This Is Purdue

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Mike Berghoff, chair of the Purdue University Board of Trustees.  Since joining the board in 2009 and being appointed chair in 2015, Mike (BS industrial management ’85) has helped lead the university to incredible success and growth while managing significant challenges in the higher education landscape.   In this celebratory episode, you will:  Learn about the initiatives Mike has overseen during his time at Purdue, including the unprecedented 13-year tuition freeze, Purdue’s expansion into Indianapolis, commercial air service returning to the Purdue University Airport, the transformation of the Mitch Daniels School of Business and more.  Get to know his Boilermaker journey — from his time as a student to chair of the board, including the professors and mentors that impacted him most and the phone call that changed his life.  Discover the moments Mike finds most significant in shaping Purdue’s legacy as the most recognized public university in the country.  Hear Mike reflect on what this role has meant to him after making a difference in thousands of Boilermakers’ lives.   Find out what he sees for the future of Purdue and what he hopes his legacy will be when he steps down as chair Jan. 1, 2025.  “Purdue has set some bold initiatives and targets,” says Mike. “It’s been really fun to watch an idea get formulated and implemented by people who are talented and fired up.”   You don’t want to miss this special episode featuring a renowned Boilermaker leader!

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Anthony Cawdron, Westwood event coordinator and estate manager, and adjunct hospitality and tourism management faculty member.  Westwood has been home to four Purdue University presidents and their families since it was donated to the university in 1971, and for the last 24 years, Anthony has been instrumental in the operations of what he calls the “front door to Purdue University.”   In this third episode of our Boilermaker Bites series, you will:  Discover his path from working in several castles in Europe to his time in America and following former President Martin Jischke from Iowa State to Purdue.   Explore behind-the-scenes stories of Westwood from its interesting history to what it takes to host events for guests ranging from Boilermaker students and faculty to U.S. secretaries of state.  Gain insight into what Anthony teaches his students about networking, job interviews and standing out at professional events through his business etiquette course in Purdue’s White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.  Get to know how much the Purdue community means to Anthony and why he has stayed here for over two decades.   Hear about the honor of Anthony receiving the 2024 Special Boilermaker Award.   Learn more of Anthony’s expert etiquette tips for both hosting and attending holiday parties.    You don’t want to miss this episode, which is jam-packed with expert etiquette tips and historical details about Westwood — one of the landmarks of the Purdue community.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Karen Plaut, Purdue University’s executive vice president for research.  Karen oversees Purdue’s expanding $600 million research enterprise, and under her leadership, researchers from across the university are working together to solve the world’s toughest challenges.  In this third episode of our 2024 Purdue Research Series, you will:  Get to know Karen’s incredible career journey from an animal sciences researcher to lead scientist for NASA’s International Space Station for biological research to dean of Purdue’s prestigious College of Agriculture, which is ranked No. 3 in the country.   Learn how interdisciplinary research at Purdue makes both a local and global impact.  Discover how Purdue’s expansion into Indianapolis will bolster student research opportunities.  Find out how Karen navigates the complexity of leading Purdue’s wide range of research fields including Purdue Computes and AI, One Health, nuclear power, and more.  Hear Karen reflect on her most memorable Boilermaker moments and her advice for aspiring researchers.  Don’t miss this episode with a Boilermaker who is leading our groundbreaking and life-changing research efforts at Purdue.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jennifer Pyrz, president and CEO of IndyGo.  A Purdue engineering alumna, Jennifer (BS civil engineering ’95, MS civil engineering ’97) was appointed president and CEO of Indiana’s largest public transit agency in May 2024.  In this episode you will:  Discover the advantages Purdue students in Indianapolis can gain from IndyGo buses and transit lines.   Learn more about Jennifer’s vision for the future of public transportation in Indianapolis, including the recent opening of IndyGo’s Purple Line and upcoming opening of the Blue Line.   Get to know the numerous ways the entire community of Indianapolis benefits from using IndyGo and the importance of having accessible and well-funded transportation in large cities.  Find out how Jennifer’s civil engineering degrees from Purdue prepared her to lead IndyGo.   Don’t miss this episode with a Boilermaker who is using her innovative spirit to advance public transit in a city that hundreds of thousands of people call home.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to former NASA astronaut and Purdue University Presidential Ambassador Drew Feustel (BS solid earth sciences ’89, MS geophysics ’91), Purdue professors and NASA contributors Briony Horgan and Marshall Porterfield, and SpaceKids Global founders Marc (BS electrical engineering ’71, MS business and industrial administration ’72) and Sharon Hagle.  These five Purdue space experts came together for a live panel after Purdue premiered a first-of-its-kind short film — “Boilers to Mars” — in front of a sold-out crowd in Fowler Hall.   “Boilers to Mars” is a 10-minute film designed to explore what it will take to go first — to take the small steps that lead to the next giant leap. Each character’s persistence in this short film was inspired by our very own Boilermaker students, faculty and alumni.  In this episode you will:  Discover the panelists’ emotional reactions to “Boilers to Mars” and how they saw their own unique experiences in space reflected in the short film.  