At either end of the east–west sidewalk between University Hall and Stewart Center, plaques that encourage pedestrians to smile and say hello to passersby hearken back to a custom almost as old as Purdue itself.

Called Hello Walk, the sidewalks across the mall and along its perimeter are a modern version of a tradition that began in 1893. Back then, the walk referred to a hedge-trimmed pathway from the old campus entrance (at State and Marsteller Streets) to Ladies Hall, which stood on the site of what is now Founders Park (between Matthews Hall and Stone Hall). Hedge Walk, as it was known, ran along the Oval, which would later become Memorial Mall. Students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to perpetuate the University’s friendly spirit and say hello to those they passed there.

As the University grew, the Oval became a focal point for campus gatherings during field days, interclass competitions, early 20th-century commencement ceremonies, and May Day activities. The Hello Walk custom lapsed periodically but was revived over the years by various student organizations. During the 1956–57 school year, the campus YMCA and YWCA groups celebrated Hi Day to revive the tradition.

In 1958, sidewalks were installed across Memorial Mall — previously they had only bordered it — and Hello Walk was considered to include the new walkways. In honor of its 50th anniversary, the class of 1951 sponsored a project to restore Memorial Mall, including Hello Walk, and a new plaque was added to commemorate the gift. The renovation was completed in 1998, and a dedication ceremony took place during Gala Week in 2001.