Why Purdue MattersStudent Stories
Persistence and Innovation Matter
Boilermakers persistently take small steps that goes towards innovating the Next Giant Leap. Small steps are the leadership positions we hold, problem-solving skills we develop, research we conduct and so much more. Whether it is in a lab, greenhouse or meeting room, Boilermakers are persistently innovating the Next Giant Leap.
Sharon Sun
Persistence Matters
Sharon Sun
Persistence Matters
Purdue demonstrates its pillars of persistence and innovation by delivering the highest value in higher education. Now for 11 years, Boilermakers have pursued their education without experiencing a rise in tuition fees. By freezing tuition, Purdue persistently sets a national standard of accessible higher education, in addition to reducing student debt.
For Purdue junior Sharon Sun, this means giving as many people as possible a chance to pursue their education without fear of financial instability. As a first-generation American, she has found that education in the US can be expensive compared to other countries, which is why frozen tuition means so much to her and her family.
“The frozen tuition was a large reason to why I chose to make Purdue my home. There was no doubt in my mind that being able to have such a high standard of education while also benefiting from frozen tuition was for me and my family. It makes me feel incredibly lucky to study in such a fine educational institution.”
Purdue has the longest frozen tuition in the country of any University. Purdue’s persistence toward affordable higher education means that students and their families will have saved $1+ billion in total on educational expenses over the last 11 years.
“To me it feels like Purdue has invested its funding into their students and their education. Affordable education shows that Purdue cares.”
Purdue’s persistent dedication to its students has led to the university being named one of Fast Company’s “Brands That Matter.” To Sharon, this means “being able to speak in one voice, and to be proud of the volumes Purdue has around the globe. Having the ability to impact others on this scale shows the hard work every single student, faculty and staff member has in being a part of our school.”
Through sheer persistence, Purdue fosters a culture of affordable and accessible higher education, without fear of rising tuition costs. Purdue continues to be a place where students like Sharon can thrive and persistently pursue their next giant leap.
Student Start-UP
Innovation Matters
Student Start-UP
Innovation Matters
The Purdue University brand is built on innovation and creativity. Boilermakers are taught and encouraged to change the world through their own small steps and giant leaps. Purdue students Alexander Zimbalist and John Stanwick saw an opportunity to demonstrate these pillars through their own start-up, Plurimos.
Plurimos offers two credit card optimization services to its customers. The Plurimos Payment Card and the Plurimos Debt Repayment System were innovative solutions brought on by a specific need. Alexander and John persistently pursued this innovative creation and were supported by Purdue the entire way.
John and Alexander have felt supported by Purdue through the Anvil, the John Martinson Entrepreneurial Center, and the academic staff of Purdue throughout their project. Purdue professors have answered questions, given guidance, and have allowed Plurimos to thrive.
When asked how the university fosters innovation and encourages students to take their next giant leap, John answered, “Purdue students have the continuous drive to push each other to newer heights. This extracurricular opportunity, paired with the rigors of Purdue’s academics, allows students the ability to pursue their next giant leap, whether that be leading a space mission, creating a new microchip, or anything in between.”
Purdue’s fostering of innovation is one of the reasons that the university has recently been named one of Fast Company’s “Brands That Matter.” “We see Purdue as a bastion of intuition. Inclusion in the Brand That Matters list has shown us that others share this view, and we have never been more excited to continue our lifelong journey of exemplifying Boilermaker values.”
“Purdue has influenced my innovative spirit through every part of our time here. From Purdue’s atmosphere to the pristine academics, it is clear to see that Purdue values and exemplifies student innovation and creativity.”
Joshua Gregory
Persistence Matters
Joshua Gregory
Persistence Matters
Purdue University is the kind of place that demonstrates persistence in every aspect across campus. Boilermakers persistently discover innovative ideas and ways to solve problems, all while never stopping their pursuit of higher education. Joshua Gregory, a junior in the College of Engineering strives for persistence across all areas of campus life.
