Homecoming at Purdue is naturally loaded with meaning for anyone who attends. Old haunts. Old friends. Old memories.
For Liz White (EDU’74), the significance of Homecoming 2024 ran even deeper.
White, of Middleburg, Virginia, came back for Homecoming for at least three reasons, beginning with an enduring love of Purdue. But attending this year’s celebration was particularly special to White because her graduating class was holding its 50th reunion—and because attending the reunion fulfilled a lifelong dream.
“My mother graduated from Purdue in 1944, and I remember her coming back for her 50th reunion in 1994,” White says. “That was such a wonderful memory to have. I always wondered if I would be able to do the same thing myself, but I was, so it feels very special to be here.”
White was among approximately 60 people who gathered at the Boilermaker Station Welcome Center on Friday, September 27, to take part in the class of 1974’s 50th reunion. Attendees mingled, reminisced, and took tours of campus and the Purdue Memorial Union—both of which have changed drastically since the eventgoers were students.
“Being from Kokomo, Indiana, I was part of a predominantly Purdue family, and we have always loved and respected the university,” White says. “I liked Purdue the way it was when I was here, but every year there is change and growth. It’s easy to wish things were the same as they were back then, but I really appreciate that Purdue is a living university that has transitioned to fit the world as it is now.”
The 50th reunion was an early highlight of Homecoming 2024, which drew thousands of Boilermaker alumni, fans, and friends to campus October 27–29. Attendees had many engagement opportunities to choose from, including live music, a guided art tour, and an almost countless number of breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, receptions, tailgates, and mixers.
“I come back for Homecoming every year,” Lisa Pluckebaum (IE’10) says. “I just love Purdue so much. I would never miss it.”
Pluckebaum, who is from Indianapolis and now lives in Atlanta, takes full advantage of all that Homecoming has to offer. As a leader of the Purdue Alumni Club of Atlanta, she sees to club business during her visits. She also attends President’s Council, John Purdue Club, and Purdue Women’s Network events, drops in on her sorority, spends time with her parents, celebrates with friends, and goes to the football game.
“I try to pack it all in, and it’s always a lot of fun,” she says. “My passion for Purdue is what brings me back. The connections I’ve made and continue to make as a Purdue alum push me to want to come back and see the campus, network with even more people, and experience all the excitement.”
Despite unfavorable weather, Saturday morning saw a sea of Purdue alumni, friends, fans, and families flock to Boilermaker Boulevard to reconnect with their favorite college and campus units. The boulevard extended from Stadium Mall to Memorial Mall and beyond.
“We don’t come to Homecoming every year—we try to get back as often as we can, but life gets busy,” says Chris Geist (T’06) of Westfield, Indiana, who attended with his wife, Nicole (NRS’08), and their two young children.
“If you’re ever going to get the chance to see friends you haven’t seen in 20 years, this is the time to do it,” Geist says. “There’s a ton of stuff going on, and we’ve got a lot lined up for the day. This is our kids’ first time here, so we wanted to show them the academic campus and let them get a feel for what Purdue is like.”
Richard Rea (IE’72) was part of a robust crowd at the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Division’s Homecoming Brunch and Day Party, held Saturday at the Dick and Sandy Dauch Alumni Center. The event was part of Rea’s first giant leap home in a very long time.
“I’ve been back here a few times over the years, but this is the first time since I graduated that I’ve come back for Homecoming,” says Rea, who made the trip from Fort Washington, Maryland. “I’ve been looking forward to it, and it’s great to see campus again—it’s changed a lot since I was here in the 1970s, and I’d say it has changed for the better. It’s just such a good feeling to see all my friends again.”
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—Aaron Martin
