Purdue University Northwest announces 2026 Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, award winners

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has announced Deno Yiankes (BS’88), former President and CEO of Investment and Developments with White Lodging, has been selected for induction into the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame.

The PNW Alumni Hall of Fame honors alumni who are high-achieving leaders in their fields, involved members of their communities and who have engaged with PNW well beyond their time as students. Yiankes will be honored for his accomplishments and service during PNW’s 10th Anniversary Gala on May 29, 2026 at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary.

“We are proud to welcome Deno Yiankes to the distinguished membership of the Purdue University Northwest Alumni Hall of Fame,” said PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford. “His many years of exemplary leadership have included helping grow one of the most reputable national hospitality management firms, as well as significantly giving back to our communities. We look forward to recognizing his example of excellence and innovation in positively impacting our region and the hospitality and tourism management sector.”

Yiankes will be inducted during PNW’s 10th Anniversary Gala program. The evening will punctuate a decade of changing students’ lives and proudly celebrating PNW’s positive transformations for Northwest Indiana and beyond. Ticket and sponsorship information for PNW’s 10th Anniversary Gala can be viewed at pnw.edu/gala.

PNW will additionally recognize three outstanding alumni for their impactful service as part of the gala program.

About the 2026 PNW Alumni Hall of Fame class

Deno Yiankes (BS’88) is selected for induction to the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame for leading a distinguished career, making exemplary contributions to PNW and communities, and inspiring future generations of PNW students.

For over three decades, the Northwest Indiana native has been dedicated to transformational service and leadership in hospitality and tourism management. Yiankes first joined White Lodging in 1990 as a line cook. He rose through the company’s leadership ranks to become president and CEO of Investments and Development, a role he held from 2006 to 2020. Under Yiankes’ leadership, White Lodging developed and opened more than 175 premium branded hotel properties, negotiated and transacted more than $5 billion in hotel real estate and grew to operate over 90 hotels and restaurants across the U.S.

Throughout his professional career, Yiankes has remained committed to changing students’ lives through extraordinary philanthropy. He was integral in supporting the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation and the Bruce and Beth White Family Foundation’s joint transformational $5 million gift establishing the White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at PNW in 2009. Yiankes’ incredible generosity has also been demonstrated through the Irene and Kostas Yiankes Endowed Scholarship established in honor of his parents, as well as a $100,000 gift to create the Deno Yiankes, White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Study Abroad/Study Away Support Fund.

After a brief period of retirement from White Lodging, Yiankes in 2025 launched Chimera Hospitality Corporation, a privately held investment and asset management firm focused on the hotel sector, with his two sons, Alex and Eric.

Three additional PNW alumni recognized for innovation, leadership and service

Along with annually honoring new inductees to the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame, PNW also selects several standout alumni for recognition of their accomplishments across different professional career stages.

Ryan Elinkowski (BA’11) is the recipient of the 2026 Pride of PNW Alumni Award, which recognizes alumni who embody the values and mission of PNW, showcasing leadership, integrity, innovation and commitment to making a positive impact on society. Elinkowski is the CEO of Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana. Prior to his current role, he served over five years in leadership at St. Jude House in Crown Point, Indiana.

Erin Okamoto Protsman (BA’88; MA’01) is the recipient of the 2026 PNW Campus Pride Alumni Award, which recognizes PNW faculty and staff members who are alumni and have made significant contributions and impacts for the PNW campus community and student experience. Protsman is a continuing lecturer of Communication and Creative Arts at PNW, where she has taught since 2013.

Spencer Summers (BS’22; MBA’23) is the recipient of the Power Onward Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes alumni aged 35 and younger who have demonstrated emerging and unique innovation, creativity and success in their chosen careers. Summers is an Economic Development Manager at Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO). Prior to joining NIPSCO, Summers served for over three years as Marketing Director and Economic Development Director with the Northwest Indiana Forum.

To view full bios of new and past PNW Alumni Hall of Fame and award honorees, see the different award categories and learn more about the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame, visit pnw.edu/hall-of-fame.

About Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, PNW is recognized as a First Gen Forward Network Leader and an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development. For more information, visit pnw.edu.