Get to know their experiences traveling to, working in and researching space.  Get closer to answering the question “What will it take to go first?” as these panelists share how Boilermakers eventually could lead the way to humankind traveling to Mars.   Hear their advice for the next generation of Boilermakers who hope to travel to or work in space one day.  Learn more about the mission of “Boilers to Mars” supporting partner SpaceKids Global, which inspires and empowers young people by introducing them to the wide range of careers available in space exploration and technology.   You don’t want to miss this special live recording celebrating Purdue Brand Studio’s short film “Boilers to Mars” with insights from these Purdue space experts and leaders.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to George Karlaftis (BS selling and sales management ’21), Purdue football alum, current defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs and two-time Super Bowl champion.  In this episode you will:  Follow George’s journey from playing water polo in Athens, Greece, to football at West Lafayette High School in Indiana.  Learn what drew George to Purdue football and how he balanced being an All-Big Ten first team athlete with earning a degree in selling and sales management.  Discover George’s favorite Purdue moments, including staying close to family and the memorable upset against Michigan State in 2021.   Hear about George’s rapid NFL success — from being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs to winning two Super Bowls in his first two seasons.   Get behind-the-scenes insights into his NFL career, including his biggest mentors on the Chiefs and the toughest quarterback he’s faced.   Whether you’re a Purdue or NFL fan, you don’t want to miss this incredible episode with an alum whose Boilermaker persistence has helped shape him into the two-time Super Bowl champ he is today.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jay Gephart, the Al G. Wright Chair of Purdue Bands & Orchestras, conductor of Purdue Wind Ensemble and director of the “All-American” Marching Band.  The prestigious marching band is known as the heartbeat of the university, with Jay serving as its fifth director. In this episode you will:  Hear about the legacy Jay hopes to leave as he steps down at the end of the 2024 season.  Journey around the world celebrating the incredible events where the “All-American” Marching Band has performed, such as the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics; the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin; the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City; and the Indianapolis 500.  Discover some of Jay’s favorite band traditions — including the storied “Block P” formation, which has been used since 1907 when the band broke with the tradition of marching exclusively in military formations.  Look back on the marching band’s greatest performances from over the years, like the beloved halftime shows, one of which even included an homage to an iconic movie franchise. Hint: Stormtroopers took charge of the World’s Largest Drum, and Purdue Pete Skywalker had to battle Darth Hoosier.  Learn who makes the incredible alumni base of the marching band unique — from Neil Armstrong to Orville Redenbacher to the dedicated members who give back again and again and again.  Don’t miss this episode celebrating Jay Gephart’s leadership and impact on Purdue Bands & Orchestras.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Bob Mindrum, former director of the Purdue Memorial Union and author of “Purdue Memorial Union, The First 100 Years, 1924 to 2024.”  The Purdue Memorial Union — a longtime centerpiece of Purdue’s campus — is celebrating its 100th anniversary on Sept. 9, 2024.   In this episode you will:  Learn about the history of the iconic Purdue Memorial Union from its fundraising efforts in the early 1900s to the newest renovations, like the Purdue Union Club Hotel.  Explore the symbolic architecture by Pond & Pond architects, who also designed the unions at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and the University of Kansas.  Discover why PMU became a memorial for the Boilermaker military community and the ways this military significance is represented throughout the Union.   Get to know how the Union has served students over the decades from socializing at events like Singleton Shuffles and junior proms to gathering for concerts by popular musicians like Frank Sinatra and Sonny & Cher to studying in the East and West Main lounges.  Find out how the PMU will continue to serve future generations of Boilermakers.  If you’re interested in history, you’re in for a treat with this episode, Boilermakers! Join us in celebrating 100 years of this beloved campus icon.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Preeti Sivasankar, Purdue University’s vice president for research innovation and professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.  Societal transformation begins with research, and no one knows this better than Preeti. Since joining Purdue’s faculty 19 years ago, she has contributed to making the department a leader in the field. Purdue is now home to the No. 2 speech-language pathology graduate program and No. 8 audiology graduate program in the country according to U.S. News & World Report. And as the newly appointed vice president for research innovation, she helps lead other Boilermaker researchers as their work continues to impact the world.  In this second episode of our 2024 Purdue Research Series, you will:  Learn more about Preeti’s research in voice disorders, what causes them and how we can prevent vocal strain.   Explore how Purdue’s Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, part of the College of Health and Human Sciences, provides students and faculty with unique research opportunities and experiences.   Discover how, as vice president of research innovation, Preeti’s approach to interdisciplinary research at Purdue will take our students’ and faculty’s work to the next level.  Find out about the mentorship that’s shaping the next generation of researchers and making a significant impact in speech, language and hearing sciences.  Hear her debunk common myths about saving our voices and describe what we can do to protect them.  You don’t want to miss this special episode with this persistent and boundary-pushing Boilermaker!