“Being a boilermaker is being someone that works really hard and just gets things done. We’re very results-driven here, and it shows up in even our new buildings, new programs, and new opportunities. We are always ready to take the next step.”
By serving as the president of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and a member in the National Society of Black Engineers, Joshua persistently pursues opportunities that expand his experience here at Purdue. Every small step Joshua takes goes toward developing leadership and problem-solving skills.
Persistence is a key trait among all Boilermakers. Joshua demonstrates this across all aspects of student life and academia during his time at Purdue.
Fast Company recently named Purdue University a “Brand That Matters” because of the sheer persistence that Joshua and all Boilermakers demonstrate. Whether it is through the over 2,000 undergraduate research opportunities or the nearly 1,000 student organizations, students like Joshua are given opportunities to persistently pursue small steps towards their next giant leap.
Purdue University fosters an environment where persistence is instilled in Boilermakers both in and out of the classroom. Whether it is through leadership, research or academic positions, Boilermakers strive to build a better world together. This is just one of the many reasons why Fast Company named Purdue a “Brand That Matters.”
Kaustubh Ray
Innovation Matters
Kaustubh Ray
Innovation Matters
Purdue University demonstrates innovation in all aspects of student life. Students persistently pursue innovation and learning at Purdue for this reason. The culture of Purdue is surrounded by persistent innovation together. This is one of the many reasons why Purdue University senior, Kaustubh Ray focuses on innovation, leadership and research while pursuing his degree in Aerospace Engineering.
“We see campus changing all the time and trying to be more innovative whether it be in research or leadership our campus is ready to make change”.
Innovation begins with students, and Purdue has given Ray the opportunity to be involved in Purdue Space Day and be a member of the Aerospace Student Council. His work here also allowed him to work on research for both the aerospace and mechanical engineering departments and had the opportunity to work for NASA and JPL.
Purdue continues to inspire its students, which has led to the university being named by Fast Company as a “Brands that Matters.” Their devotion to persistently pursue the next giant leap pushes students to grow. To Kaustubh, this means “Adopting and growing together. I think we have a really organic competitiveness here on campus that really pushes every student and allows them to have a choice and take those opportunities”. Ray again, again, and again pursues innovation here at Purdue.
Purdue is a place where innovation does not take the backseat, but rather persistently gives students new avenues to get involved on campus to prepare them for their next giant leap.
Togetherness and Inclusion Matter
Purdue University is the kind of place that fosters an environment of togetherness and inclusion. Freshman at Purdue, Ellie McClellan, persistently takes small steps toward togetherness and inclusion as she works to build a figure skating club. Watch Ellie’s video to hear more about how she is inspiring other Boilermakers to come together with similar passions and interests.
Ellie McClellan
Togetherness Matters
Ellie McClellan
Togetherness Matters
Purdue University is proud to produce generations of world leaders, innovators, athletes, and artists. The Purdue brand is one built on togetherness, which is demonstrated through students like Ellie McClellan.
Thirteen years ago, Ellie, a Boilermaker studying Communications, asked her mom if she would sign her up to learn how to ice skate after watching it on TV. She got into basic skills training and quickly fell in love with the sport. After years of practice and dedication, she has competed at US Figure Skating Nationals.
From the moment she stepped onto Purdue’s campus, Ellie has strived to stay involved. This is one of the reasons why she has been working to start a figure skating club. She wants to be able to share her love of skating with others while earning her degree. Her goal is to help foster new and shared experiences of togetherness.
“Togetherness to me is equal to awareness and feeling connected to the people around you. Purdue does an amazing job of fostering an environment that cherishes inclusivity and diversity. We will always have at least one thing in common and that is we are all Boilermakers.”
With over 1,000 student organizations on campus, five cultural centers, college and school diversity programs, and students like Ellie working to share her interests with others, Purdue is committed to creating and sustaining a welcoming campus for all.
