Purdue dedicates Hospitality and Tourism Management's Marriott Hall
Purdue President France A. Córdova welcomes J.W. Marriott Jr.to the stage during the dedication of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management's Marriott Hall on Tuesday (April 17). The J.W. and Alice S. Marriott Foundation gave the lead gift for the new building. (Photo by Andrew Hancock)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University on Tuesday (April 17) dedicated Marriott Hall, the new home of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
"This new facility provides faculty with improved teaching and research tools and gives students a cutting-edge environment in which to learn," said President France A. Córdova. "Our students will benefit greatly, and that's a direct result of the generosity of the Marriott Foundation and other donors."
The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation made the lead gift of $5 million for the $13 million building at State and University streets.
J.W. Marriott Jr., executive chairman and chairman of the board of Marriott International and a foundation board member, attended the dedication.
"Marriott Hall is a reflection of The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation's commitment to hospitality education," he said. "The trustees believe that a focused learning environment like Marriott Hall is ideal for preparing the hospitality industry's future leaders."
The 40,000-square-foot facility includes a 95-seat demonstration classroom, restaurants, classrooms and conference areas, a career center, and student services center.
"Marriott Hall has been designed with student success in mind," said Christine Ladisch, inaugural dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, where the hospitality and tourism management program is located. "This beautiful building is a perfect showcase and new home for our prominent, nationally ranked program in hospitality and tourism management."
Richard Ghiselli, head of hospitality and tourism management, said: "This state-of-the-art building brings to our program one of the most comprehensive, innovative and user-friendly facilities in the nation. And it offers upgraded and updated dining options for the Purdue campus and Greater Lafayette community."
Included in Marriott Hall are:
* The John Purdue Room, a fine-dining restaurant in which students prepare and serve the food and manage the kitchen and dining room. Through windows, diners can watch what is happening in the kitchen.
* Boiler Bistro, a quick-service restaurant where the food is cooked to order, giving students another type of operation to experience.
* Lavazza, an innovative coffee bar.
Marriott Hall is the second Purdue building to receive LEED Gold certification as a green building.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is awarded through the U.S. Green Building Council to building owners who implement practical and measurable green design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.
Using a point system, the council awards certification at four levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The first LEED-certified building on campus is the Roger B. Gatewood Wing of Mechanical Engineering, which earned Gold level last fall.
The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management has 650 students. It offers management education encompassing the entire range of the hospitality industry, including tourism, restaurants, hotels, resorts and travel.
More information on the Marriott Hall food services, including hours of operation, can be found at https://www.cfs.purdue.edu/htm/about/restaurants/restaurants.html
Writer: Judith Barra Austin, 765-494-2432, jbaustin@purdue.edu
Sources: France A. Córdova, president@purdue.edu
Christine Ladisch, 765-494-8210, ladischc@purdue.edu
Richard Ghiselli, 765-496-2636, ghiselli@purdue.edu
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