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Adriana Harmeyer, clinical assistant professor and archivist for university history, and “Jeopardy!” super-champion.   In May and June 2024, Adriana earned super-champion status after winning 15 consecutive games of “Jeopardy!” As a longtime fan of this Emmy Award-winning game show, she was able to make her “Jeopardy!” dreams come true thanks to plenty of preparation and persistence.  In this episode you will:  Go behind the scenes of “Jeopardy!” as Adriana shares what it’s like to apply for the show, see the Alex Trebek Stage for the first time and meet host Ken Jennings. You’ll be surprised at how many episodes are filmed each day!  Find out how she prepared for the show, found a winning strategy and what she’s expecting from the upcoming Tournament of Champions.  Hear about her favorite questions, toughest moments and the most surprising elements about her experience on this popular, long-running show.  Discover her favorite, most interesting items in the Purdue University Archives and Special Collections.  You don’t want to miss this special episode with this Boilermaker “Jeopardy!” star.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jan-Anders Mansson, executive director of the Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center and Distinguished Professor of Materials and Chemical Engineering at Purdue. Sports engineering affects everyone, from those dedicated to getting their daily steps in to the most decorated Olympic athletes. The Purdue Research Series returns to “This Is Purdue” for a second season to explore how Purdue provides practical solutions to the world’s toughest challenges. In this first episode of the research series, you will:  Discover how Jan-Anders’ work at Purdue’s Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center impacts the Olympic Games, the International Cycling Federation, World Aquatics and more.  Learn the three pillars of the Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center: maximize excitement, ensure safety and establish integrity.  Hear about new opportunities for sports engineering at Purdue University in Indianapolis — the city known as the amateur sports capital of the world.  Explore how sports engineering serves as a test bed for cutting-edge technologies and the dynamic intersection of fashion and apparels, electronics, and sports.  Dive into Purdue’s contributions to the Olympics, including sustainability in 2024 and beyond, the rise of the new virtual cycling event, and the balance between innovation and athlete safety.  The research done at Purdue University continues to change the world of sports, and Jan-Anders and his team are looking forward to unlocking the future of sports engineering within the Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Beth Bostwick, serial entrepreneur and author.  As a prominent entrepreneur and mentor within Purdue Innovates, Beth (MS human resources ’89) provides passionate insights into the world of startups and details how young entrepreneurs can set themselves up for success. In this episode you will:  Get to know Beth’s personal story of persistence as she fought through her multiple sclerosis diagnosis while earning her master’s at Purdue.   Learn the importance of staying true to yourself and your “outside the box” ideas.  Discover how Beth realized she was better suited to start her own company, ReadyTouch, in Silicon Valley rather than continue working for a corporation.  Find out how a powerful thinking process has helped her overcome her biggest challenges, and how you can use it, too.  Learn more about the success of Purdue Innovates, and why Beth is focused on encouraging more young women to become entrepreneurs.  Whether you’re an entrepreneur wondering how you can further develop your startup or looking for a way to use your innovative spirit, don’t miss this episode full of advice and insights from this successful Boilermaker trailblazer.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Dan Hasler, chief operating officer, and David Umulis, senior vice provost and chief academic officer, of Purdue University in Indianapolis.  As Purdue’s first comprehensive urban campus, Purdue in Indianapolis will bring exciting opportunities for students, faculty and the whole Boilermaker community.   