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

06/01/2026

Call for Speakers: 2026 Spirit of Hospitality Summit

Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is now accepting speaker proposals for the 5th Annual Spirit of Hospitality Summit, taking place November 4–5, 2026, at Purdue University’s West Lafayette location.

This premier industry gathering brings together leaders from hospitality, tourism, retail, sales, and financial planning to explore our 2026 theme: “Elevating Every Experience: People First.”

We are seeking dynamic professionals and thought leaders to serve as:
Keynote speakers
Industry panelists
Breakout session presenters
Professional development workshop leaders

If you’re passionate about people-first leadership, innovation, experience design, and elevating industry standards, we invite you to lend your voice.

📅 Speaker proposals due: June 12, 2026
🔗 Submit your proposal: https://purdue.link/SpiritOfHospitalitySummit

Shape the conversation. Influence the future. Take your Next Giant Leap with Purdue HTM.

06/01/2026

We are so proud to celebrate Hailey Davis as the 2026 Outstanding Senior in the Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Hailey's collegiate career was remarkable, from president of Purdue Black Tie Dinner to engagement chair for the Board, from Purdue Dance Team captain to White Family Scholar.

We cannot wait to see the impact Hailey has on the industry as she takes her .

Purdue University Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences

05/28/2026

Ever had your takeout ruined by soggy bread? 🍔

Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management alumnus Nick Healey is on a mission to fix that. Through his company, Dogfish Packaging, he’s helping restaurants and foodservice providers deliver meals that stay fresh and delicious from kitchen to customer.

It’s just one example of how our graduates are turning real-world problems into innovative solutions.

👉 Read his story: https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/news/2026/05/soggy-buns-no-fun-purdue-htm-alumnus-career-in-food-packaging-keeps-your-carryout-fresh

Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences alumnus Nick Healey (HTM ’02) and his company, Dogfish Packaging, works with restaurants, catering companies and universities to provide innovative packaging designed to reduce sogginess and maintain freshness — all while offering biodegrada...

05/27/2026

From West Lafayette to Walt Disney World, Luke Wiseman (HTM ’28) and Daniela Morones (HTM ’26) are bringing the magic to life. ✨

Through the Disney Programs' Disney College Program, these Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management students are gaining hands-on experience, building lifelong connections, and learning what it takes to create unforgettable guest experiences.

This is what being an Experience Engineer is all about - learning by doing and turning passion into purpose.

We’re so proud to see our students representing Purdue University while making magic every day!

Read their story:
🔗 https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/news/2026/05/purdue-college-of-health-and-human-sciences-students-create-magic-through-the-disney-college-program/

Disney Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences

A little girl loses the bubble wand her parents purchased in the Walt Disney World theme park. When they get back to the hotel, the parents ask the front desk personnel if the wand has turned up. Later, a new wand shows up in the family’s hotel room. This magic of Disney doesn’t happen all on it...

05/24/2026

The engines are roaring; it’s race day at the Indianapolis 500 🏁

As the Indianapolis 500 takes center stage today, we’re proud to recognize student Paola Perillo Parra for her role as a .

Throughout the month of May, the Princesses serve as official ambassadors of the 500 Festival - participating in community and statewide events, supporting educational outreach, and helping carry forward the legacy and impact of one of the world’s most iconic sporting events.

“This opportunity has truly meant the world to me. I have been able to meet so many amazing women who are passionate about giving back, serving their communities, and representing Indiana in such a meaningful way. I have been an avid fan of the Indy 500 since I was a little girl, so getting the chance to be part of this experience and see the race from a behind-the-scenes perspective has been incredibly special. I feel so grateful to have served as a 500 Festival Princess, and I know this opportunity will continue to inspire me for years to come.”

From lifelong fan to behind-the-scenes experience - what an incredible full-circle moment. We’re so proud of you, Paola!

05/22/2026

🏁 Amid the engine roar at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Alyna Roney, a selling & sales management major in Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, made history behind the scenes.

She’s the first-ever Premium Sales Intern at IMS and the first woman and first Black woman to join the Speedway’s sales team, a record-setting milestone at one of the world’s most iconic sports venues. Alyna earned the internship through the HTM Career Fair.

Read more: https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/htm-career-center/news-stories/purdue-sales-student-makes-history-at-indianapolis-motor-speedway/

05/21/2026

⚾️ What makes baseball America’s pastime? The stories behind the game - and the people who live it every day.

As part of the celebration, students from Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management are stepping up to the plate to share their perspective. From the classroom to the diamond, Joe Trenerry, Eli Anderson, and Aaron Manias are balancing Division I baseball with majors in selling and sales management - bringing teamwork, discipline, and leadership into everything they do.

For these Boilermakers, baseball is more than a game - it’s tradition, resilience, and a connection to something bigger than themselves.

Read their story and see how Purdue students are shaping the future while honoring America’s past. ⚾️ https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/news/2026/05/purdue-hhs-baseball-student-athletes-talk-americas-pastime/

Engineers Purdue Baseball Purdue Athletics

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."

05/20/2026

Crowded beaches. Packed national parks. Cities feeling… a little too full.

“Overtourism” isn’t just a buzzword - it’s changing the way we experience the world. But what if the solution isn’t traveling less… it’s traveling differently?

Researchers from Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management are offering a fresh perspective with “Travel with Care,” a movement focused on protecting the places we love while still exploring them.

So what does that actually look like for your next trip? 🌎✈️

From the Canary Islands to Glacier National Park to Antarctica, Fodor’s No List continues to grow in 2026 as more destinations experience strain on their land and local resources from tourism. Travel with Care, developed by the Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Travel lab in the Purdue Universit...

05/19/2026

The celebration continues - and it wouldn’t be complete without the people who made it possible. 🎓

To the friends, family, faculty, and staff who showed up on Saturday to cheer on our graduates - thank you. Your support, encouragement, and belief helped make this milestone moment even more meaningful.

Behind every graduate is a community that helped them take their giant leap. 💛🖤

05/18/2026

We’re still celebrating 🎓

A few more moments from Saturday as we continue to recognize our incredible PhD and Master’s graduates. The hard work, late nights, and big ideas brought them here - and this is only the beginning.

Congratulations, Boilermakers! 💛🖤