Purdue officially dedicated a new $13-million facility on its West Lafayette campus.
The university held a ceremony today Tuesday for Marriot Hall, which houses the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
The building was constructed with help of a nearly $5-million gift from the Marriot Foundation.
Bill Marriot says the facility gives students a hands-on experience and serves as a starting point for their careers.
The 40,000-square-foot building is on State Street.
It has demonstration classrooms and restaurants, including the John Purdue Room where students manage, prepare, and serve guests.
There also is space for conference areas and a career center.
Health and Human Sciences Dean Chris Ladisch says the building is important not only for the university but the industry as a whole.
Currently, 650 students are part of Purdue’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program.