Press Release - January 19, 2011

PUC ANNOUNCES FIRST HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT 'EXECUTIVE IN RESIDENCE'

Hammond, IN (January 19, 2011) - A highly-regarded, former human resources executive has been named the first Executive in Residence of the Purdue University Calumet/White Lodging Center for Hospitality and Tourism Management.

John Januszko, who served White Lodging Corporation for 20+ years as human resources senior vice president and was part of the organization’s founding team, began his Purdue Calumet appointment this week.

As Executive in Residence, Januszko will be on campus each Wednesday for the next three semesters, teaching the hospitality and tourism management course, “Human Resources Management for the Service Industry,” and mentoring students about the hospitality industry.

Retired from White Lodging, Januszko was instrumental establishing the principles, programs and culture of excellence that led the company through its evolution over the past two-plus decades. Upon his retirement, an annual White Lodging managerial award was established in his honor. The award recognizes an individual who exemplifies unwavering commitment and passion to sustaining the culture of the company.

Overall, Januszko offers nearly 40 years of professional experience in the hospitality industry, specializing in recruiting and training managerial staff.

The Executive in Residence program has been introduced to bring industry professionals into the classroom and regular operations of Purdue Calumet’s revamped hospitality and tourism program, according to program Executive Director and Professor Michael Flannery.

"Executives such as John will be able to share a wealth of knowledge gained through years of practical experience, by teaching, mentoring and providing ongoing interaction with our students and faculty," Flannery said. "I am very grateful that John is willing to share his time and expertise with our students to help them become more marketable and successful, while increasing their understanding of the perseverance and attitude needed to excel in the hospitality industry."

Before joining White Lodging in 1989 and contributing to the corporation’s nationally growth, Januszko served as director of training and recruiting for Sweeney’s restaurants and taught and directed food services at Harper (IL) College.

More than 250 students study hospitality and tourism management at Purdue Calumet, with growth projected to reach 400 student majors after the new Purdue Calumet/White Lodging Center for Hospitality and Tourism Management opens on campus next fall. Purdue Calumet offers baccalaureate and associate degrees, minors and professional certificates that provide a business foundation for students preparing for management and other supervisory positions in restaurant, lodging, travel, tourism, gaming, recreation and event planning industries.

Other information about the program is available by visiting http://webs.calumet.purdue.edu/htm/, or phoning 219/989-2384 or 800/HI-PURDUE, ext. 2384.

White Lodging Services Corporation - was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana. 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. Their current portfolio consists of over 153 hotels in eighteen states and encompasses representation of the following leading brands: 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 or call 219-472-2900.

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