Alumnus is a president for White Lodging

"The ability to actually speak and interact with the professors provided a great learning environment that I believe is difficult to obtain at larger universities."

Deno Yiankes, president/COO Development & Asset Management Division for White Lodging Services Corp. in Merrillville, is responsible for identifying and bringing to fruition new hotel development, ownership and management opportunities that meet/exceed investment objectives. White Lodging Services Corp. manages more than 100 properties on a nationwide basis.

"The Purdue name recognition played a key role in allowing me to obtain an internship with an internationally recognized hospitality consulting firm my senior year," Yiankes said. "In addition, the ability to actually speak and interact with the professors provided a great learning environment that I believe is difficult to obtain at larger universities, where students often times are known by a number rather than their first name."

Adding, he said, "Success breeds success. Higher level individuals in the hospitality field are typically well educated. In order to communicate and interact with them successfully, a strong, well balanced education is a must."

Yiankes earned a bachelor's degree in restaurant, hotel and institutional management (now known as hospitality and tourism management) from Purdue Calumet in 1988.

Also, he is a member of the university's Hotel and Tourism Management Advisory Committee.