Purdue University. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Dates
- Existence: 1916 -
Historical Information
The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management can be traced back to 1916 and was spearheaded by Professor Edith Gamble.
In 1916, the Department of Home Economics offered its first course in Institutional Management. The purpose of the program was to offer classes on food service for groups including the selection, preparation, and service of food and management of associated finances. President Stone approved of the program, as long as it didn't cost the university any money, so from 1918-1923, students served two lunches a week and charged 40 cents per meal to cover costs. Throughout this time period, the program grew with additional classes added. The Department of Institutional Management was officially founded in 1926 when the Department of Home Economics became the School of Home Economics.
In 1972, the department changed its name to Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management. Its name changed several times over the next few decades before becoming the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.