White Lodging has partnered with Purdue University to develop a new training program called LAUNCH, which will prepare students for careers in the hospitality industry. The Merrillville-based company that develops and operates hotels across the country recently renovated the 182-room Union Club Hotel on Purdue University's main campus in West Lafayette. It will serve as an immersive lab that will give students paid real-world experience with Purdueâs School of Hospitality and Tourism Managementâs curriculum. âWe are serious about building the future leaders of our industry and designed LAUNCH to be a competitive, world-class opportunity,â said Ken Barrett, president of White Lodging. âLAUNCH participants will achieve the critical skills and training â complementing Purdueâs School of Hospitality and Tourism Managementâs globally recognized curriculum â to secure the best possible careers after graduation.â