National Society of Black Engineers
Inclusion Matters
National Society of Black Engineers
Inclusion Matters
Purdue University is a brand that is recognized globally as one of Fast Company’s “Brands That Matter.” Purdue persistently focuses on inclusion, togetherness and innovation. Purdue student organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) demonstrate a culture of inclusion and togetherness across our campus.
Andrea DuPerry, a senior in Industrial Engineering and president of NSBE, is proud to lead the “Mother Chapter” of an organization whose mission is to “increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”
The Purdue chapter of NSBE is referred to as the “Mother Chapter” because the organization was founded here at Purdue University in 1975. “Our chapter is especially proud of the family-like feel we have and how we support each other academically, professionally and personally at Purdue and beyond,” Andrea said.
NSBE creates a safe space for Black engineers, while promoting inclusivity for everyone. They have collaborated with organizations of all backgrounds across campus and ensure that everyone is welcome in their organization. “We want all members to be aware of their place in the community and how they can make an impact. Community outreach has no barriers, and we want to impact and help as many individuals as possible,” Andrea said.
Purdue’s College of Engineering supports NSBE members and their drive for inclusivity in a variety of ways, including showing their support at the upcoming NSBE 48th Annual Convention in Anaheim, California. This event allows NSBE members to interact and share ideas on a national level. “It is very exciting to see this support from our college and I look forward to seeing the continuing growth of this relationship,” Andrea commented.
Students like Andrea and organizations like the NSBE are many of the small steps towards a more inclusive and welcoming Purdue campus. The University’s focus on inclusion is just one of the reasons why it is recognized by Fast Company as a “Brand That Matters.”
Kiran Patel
Togetherness Matters
Kiran Patel
Togetherness Matters
Purdue University persistently takes every small step possible towards promoting togetherness for all Boilermakers. By staying committed to providing a valuable experience for their students in and outside of the classroom, Purdue University has built a brand that shines through all members of their community including student, Kiran Patel.
Kiran Patel, a senior studying applied statistics and history, has experienced the care and support of the Purdue community firsthand. Through togetherness, Kiran found her second home at Purdue University.
Kiran took advantage of the nearly 1,000 student organizations Purdue has to offer through her involvements in Purdue Foundation Student Board, Chi Omega Sorority, Purdue University’s Mortar Board chapter and more. During her time at Purdue, she developed a strong sense of family and togetherness with her fellow Boilermakers. Her involvements have not only contributed to Kiran’s success but also instilled the values in which Purdue University was built upon.
“Togetherness means unity. It means uniting as one no matter what background we come from. It means collaboration from different disciplines. It means supporting each other no matter what. It means trusting each other and working together to better the world around us.”
With the transformative experiences Kiran has had in these organizations, she walks away with countless lessons about the importance of togetherness and belonging, as well as relationships with other students that will stretch way beyond her time at Purdue.
Purdue University’s brand represents togetherness through their persistent goal to build a better world, together. This culture of persistent togetherness is one of the reasons why Fast Company named Purdue one of the Top Brands That Matter. When asked about what this title means to her, Kiran replied “I feel blessed to attend a university that has such a powerful and well-known representation around the world. I think this goes to show how much Purdue cares about their students and how much education is valued here. Purdue continues to make giant leaps to better the student and faculty experience every single day which is extremely hard to come by. To me, this means opportunity for all.”
Annie Bingle
Inclusion Matters
Annie Bingle
Inclusion Matters
The Mortar Board Leadership Conference provided an opportunity for Purdue students, faculty, staff, and members of the Lafayette community to engage in learning and conversations centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Over 100 Boilermakers virtually participated in the day-long conference, opening themselves up to explore DEI concepts, deepen their leadership, and gain a greater understanding of the relationship between the two.
The event was led by Annie Bingle, Vice President of Leadership and member of the Barbara Cook Chapter of Mortar Board.
