Technology
— COMPUTER SCIENCE —
Wiki
Computer programmer Howard G. “Ward” Cunningham (EnE’72, MS S’77) wrote the first Wiki application. A pioneer in both design patterns and extreme programming, he started programming the software WikiWikiWeb in 1994.
— COMPUTER SCIENCE —
Department of Computer Science
The first Department of Computer Sciences in the United States was established at Purdue in October 1962. In 1982, the campus computer system boasted 3,000 terminals. External funding in 1980 was $447,000; in 2018, it was $17.5 million.
— COMPUTER SCIENCE —
Progeny Linux Systems
Software engineer Ian Murdock (S’96) was best known for founding the Debian project — named after his then-girlfriend, Debra, and himself — an extremely popular open-source Linux distribution, which he created as a student. He also founded Progeny Linux Systems, a commercial Linux company.
— COMPUTER SCIENCE —
The Worm
Eugene Spaford, professor of computer science, is widely known for his work defeating one of first major malware programs almost 30 years ago.
— AVIATION —
First Landing
George Haskins (ME’16) was the first alumnus to land a plane on the Purdue campus, when, in 1919, he few to Purdue from Dayton, Ohio, with a proposition from the Dayton alumni group recommending the formation of an aviation engineering program at Purdue. Haskins served in World War I and returned to Purdue in 1929 to head the new program.
— AVIATION —
Purdue Airport
Purdue University Airport, established in 1934, was the first university-owned airport in the United States. On November 1, 1930, a landing field was created by circling the landing area with light-colored limestone and hanging a windsock on a dead tree — sufficient to meet federal requirements at that time. The original landing field evolved to become the airport. Today, Purdue is the only Big Ten institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs in aviation and transportation technology. Purdue University Airport is the second-busiest airport in Indiana after Indianapolis International Airport.
— AVIATION —
Purdue Airlines
The University had sought to have an airline for years when, in 1969, Purdue Airlines was launched with three Douglas DC-9-30s and a fourth on order. The planes were blue and white with a PA on the tail, different from the black and gold Block P used by Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics. The airline was used to train pilots; its first consumer was Howard Hughes. The charter fights few the Boilermaker football team and the Chicago White Sox. The venture ended up not being financially viable — plus student copilots were missing class — and ceased operations in 1971.
— AVIATION —
The Miracle on the Hudson
Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger (MS HHS’73, HDR LA’11) was the pilot behind the 2009 Miracle on the Hudson, heroically landing a plane that lost its engines after flying into a flock of birds. Knowing that he could not make it back to an airport, Sullenberger successfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River; all 155 passengers survived. He is now a well-respected motivational speaker, sharing his story of courage and tenacity under pressure.
— AVIATION —
Aviation Safety
Pilot Ralph S. Johnson (ME’30, HDR E’08) did more than just fly planes. His innovations helped develop the world of aviation. The Indiana native is credited with creating the stabilized approach to landing taught to all US Air Force multi-engine aircraft pilots. A new method of de-icing planes and a standardized checklist of procedures in the cockpit also can be listed among the pioneer’s accomplishments. In addition, spraying equipment that he invented was used to adapt war planes for use in agriculture aerial applications.
— AVIATION —
Flying Ace
Iven Carl Kincheloe Jr. (AAE’49) was an American fighter pilot, test pilot, aeronautical engineer, and flying ace in the Korean War. On September 7, 1956, he became the first pilot ever to fly above 100,000 feet, earning him the nickname America’s No. 1 Spaceman. Kincheloe was killed at age 30 in a crash in July 1958 at Edwards Air Force Base. He had ejected at low altitude, but the deployed parachute did not adequately slow his descent.
— CAMPUS —
Green Roof
In 2000, the Boiler Green Initiative oversaw the installation of the first green roof on campus. Using plants rather than traditional roofing materials, it has provided multiple benefits to Schleman Hall, including lower energy costs and consumption, less stormwater runoff, and beautification. A second green roof was installed atop Hampton Hall of Civil Engineering in 2012. Both spaces feature seating areas.