In this second episode of our Boilermaker Bites series, Dan and David discuss the importance of Purdue coming to downtown Indy, all while enjoying a delicious meal at the iconic Harry & Izzy’s, which is only four short minutes from campus. Here’s what you’ll get from this episode:  Discover the advantages of being part of an urban campus, like increased internship, partnership and research opportunities with Indianapolis companies and industries.   Find out how seamless transferability between campuses enhances the academic experience for both Indianapolis and West Lafayette students and faculty.  Learn about first-year students’ opportunities to start working with companies through impressive programs like EPICS and Vertically Integrated Projects.  Explore the ways Purdue Indy students and faculty will impact the world in fields like sports, pharmaceuticals, engineering and technology.   Find out more about how the urban campus will foster collaboration, vision and innovation.  Don’t miss this episode that dishes out all the benefits and excitement for the future of our new urban campus — Purdue University in Indianapolis.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Willie Reed, dean of Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.   Join us as we celebrate Reed’s legacy as he prepares to step down after 17 years as dean. When you listen to this episode, you can expect to:  Learn more about Dean Reed’s incredible journey of persistence — from being taught first grade by his grandmother in southern Alabama to becoming dean of one of the top veterinary schools in the country.   Discover what led Dean Reed to pursue a career as a veterinarian as he discusses his love for animals and current pathology research happening at Purdue.  Explore Purdue’s research on the human-animal bond and how animals have a positive effect on human mental and physical health.  Take a closer look at how Dean Reed’s efforts have met the increasing demand for veterinary professionals by expanding and adapting the College of Veterinary Medicine’s world-class facilities.   Find out about Dean Reed’s future endeavors, including mentoring students in underrepresented communities to teach them the path to becoming a veterinarian.   “There’s something about the Purdue spirit that is unique,” Dean Reed says. “When you come here, this is a place where dreams can come true.”  Don’t miss this episode celebrating the legacy of a Purdue icon who has dedicated his career to positively impacting the lives of animals, students and the entire Boilermaker community.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re discussing the return of commercial flights to the Purdue University Airport and highlighting the university’s renowned history in aviation.   Listen as Adam Baxmeyer (BS aviation administration ’02; MPA ’22, Purdue Global), director of the Purdue University Airport, and Rob Wynkoop, vice president of Auxiliary Services, share the importance of the Purdue Airport building upon the university’s nearly 100-year legacy in aviation excellence.   After 20 years commercial flights are returning to the Purdue University Airport, connecting West Lafayette and Chicago. Find out how the Purdue University Airport offers more convenient and cost-effective travel options for the Greater Lafayette community.  Plus, you’ll learn more about the largest classroom on campus — the Purdue Airport — as Tom Carney (AAS general aviation ’70; BS professional flight technology ’71; MS aviation climatology ’77; PhD atmospheric sciences and meteorology ’84), professor emeritus and former head of the Department of Aviation Technology, delves into the history of why Purdue has one of the strongest aviation programs in the country.   “There's no other place I could have flown the former president, Jimmy Carter, or the Dalai Lama or the first and last astronauts to walk on the moon than at Purdue University,” Tom says.  We also take you behind the scenes with Tom in Purdue’s Hawker 900XP full-motion simulator. This level D flight simulator — the highest level available — imitates all the aircraft systems that are accessible in the cockpit. You don’t want to miss this special episode!