“Part of the Purdue experience is having the opportunity to learn with and from others that are different from ourselves. The Mortar Board Leadership Conference allowed students, faculty, staff, and community members to do this while participating in workshops and speaker sessions to continuously engage in DEI topics,” Annie said.
Annie is incredibly passionate about the intersection of inclusion and leadership. When asked why it matters to her, she said, “Inclusive leadership is essential for ensuring that diverse people, beliefs, and mindsets are respected, managed, heard, and appreciated. It’s up to us to collectively create environments in which people are free to be their true selves, and advancing diversity and inclusion is one small step towards cultivating this.”
Purdue’s brand works to promote inclusivity and togetherness by encouraging events such as the Mortar Board Leadership Conference. With nearly 1,000 student organizations and six cultural centers across our campus, Purdue University prides itself on the opportunities to learn more about inclusivity. This is one of the many reasons why Fast Company has recently named Purdue University a “Brand That Matters.”
When asked what it means to be named a “Brand That Matters,” Annie said, “I’ve always been proud to be a Boilermaker, and seeing that our university received this honor made me even prouder. It’s neat for the work done at Purdue University to be recognized alongside top companies. To me, it’s representative of the ability of Boilermakers to persistently exceed expectations.”
Discovery and Learning Matter
Rowan Wallar
Learning Matters
Rowan Wallar
Learning Matters
Purdue University fosters a culture of learning through all responsibilities in the classroom. Rowan Wallar, a senior studying Food Science, takes advantage of learning opportunities in the classroom, not only as a student but also as a student teaching assistant (TA). Rowan develops a culture of learning through critical thinking and the opportunity to bring personal experiences into the learning environment.
When asked what she wants her students to learn most in this class, she states “Not only do I want to help students through this course, but I want them to take the conversations that we have and the information that they learn and apply it to their everyday lives that motivate them to want to do good in the world and in their academic experience.”
Rowan has a passion for persistent learning. Her goal for herself and her students is to continually learn every day, even after their time at Purdue.
“I know the value of hard work and I know that my ability to learn doesn’t stop with graduation. Purdue has instilled the drive to keep learning with everything that I do and that is something I will forever cherish.”
She utilizes effective, yet simple, learning tactics in her classroom. Most importantly, she wants to help connect course material to students’ everyday lives. To her, finding meaningful connections will deepen long-term understanding and enhance the learning experience.
Purdue University is the kind of place that cherishes and values persistent learning. Rowan’s experience is just one of the many that fortify Purdue’s position as a leader in higher education. The culture of learning across campus is just one of the many reasons why Fast Company named Purdue a “Brand That Matters.” When asked what this title means to her, Rowan stated “This accomplishment is something that Purdue should be incredibly proud of, and it is well deserved! As with all of Purdue’s incredible accolades, it means the most to me to know that I attend such a well-recognized university that continues to excel in so many different areas.”
Purdue University persistently prepares their students for giant leaps post-graduation through the endless learning opportunities available across all aspects of student life.
Omkar Kerkar
Discovery Matters
Omkar Kerkar
Discovery Matters
Purdue University conducts world-changing research and promotes discovery again and again and again. With over 2,000 undergraduate research opportunities, Purdue University persistently provides students with the chance to discover their next giant leap.
Current sophomore at Purdue University, Omkar Kerkar, is studying Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering and is an undergraduate research assistant at Zucrow Laboratories – the world’s largest student propulsion lab– working on combustion energetics. Also involved in the Purdue Space Program, Omkar appreciates the immense and incredible hands-on experience he has already experienced as an undergraduate.
“Discovery, to me, is an example of a means of finding your place in your field of passion. To contribute to existing literature, gaps in your area of knowledge must be identified. By pushing for, and encouraging discovery in your field of study, you are not only fueling your own passion, but are also contributing to the scientific community involved”.
Omkar describes that with all these unparalleled opportunities and programs at Purdue, comes the support of professors, advisors and mentors ready to uplift him in the discovery of his next giant leap.
