Perspectives Publication

A Word from Our Vice Provost:

The 2020-21 school year provided challenges that were unprecedented in the 150-plus year history of Purdue University, but Student Life met these challenges to provide an exceptional out of classroom experience for Boilermakers. Thanks to the persistent efforts of countless individuals and organizations across campus, we not only housed the largest on-campus population of any Big 10 institution (12,450 residents) but had many Student Life departments score highly in effectiveness in student surveys and receive national recognition for the services and opportunities they provide. After such a challenging and unusual year, it was exceptionally rewarding to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating class at commencement in Ross-Ade Stadium.

Graduation and spring awards presentations give us the opportunity to reflect on the impact exceptional students, faculty, staff and alumni make on the Purdue community. Our top graduating seniors, Alexandra “Sasha” Kipnis and Zachary Marshall, each embody a strong commitment to leadership, service, scholarship and character. Read more about Kipnis’ efforts to empower women in STEM, Marshall’s budding leadership in the aviation community and more on pages 6-7. We also recognized four exceptional alumni and friends, all of whom embody the ideals of servant leadership, with our second annual Student Life Impact Awards. Outstanding staff members who have earned recognitions are highlighted in this issue as well.

Student well-being and resiliency continue to be a significant area of focus across Student Life and we can see areas of impact through the work of students, faculty and staff. We continue to collaborate with campus partners to incorporate Steps to Leaps into new and existing programs in every facet of the campus experience. This work includes the launch of a new course specifically dedicated to well-being. Students are helping lead the conversation through initiatives such as Mental Health Action Week, which helps empower members of the Purdue community with tools to enhance their well-being. Finally, Student Life was able to use Purdue Reading Days, established as opportunities for students to take a break from classes, to help students focus on their well-being.

While there was much adversity to overcome this year, Purdue Musical Organizations saw an opportunity to explore the intersectionality of music, global cultures and civic engagement in ways it might not have done during a typical year. Through its Singing as Civic Engagement and Music in Global Perspectives units, members of PMO connected with musicians and cultural experts from around the world to gain a true multicultural perspective on the impact music has on global issues. One tradition we were glad to see return was the 64th running of the Purdue Grand Prix, which took place in April. In this issue we get a behind-the-scenes look at the work put in by the victorious team.

Our work to provide an outstanding Student Life experience continues as we look forward to welcoming what projects to be another record-setting class of incoming students this fall.

Thanks for reading and Hail Purdue!