Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism

08/19/2026

Purdue University is redefining what it means to be career-ready.

Beginning with incoming students, every undergraduate at Purdue will graduate with demonstrated AI competency, a forward-thinking requirement designed to prepare students to lead in an AI-driven world. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all course. Instead, AI skills will be embedded directly into each major, ensuring students can apply tools, think critically, and understand both the opportunities and limitations of AI in their field.

For students, that means leveraging AI to elevate guest experiences, optimize operations, and make smarter, data-informed decisions - while keeping people at the center of it all.

At Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, we’re not just adapting to the future of hospitality - we’re helping shape it.

🔗 Read more about Purdue’s AI competency graduation requirement: https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/2026/Q3/purdues-ai-competency-graduation-requirement-begins-in-every-undergraduate-degree-program/?utm_source=sfmcPT&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=260819PurdueToday&utm_term=Purdue%e2%80%99s+AI+competency+graduation+requirement+begins+in+every+undergraduate+degree+program&utm_id=1351746

08/17/2026

We’re excited to share important leadership updates that will help shape the future of Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and our growing presence in .

Effective today (August 17):
▪️Tim Gavin has been appointed associate dean for Indianapolis and strategic initiatives
▪️Amanda Cecil has been named the inaugural assistant dean of Indianapolis programs

In his new role, Tim will lead strategic initiatives, partnerships and stakeholder engagement across West Lafayette and Indianapolis, helping guide the continued expansion of Purdue’s footprint in Indy.

Amanda will focus on the operational success of our Indianapolis programs; supporting students, advancing marketing and communications efforts, and ensuring a seamless academic experience. She will continue her roles as clinical professor and associate head in Purdue HTM, where she has already played a key role in launching the hospitality and tourism management major in Indianapolis for fall 2026.

These appointments reflect Purdue’s commitment to delivering exceptional, industry-connected education across both campuses.

Please join us in congratulating Tim and Amanda on these impactful new roles as we continue building momentum in Indianapolis.

08/03/2026

may have passed, but stories like this are worth continuing to celebrate.

Meet James “JT” Odom, a Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management student, spending his summer with FedEx in Memphis. What started as a childhood connection has come full circle; now he is gaining real-world experience and sharpening his skills as a selling and sales management major at Purdue University.

➡️ Read more: https://bit.ly/4xaLEjt

07/24/2026

🚨 Registration is now OPEN 🚨

Join us for the 2026 Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Career Fair at Purdue University!

📅 Tuesday, October 20, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

If you're hiring interns, management trainees, or full-time talent, this is your opportunity to connect with the next generation of Experience Engineers.

Our students are preparing to lead across industries with majors in:
• Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Selling & Sales Management
• Retail Management
• Financial Counseling & Planning

🔗 Secure your spot today: https://purduecareergateway-csm.symplicity.com/events/2026HTMF

Make the most of your visit by joining us for additional events during Professional Development Week:
📍 Professional Development Day – October 19
📍 Senior Networking Reception – October 19

Come build your pipeline, strengthen your brand on campus, and connect with students ready to make an immediate impact.

07/23/2026

Diversity drives the future of sales.

As part of , Sarah Moran of Ryerson Metals and Kate Ferguson and Julie Abdinoor of Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management share how their unique perspectives are shaping the industry and building stronger connections.

👉 Read the full story: https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/htm-career-center/news-stories/america-at-250-the-people-behind-the-pitch-diversity-in-american-sales/

Bright colors, high-speed thrills, and shared moments of joy, amusement rides continue a long American tradition of bringing people together through experience, connection, and celebration. Photo courtesy of user via pexels.com.

07/13/2026

⚾ The MLB Home Run Derby is tonight. The All-Star Game is tomorrow.

But what truly makes baseball America’s Pastime?

As part of , Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management student-athletes are sharing why the game still resonates — from its rich history to the simple joy of a summer night at the ballpark. From the crack of the bat to time with friends and family, it’s an experience that spans generations.

At Purdue University, our student-athletes aren’t just playing the game — they’re building leadership, resilience, and lifelong passion along the way.

⚾ Step up to the plate and read their story: https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/news/2026/05/purdue-hhs-baseball-student-athletes-talk-americas-pastime/

Purdue Baseball

Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences student-athletes on the Boilermaker baseball team make a strong case that baseball is "still America's game."

07/09/2026

Mark your calendars for the 5th Annual Spirit of Hospitality Summit hosted by Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Join us November 4-5 for an industry gathering designed for professionals and alumni shaping the future of hospitality, tourism, retail, sales, and financial planning.

Hosted at Purdue University’s West Lafayette location, the Summit brings together forward-thinking leaders, innovators, and decision-makers for immersive conversations around experience, leadership, and people-first strategy. This is where industry insight meets real-world application – where ideas turn into action, and connections turn into collaboration.

Registration opens soon!

07/08/2026

Discover how parks, people, and purpose are shaping the future of tourism. 🌎

From the prairies of Prophetstown State Park to iconic destinations like Mackinac Island, sustainable tourism is more than a trend - it’s a responsibility. This new story explores how thoughtful travel can support communities, protect natural spaces, and create more meaningful experiences for all.

Featuring insights from Jonathon Day, associate professor at Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and real-world impact through students like Andrew Friel, along with industry perspective from alum Brian Findley (HTM '85), owner and innkeeper of Small Point Bed & Breakfast.

As travel continues to evolve, the question isn’t just where we go, but how we go.

Read more: https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/htm-career-center/news-stories/america250-parks-people-and-the-future-of-sustainable-tourism/

Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

07/06/2026

From Ferris wheels to fireworks, entertainment destinations have helped shape the American experience for generations.

As part of , this story brings together insight from our partners in Purdue Polytechnic Institute, a Purdue HTM alum making an impact with Six Flags Entertainment, and a current student who gained hands-on experience through Disney Programs' Disney College Program.

Together, they highlight how innovation, industry, and experiential learning continue to define the future of entertainment.

At Purdue HTM, we’re proud to develop who will lead what’s next.

🔗 Read the full story: https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/htm-career-center/news-stories/america250-from-ferris-wheels-to-fireworks-how-amusement-parks-and-entertainment-destinations-shape-america/

Bright colors, high-speed thrills, and shared moments of joy, amusement rides continue a long American tradition of bringing people together through experience, connection, and celebration. Photo courtesy of user via pexels.com.

07/01/2026

Yesterday marked the end of an incredible chapter for Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management as we celebrated the final day of Ceridwyn King’s leadership.

Over the past four years, Dr. King has embodied what it means to be an ; elevating our programs, empowering our students, and strengthening our global reputation as one of the best hospitality and tourism management programs in the world.

Her vision, passion, and commitment to excellence have left a lasting impact on our school, our students, and our industry.

While we are sad to see her go, we are incredibly proud as she begins her next chapter as the Dimond Family Dean of the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration. The Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration is part of the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business.

Thank you, Dr. King, for your leadership, your belief in what can be, and the legacy you leave behind. Once a Boilermaker, always a Boilermaker. We are . 🚂💛