Purdue’s persistent pursuit toward discovery is one reason why Fast Company’s named Purdue University a “Brand That Matters.” Omkar describes this title as “The sort of recognition that Purdue deserves for all its phenomenal campus opportunities. Purdue graduates are actively changing every industry that they join, thanks to the skills they pick up during their degrees here. Being a student at the only university represented on a global stage fills my heart with pride.”
Purdue University is the kind of place for students like Omkar to turn their passions into discoveries. Through the persistent pursuit of discovery, Purdue University supports all Boilermakers through inspiring small steps and giant leaps, in and out of the classroom.
Isabella Sirit
Learning Matters
Isabella Sirit
Learning Matters
Isabella Sirit fosters learning in all aspects of her time at Purdue. Being a student TA for multiple biology classes, she continues to assist her professors and provide help for students within the courses. Through her teaching, Isabella reinforces the power that a Purdue education provides. Being named by Fast Company’s as a “Brand That Matters” exemplifies the kind of education and learning that Purdue offers to its students and how individuals, like Isabella, use their knowledge to give back to the Boilermaker community.
For Isabella, it was challenging to keep track of her own learning while also keeping track of her students’ learning. However, she overcame this by delegating and focusing on time management. While in her TA position, Isabella equally teaches and learns at the same time.
“Additionally, many topics in the biological sciences build off one another so by teaching someone it reinforces and strengthens a component of a more advanced idea I am learning in my classes”.
Ensuring that inclusion is equally balanced with learning is a big part of the process. Isabella explains, “It is important for me to make sure every student is being heard, has their questions answered, and their ideas listened to.”
“The most rewarding part of being a TA and helping my peers has been seeing their success beyond the classroom,” Isabella says, “I love to see their continued success!”
Pursuing her next giant leap to receive her PhD, Isabella explains that the skills Purdue has instilled in her will allow her to accomplish this goal. “My classes have taught me the content I utilize every day in my research lab. It has shown me how to take an idea from the textbook to a lab bench, and maybe one day to a clinical trial.”
Purdue University persistently fosters a culture of learning, in and out of the classroom. Passionate Boilermakers like Isabella are dedicated not only to education, but also to the pursuit of new ideas. This culture of learning is shared across campus, together with all Boilermakers. The persistent pursuit of learning is just one of the many reasons why Fast Company named Purdue University a “Brand That Matters.”
Taylor Schleinkofer
Discovery Matters
Taylor Schleinkofer
Discovery Matters
Purdue University is known worldwide for its research and discovery. Fast Company recently named Purdue University as a “Brand That Matters” for persistently creating generations of scientists, engineers, artists and innovators, who work together to build a better world. One Purdue student is taking small steps with targeted cell therapy research aimed at discovering a solution to end the fight against cancer.
Taylor Schleinkofer, a junior studying Biomedical Health Sciences hopes to “impact others through this project by helping to develop a molecule suited for human trials and one day be able to say I had a very small part in curing cancer.”
Every small step Taylor takes in work leads to the discovery of giant leaps for cancer research.
The focus of Taylor’s research is to develop a molecule that, when injected into the body, will attack cancer cells instead of healthy cells, in the hopes of killing the cancer and/or slowing their growth. When Taylor arrived at Purdue, she felt supported in her passion of discovery.
“Purdue University allows others to discover their passions by providing so many hands-on opportunities to learn. I truly believe that anyone can do something they put their mind to, and it might just take a step out of one’s comfort zone to discover their passion,” Taylor said.
With over 2,000 undergraduate research opportunities across campus, Boilermakers are persistently discovering small steps that lead to giant leaps. The persistent discovery across campus is one of the many reasons Purdue is a “Brand That Matters.” When asked what this title means to her, Taylor responded,
“Being a Fast Company ‘Brand That Matters’ means that Purdue’s students, faculty, and supporters are making an impact on our country and around the world.”