The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University, Autograph Collection

key card on book

The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University

LAUNCH Immersion Program

The Union Club Hotel, 8Eleven, Leaps Coffee and Boiler Up Bar are all managed by White Lodging, one of the leading hotel management and development companies in the United States. The cornerstone program of the hotel’s student engagement is the White Lodging LAUNCH Hospitality Immersion Program. LAUNCH is designed to propel high-caliber Purdue University students into the hospitality industry by providing a paid, hands-on experience across all hotel and restaurant operational areas.

Student Spotlight

One of the many unique elements of The Union Club Hotel is its student staff. The Union Club Hotel is the only Autograph Collection hotel across the globe that is student run - from hospitality students to aeronautics students to engineering students. They will be the first to welcome you on your next visit to this luxury property. Learn more about these remarkable students below.

Carpet design with Purdue Crest
Headshot of Carson with bio information
Headshot of Carson with bio information

Why did you choose Hospitality & Tourism Management?
I enjoy the hands-on and high-energy atmosphere in a hotel environment where the ultimate goal is to make guests happy.

What is your career aspiration?
I want to work in hospitality sales.

Bucket list vacation destination?
New Zealand or Dominican Republic

Favorite place on campus?
Top floor of the Purdue Memorial Union

What has working in hospitality taught you?
It has taught me that it takes a team to pull off great service.

Three words to describe you?
Committed, goal-oriented, energetic

Head shot of Kelly with graphic containing bio
Head shot of Kelly with graphic containing bio

Why did you choose Hospitality & Tourism Management?
I worked at the local grocery store in my hometown as a cashier, and I quickly found out that I love being around people.  My dad recommended that I study hospitality and then I found my passion for events.

What is your career aspiration?
I want to work in banquets as a Manager until I feel like I have mastered the position.  I really like the idea of being on task force, where you go and help other hotels and also learn how other hotels operate based on their size, location and demographics.  I would eventually like to own a banquet hall or wedding venue.

Bucket list vacation destination?
I want to see the mountains in Switzerland.

Favorite place on campus?
Slayter Hill because local bands perform on the stage whenever there's good weather.

What has working in hospitality taught you?
It has taught me that it is really important to put yourself in the shoes of others.  Everyone has their own story to tell and people want to be heard and understood.  I have learned to listen and assure people that I can help them, and make sure they get whatever they need.

Three words to describe you?
Ambitious, reliable, spontaneous

Headshot of Ansley with brief bio
Headshot of Ansley with brief bio

Why did you choose Hospitality & Tourism Management?
I love working with people.

What is your career aspiration?
I would like to be a hotel manager.

Bucket list vacation destination?
New Zealand, Bhutan, Japan and Croatia.

Favorite place on campus?
Horticulture Garden

What has working in hospitality taught you?
I've learned how to handle stressful situations and help people.

Three words to describe you?
Empathetic, Perceptive, Patient

HTM Launch Student Samantha's Bio
HTM Launch Student Samantha's Bio

Why did you choose Hospitality & Tourism Management?
I love working with people and creating a fun environment for guests.

What is your career aspiration?
Hotel Management

Bucket list vacation destination?
Greece or Spain

Favorite place on campus?
Purdue Bell Tower

What has working in hospitality taught you?
Patience is everything when working with people.

Three words to describe you?
Good listener, caring, funny.

HTM Launch Student Amanda's Bio
HTM Launch Student Amanda's Bio

Why did you choose Hospitality & Tourism Management?
I love working with guests.

What is your career aspiration?
Guest Experience, Analytics, Guest Relations

Bucket list vacation destination?
South Korea

Favorite place on campus?
The Armstrong building

What has working in hospitality taught you?
Each guest is different and a solution for one guest might not be the same solution for another guest

Three words to describe you?
Hard working, determined, adventurous

HTM Launch Student Gavin's Bio
HTM Launch Student Gavin's Bio

Why did you choose Hospitality & Tourism Management?
I love working with people and having nice guest interactions.

What is your career aspiration?
Sales Manager or Front Office Manager

Bucket list vacation destination?
Venice, Paris, Hong Kong

Favorite place on campus?
Second floor lobby of the Union Club Hotel

What has working in hospitality taught you?
Always take your time with guests

Three words to describe you?
Adventurous, energetic, charismatic

HTM Launch Student Isabelle's Bio
HTM Launch Student Isabelle's Bio

Why did you choose Hospitality & Tourism Management?
I love serving people and creating experiences for them.

What is your career aspiration?
Event planning, pastry chef or General Manager of a property

Bucket list vacation destination?
Hawaii or Singapore

Favorite place on campus?
Union Club Hotel, Greyhouse or Marriott Hall

What has working in hospitality taught you?
Go the extra mile, networking is key

Three words to describe you?
Vulnerable, giving, family-oriented

Leading The Way

White Lodging’s relationship with the university provides students, faculty and staff with access to information and resources, including guest lectures and curriculum consulting, directly from a hospitality leader.