“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.
Randy and Deb met while working for John Deere. He held numerous positions before retiring as a senior vice president, and she retired as a graphic designer. Randy also served as John Deere’s key executive for Purdue and as a member of the Dean’s Executive Council for nearly 25 years, enjoying an inside look at what was happening at his alma mater.
“I worked with a lot of great Purdue leaders who were driving change and expanding educational opportunities to a broader and more diverse group of young people,” Randy says. “We were able to support these efforts both personally and through John Deere, and I am privileged to work with the Dean’s Executive Council as well as a new Diversity Advisory Council within Purdue Polytechnic Institute.”
The Sergesketters have given back to the university in a variety of ways, including their support of the Polytechnic Excellence Accelerating Knowledge (PEAK) Scholars Program and the STEM Academic Boot Camp (ABC).
PEAK is designed to recruit and support high school students who show an early interest in polytechnic disciplines. “The purpose of PEAK is to help break down barriers that hinder the retention and success of students who are often not typically equipped to benefit from higher education,” Randy says. “By providing tailored support, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting a culture of inclusivity, we aim to empower these students to excel academically, graduate, and become the next generation of leaders who will drive positive change.”
STEM ABC allows incoming students to connect with their professors and advisors, meet distinguished Purdue Polytechnic Institute leaders, and become acquainted with the college’s departments and opportunities. “This program is meant to give students a head start on their education by building a strong academic foundation for success,” Randy says.
“We are at the point in our lives where we can give back,” Deb says. “We give to people we trust will make a difference. Purdue is fortunate to have many who are committed to making the world a better place.”
Randy and Deb are enjoying retirement and cheering for Purdue’s athletic teams from their home in Iowa. “We owe a lot to the education, experiences, and relationships from Purdue,” Randy says. “We are excited to see how these programs will make similar opportunities possible for more students and generations to come.”
