Purdue University dedicates Marriott Hall with trustee Bruce White present

MERRILLVILLE, Ind., April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Tuesday, Purdue University Trustee, Bruce White, the chairman of White Lodging, attended the dedication of Marriott Hall, the new home of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Purdue University.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120210/DE51498LOGO )

White graduated from Purdue University in the mid-1970's, and White Lodging has been a longtime partner with the university's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, hiring many of its graduates.

"This new facility provides faculty with improved teaching and research tools and gives students a cutting-edge environment in which to learn," said Purdue University President France A. Cordova. "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.

"I'd rather inspect a hotel on a Saturday morning rather than play a round of golf," said Marriott. "We're on the threshold of the golden age of travel...Learn the ropes and get real world experience. If you love to do it, you'll be successful."

The 40,000-square-foot facility includes a 95-seat demonstration classroom, restaurants, classrooms and conference areas, a career center, and student services center.

"We're proud to also be a part of the Marriott brand," said White Lodging Talent Acquisition Manager Laura Presnol, who also attended the dedication. "Many students are excited when they see what our portfolio encompasses and when it has that family association with Marriott they get very excited and interested. And it gives them a connection to the building where they're learning."

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.

White Lodging Services Corporation - was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Merrillville, Ind. White Lodging is a fully integrated hotel ownership, development and operations company – a recognized leader that has defined and cultivated the ability to achieve consistent, sustainable growth among mid-to large-scale hotels across the country. Its current portfolio consists of more than 158 hotels in 20 states and encompasses representation of the following leading brands: Preferred Hotels, Marriott International, Inc., Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Global, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotel Group and Carlson Hotels Worldwide.

For more information about White Lodging, please visit www.whitelodging.com.

Contact:
Kathleen Quilligan
Phone: 219.472.2861
Fax: 219.472.2273

SOURCE White Lodging Services Corporation

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