an opportunity and act on it. Throughout her life, Jacko has embodied the last, taking advantage of every opportunity, even if it wasn’t what she had planned.

With the fresh memory of Annie Drews and the rest of Team USA Volleyball’s Olympic championship, Purdue volleyball is off to a historic start, earning its highest NCAA ranking in program history at No. 6. The team also has its largest roster ever with 21 student-athletes, 13 of which are Purdue College of Health and Human Sciences majors.

As owner of Charlie Baggs Culinary Innovations consultation company, chef Charlie Baggs has helped restaurants, chains and companies develop new recipes and flavor profiles.

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management got its start in 1887 in the School of Science as a series of Domestic Economy courses. As interest grew, the School of Science later established a Department of Household Economics in 1905 and developed an Institutional Management program in 1916.

While many retail stores have several iterations of the same gown, creative director Natalie Harris’ bridal gowns are unlike standard dresses on the market.

HHS will once again be represented at the Olympics. For the events in Tokyo this summer, two HHS alumnae and one current student will compete for the gold, and they will be backed by thousands of Boilermakers rooting for them around the world.

From the hearty handshake to reading body language and unmasked facial expressions, soft skills enhance sales and management jobs.

Many people think of the pushy door-to-door salesperson stereotype when they hear the word “sales,” but for Benjamin George, a Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) alumnus, a career in sales means helping people.

Purdue’s College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) students continued to deliver and receive joy during the fall 2020 semester through a letter writing project conceived at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic by instructor Keith Molter.

“I heard about [COVID-19] starting in January of this year. I realized there was a pandemic, but at that time, I wasn’t thinking much about how it would impact our industry or how it would change my research topic,” said Yiran Liu

While many studies of Hurricane Katrina focused exclusively on the businesses that survived, a group of Purdue researchers studied the ones that failed.

Research shows that humans benefit more from interacting with people than with computers, and that human interaction is extremely important to travel experiences, said Xinran Lehto, professor in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

This summer, iconic destinations are bracing for a wave of travelers desperate for that perfect Instagram travel photo.

Four students from the College of Health and Human Sciences are among the highest achieving students recognized during Spring 2019 commencement.

When people do take time away from the office, it’s often spent at home on a “staycation,” answering emails at work or checking social media, said Xinran Lehto, a professor in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

The research on sustainable tourism coincides with Purdue’s Giant Leaps celebration, acknowledging the university’s global advancements made in sustainability.

College of Health and Human Sciences has a deep bench of talented alumni working for professional sports teams, both as athletes and as key players behind the scenes.

Vacation hot spots are being overrun by tourists. This is of no surprise to Purdue Professor Jonathon Day, a leading researcher on sustainable travel.