Global Impact
— ONLINE EDUCATION —
Purdue University Global
To launch Purdue University Global, Purdue acquired Kaplan University and its institutional operations and assets, including its 15 campuses and learning centers, 32,000 students, 3,000 employees, and decades of experience in distance education. Under terms of the agreement, Purdue paid $1 for Kaplan in exchange for a lengthy contract for services. Purdue Global is distinct from other campuses in the Purdue system, relying only on tuition and fundraising to cover operating expenses. In fulfillment of Purdue’s mission to provide greater access to affordable, high-quality education, Purdue Global operates primarily online but has locations across the United States, including its headquarters in Indianapolis.
— WORLD FOOD PRIZE —
Philip E. Nelson
Philip E. Nelson (A’56, PhD A’67), professor emeritus, was awarded the 2007 World Food Prize for technologies that revolutionized the food industry, particularly large-scale storage and transport of fresh fruit and vegetables using bulk aseptic food processing.
— WORLD FOOD PRIZE —
Gebisa Ejeta
Gebisa Ejeta (MS A’76, PhD A’79), distinguished professor of agronomy, was awarded the 2009 World Food Prize for research leading to improved sorghum varieties in his native Ethiopia. Sorghum is a major food crop for more than 500 million people on the African continent.
— WORLD FOOD PRIZE —
Akinwumi Ayoejui Adesina
Akinwumi Ayoejui Adesina (MS A’85, PhD A’88, HDR A’15) was the recipient of the 2017 World Food Prize, which honored his innovations in improving the quality of agriculture in Africa and increasing productivity and incomes. He has worked to reduce corruption in the fertilizer industry in Nigeria and to increase the availability of credit for small farms across Africa.
— HUMANITARIAN —
Joule Foundation
Founded by Shay Ogebule (PhD ChE’13) and Alinda Mashiku (MS AAE’09 PhD AAE’13) in 2018, the Joule Foundation works in Africa, supporting young women and encouraging them to seek careers in STEM fields. The academic programs, mentoring, and workshops encourage young women both in the classroom and with their interpersonal skills and career training. By using the allusion to energy, the foundation hopes to energize women to be a positive force for change.
