Purdue Memorial Union Celebrates 100 Years of Legacy and Innovation

Author: Abby Lillpop

As Purdue University celebrates the 100th anniversary of its iconic Memorial Union, the spotlight shines on the Union Club Hotel, an integral part of this legacy. Operated by students of the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (Purdue HTM), the Union Club Hotel is the only Autograph Hotel run entirely by students, offering a world-class learning environment. Ranked among Travel + Leisure‘s top 500 hotels and resorts worldwide, this historic hotel combines rich tradition with modern hospitality experiences.

At the heart of this success is Purdue’s Launch Hospitality Immersion Program, introduced by White Lodging. This program offers students real-world, hands-on experience by allowing them to manage hotel operations, from guest services to food and beverage management. This innovative initiative ensures students are equipped with leadership skills and practical knowledge needed in the dynamic hospitality industry. White Lodging’s talent development model emphasizes nurturing future hospitality leaders, and the Union Club Hotel offers a live training ground for students.

The Union Club Hotel’s transformation in 2020 brought state-of-the-art amenities while preserving its historical essence. The 182-room hotel reflects a blend of Purdue’s heritage and contemporary luxury, making it a cherished landmark on campus and a top choice for visitors worldwide.

As Purdue marks this milestone, the collaboration between the Union Club Hotel and Purdue HTM represents the university’s forward-thinking approach to education. It ensures that students not only learn theory but also gain practical, impactful experience in the hospitality world. The success of this partnership underscores Purdue’s dedication to innovation, leadership, and excellence in hospitality education for the next 100 years.