Bruce White, founder, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of White Lodging — Photo by White Lodging

The Boiler Business Exchange inducted White Lodging founder and chairman, Bruce White, into its fourth Business Hall of Fame class at the 19th annual Krannert Leadership Speakers Series event.

White graduated from Purdue University in 1975 with a degree in management and since has been active with the university in a multitude of ways. He served on the Purdue University Board of Trustees from 2011 -2015, was inducted into the inaugural class of Purdue University School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Hall of Fame and has established an endowment fund for Hospitality and Tourism Management students. Near White Lodging's headquarters in Northwest Indiana, he also has supported the expansion of the White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism and White Lodging Professional Sales Lab at Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, Indiana.

"I've been a proud Boilermaker ever since enrolling in my first class, and it's always an honor to tell people I'm a Purdue graduate," said White. "While I may have founded the company, I owe this tremendous recognition to the thousands of associates - including many Purdue graduates - that have worked for White Lodging over the past 35 years. They are the true hall of famers."

Earlier this year, White Lodging was selected to operate Purdue University's iconic Union Club Hotel. Located directl y on campus, the hotel closed earlier this year to undergo a complete renovation through the 2019-2020 school year. The 182-room project will transform and modernize the entire hotel, which has not been significantly renovated in more than four decades. A key part of White Lodging's role will be to create a hands-on learning laboratory for students enrolled in Purdue's Hospitality & Tourism Management program. Purdue students will fill many roles at the hotel, including the new restaurant and bar.

Along with White, Herschel and Mary Cook, co-owners, Harry's Chocolate Shop and Jay Ricker, co-founder, Ricker's were also inducted into the Business Hall of Fame.

About White Lodging

White Lodging, established in 1985 by hospitality icon Bruce White, has evolved into one of the country's largest privately held hospitality companies focused exclusively on highly curated urban and lifestyle properties. The company develops, owns and manages a portfolio of brands in destination-driven markets, including Austin, Chicago, Denver, Nashville, Indianapolis, and Louisville. With a focus on elevated and experiential service, White Lodging's portfolio consists of approximately 60 premium hotels; a private collection of world-renowned luxury ranches; 50 locally relevant, award-winning restaurants; and 10 market-leading rooftop bars. White Lodging focuses on hiring and developing hospitalitarians that are committed to exceptional service and fostering meaningful connections. White Lodging is the second highest in the 2021 J.D. Power Guest Satisfaction Benchmark for third-party management companies, and has been near the top since the first benchmark was published. For more information about White Lodging, visit www.whitelodging.com or follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.