President Chiang and First Lady Kei Hui reflect on some of the small steps and giant leaps achieved in 2024 and share what they look forward to in the coming year.
January 3, 2025
President Chiang and First Lady Kei Hui reflect on some of the small steps and giant leaps achieved in 2024 and share what they look forward to in the coming year.
Tim and Sally Luzader first crossed paths at a Midwest College Placement Association conference and, united by their mutual passion for helping students succeed in higher education, have spent decades dedicated to student success. Now, through their generous bequests to Purdue, they’re ensuring their impact continues well into the future.
“It’s our responsibility to create opportunities for others, whether through financial sponsorship or the willingness to commit time and expertise to inspire those following behind us,” say Jody (MS’04, PhD A’08) and Rodney (A’02, PhD A’08) Green.
“One of the things we learned at John Deere was the value of getting our customers some actual ‘seat time’ in our products and in the field,” retirees Randy (T’80) and Deb Sergesketter say. The couple now supports programs they believe provide some Purdue “seat time” earlier in a young person’s development, helping them make informed decisions about their future—and maybe even become a Boilermaker.
The United States was involved in World War II when Edwin “Ed” F. Peters (S’42) graduated from Purdue with a degree in chemistry. He had arrived on campus in the fall of 1939 and learned about the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 while listening to the university’s radio station.
A retired executive with ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Matt Aguiar (MS M’80) values the graduate education he received at Purdue. Now, the proud Boiler-maker is paying it forward, funding a named space in the Mitch Daniels School of Business with his wife, Joyce.
Growing up on a farm in Daleville, Indiana, Mary Findling (LA’72) didn’t have the opportunity to travel. While studying abroad as a Purdue student, however, she developed a deep passion for seeing the world and now enjoys providing others with similar experiences.
Recently, Purdue announced a major strategic initiative focused on “One Health” to create new cross-disciplinary opportunities in the area of human health. Watch this recording of a virtual event Featuring Eric Barker, Vice President for Health Affairs and the Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy and Professor in the College of Pharmacy to discuss this new initiative and what it means for Purdue.
“A college degree is life-changing,” Shari Harmon Ashkar (HHS’75) says. “We’re so lucky to have a world-renowned university in Indiana that offers not only a wonderful education but also wonderful opportunities
as you’re studying. I’m very proud to join with Purdue and help someone get a head start on a better life.”
“Lift as you climb” is a phrase Mark (S’95) and Melanie Kidder have come to live by. “You lift somebody else up and help them climb to the top with you,” Melanie explains.