Building genuine relationships has been key for Kyle Hjelmeseth (LA’04) throughout his life. As a public relations student at Purdue, he recognized the importance of making connections and creating a memorable persona. He knew his ability to network and form bonds with others would prove valuable in any field. “I had a vision for myself […]
We tailed six super students for one weekend at the top mascot training program in the country to discover What does it take to be Purdue Pete? Outgoing, goofy pranksters, they are constantly laughing and joking with one another. They act pretty much exactly how you’d expect a mascot to act. The antics come naturally […]
Tarkington friends return to their dorm rooms for 10th annual reunion Facing graduation in December 1981, John White (T’81) made his Tarkington Hall buddies swear that they weren’t going to be like every other group of yahoos who promise to stay in touch, but never actually reunite. And so it was agreed that no matter […]
The Victory Bell was purchased in 1877 and suspended in the old heating plant, where it was manually rung as a summons to class and chapel as well as a general warning bell — at least on those occasions when students hadn’t muffled the clapper or turned it upside down and filled it with water […]
Agricultural Hall, built in 1901 in the Beaux-arts Neoclassic style, served as the epicenter for agrarian teaching and research at the university for seven decades. It was renamed Entomology Hall in 1969 when the department took up occupancy in the building. When it faced demolition in the 1990s, preservationists vocalized their desire to save the […]
Strategic planning may not often be described as thrilling, but for Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko (LA’94), it’s one of the best parts of her job as the president and chief executive officer of the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine. “I love imagining a future with a group of people and looking at the reality of what’s […]
Legendary director celebrates 100th birthday In the spring of 1954 Purdue University was searching for a new director of bands to replace Paul “Spotts” Emrick who was retiring after 49 years. No one on the campus without a school of music felt qualified to make the decision. So Trustee J. Ralph Thompson sought advise from […]
Fountain runs are a rite of passage for many Purdue students. During Boiler Gold Rush, they serve as an introduction to the invigorating pursuits that lay ahead. Upon graduation, they embody a feeling of triumph and achievement. Often described as the quintessential Purdue experience, fountain runs have evolved over the years due to the ever-changing […]
Everything is better told as if you’re writing a story — even office memos,” laughs Kevin Martin (M’84), recalling a Harvard Business Review article he read early in his career. “Effective communication skills are really vital to building and growing relationships and taking intelligent risks.” The importance of storytelling, critical thinking, and innovation was instilled […]
The objects, customs, and traditions that make Purdue’s commencement ceremony special for its graduates The university’s first commencement was held in May 1875 to honor a class of one. John Harper, a transfer student from Northwestern Christian University, now Butler University, received a bachelor’s of science in chemistry. Early ceremonies were held in Military Hall […]
