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

09/17/2026

The first Purdue HTM cohort in Indianapolis is already leaving its mark. Today, our signed the final steel beam for the Academic Success Building - part of a milestone moment that will shape the future of the Indianapolis campus.

09/17/2026

Please join us in welcoming Pandora Taylor to Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management as our new Extension Specialist for Financial Resource Management.

Pandora joined this summer and brings 18 years of experience with Purdue Extension - Boone County, where she served as an educator supporting individuals and families in building strong financial futures. We’re excited to have her expertise and passion advancing financial well-being within our community.

Purdue Extension

09/16/2026

What if every interaction could become a lasting memory?

That’s exactly what HTM 100 students explored last week as they learned from industry leaders who are shaping experiences across hospitality and tourism.

A big thank you to:
• Monica Richards - Mon Amie Events Inc
• Susie Townsend - Visit Indy
• Chris Bishop - Purdue Conferences
for sharing how experiences come to life, from unforgettable weddings and celebrations to major events that bring thousands to Indianapolis.

Students also heard from Dr. Shawn Bucher, Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, who explored how thoughtful, intentional service - paired with ideas from "The Power of Moments" and "Unreasonable Hospitality" - can turn everyday interactions into something extraordinary.

These are the kinds of conversations that show our students what’s possible - and where a degree in hospitality and tourism can take them.

09/15/2026

Big goals don’t start after graduation - they start now!

Two Purdue HTM - White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management students, Lindsay Goad and Zachary Niese, are gaining real-world finance experience through a national fellowship with the FinServ Foundation, turning classroom learning into career momentum.

If you’re looking for a path that blends opportunity, mentorship, and hands-on experience - this is it.

👉 Read their story: https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/htm-career-center/news-stories/beyond-the-classroom-how-two-purdue-students-are-charting-their-path-in-finance-through-a-national-fellowship/

09/11/2026

What does it take to create meaningful travel experiences?

Students in HTM 100: Exploring Transformational Experiences in Hospitality and Tourism got a firsthand look last week.

After learning the foundations of tourism from Dr. Jonathon Day, the class welcomed leaders from across Indiana who are shaping how destinations come to life:
• Allyson Gutwein - Discover Boone County
• Sarah Buckner - Visit Hamilton County, Indiana
• Justinna Brown-Walter - Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette

From community storytelling to economic impact, students learned how destination management organizations help people experience places in powerful ways.

It’s one thing to study hospitality. It’s another to hear directly from those creating it every day.

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.