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to three Boilermakers who work behind the scenes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to execute “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” — the Indianapolis 500.  Listen as David Letherman (BS management ’15), senior manager of event personnel; Meredith Walker (BS management, marketing ’11), senior manager of VIP and talent experience; and Louis Kissinger (BS chemical engineering ’17), senior manager of events and administration, share how the problem-solving skills they learned during their time at Purdue prepared them to host hundreds of thousands of people at the iconic IMS.  Plus, you’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories on the infectious buzz surrounding the month of May in Indianapolis, can’t-miss Indy 500 events and the best spots to watch the race. They also look ahead to the future and discuss why Indy 500 attendance numbers are rising with new partnerships and explain more about the events intended to attract new audiences and enhance existing fans’ experience.  The IMS hosts more than 200 events each year, and David, Meredith and Louis have dedicated their careers to making sure every guest — race fan or not — has an unforgettable experience at this legendary venue.   Don’t miss this episode as these three Boilermakers go in-depth on what it takes — and how it feels — to pull off the largest single-day sporting event in the world.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to five members of Purdue’s Cradle of Astronauts: Sirisha Bandla (BS aeronautical and astronautical engineering ’11), Drew Feustel (BS solid earth sciences ’89, MS geophysics ’91), Beth Moses (BS aeronautical and astronautical engineering ’92, MS aeronautics and astronautics ’94), Mark Polansky (BS aeronautical and astronautical engineering ’78, MS aeronautics and astronautics ’78) and Audrey Powers (BS aeronautical and astronautical engineering ’99).  These five Purdue astronauts came together for the first time at the live “This Is Purdue” podcast panel during the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Event, presented by Purdue University.   Listen as this panel of astronauts, which includes Boilermakers with both NASA and commercial spaceflight backgrounds at Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin and Barrios Technology, share what they found most surprising about their personal experiences in space, the specialness behind viewing a total solar eclipse with more than 50,000 people at the iconic IMS and their perspectives on where the future of spaceflight is heading.  Plus, you’ll hear how the journeys and legacies of past Boilermaker astronauts brought them to Purdue, how their passion for space exploration deepened as students and what it means to them to inspire the next generation to take the leap into space as future members of Purdue’s Cradle of Astronauts.  Check out this memorable episode — it’s only on “This Is Purdue,” the official Purdue University podcast!

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Erik Miller, owner and winemaker of Kokomo Winery and Breaking Bread Winery.   Listen as Erik (BS organizational leadership ’99) shares the journey of working his way up from a wine harvest intern to conceptualizing and later founding his own winery in Healdsburg, California, in the heart of Sonoma County. Erik’s entrepreneurial spirit has helped make Kokomo Winery an award-winning winery in California, where becoming a household name is increasingly difficult. He dives into the story behind the name, which highlights his appreciation for his Indiana roots and instills a warm, Midwestern atmosphere inside the winery. And he encourages all Midwesterners, especially Boilermakers, to come say hi if they ever find themselves near Kokomo Winery!  You’ll also learn more about the winemaking process as Erik delves into his latest entrepreneurial endeavor, Breaking Bread Winery, a line of natural wines best enjoyed with a meal. Plus, he discusses his collaboration with the Purdue for Life Foundation to create special edition Boilermaker wines — which sell out every year.  Erik recently returned to campus for the 2023 Purdue Entrepreneurial Alumni Reunion, which celebrated the legacy of Boilermaker entrepreneurs, and you’ll hear how his experiences at Purdue equipped him to exhibit the entrepreneurial mindset that the university is working to cultivate through its new Purdue Innovates initiative.   Don’t miss the story of this Boilermaker who used his persistence and innovation to turn his passion for winemaking into his own successful business more than 2,000 miles away from his hometown roots.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to PGA Tour golfer Adam Schenk.  Adam is a Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business alum and former first-team All-Big Ten Purdue men’s golfer, who has spent nearly a decade dedicated to his full-time career on the golf course. During this time, he secured his PGA Tour card and rapidly ascended the leaderboard, often competing alongside some of the world's top-ranked golfers. The 2023 season took him to new heights pursuing his first PGA Tour win and, in 2024, he continues that chase while preparing to play his first Masters.   Listen as he takes us back to his time playing for the Purdue men’s golf team, recounting his first collegiate tournament and what it felt like winning for a team, not just himself. Frequently returning to the Purdue golf courses, he loves mentoring and playing with current Boilermaker golfers, while practicing his own swing and preparing for major tournaments like the U.S. Open.  With his golden retriever, Bunker, at his side during practice, Adam discusses how he prepares to play with pro golf legends like Rory McIlroy on some of the most famous courses across the country. Adam says he loves seeing plenty of spectators in Purdue clothing and often hears a distant “Boiler Up!” from the bustling crowds at PGA tournaments.  Plus, Adam reflects on his unique friendship with his mentor, Purdue men’s golf coach Rob Bradley, who joins the podcast to discuss this duo’s journey from Purdue to the PGA Tour.  You don’t want to miss this conversation with a Boilermaker who is taking giant leaps in the world of professional golf.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and CEO of Cummins Inc.  Jennifer discusses her experience as a Purdue mechanical engineering student and how that led her to four internships with Cummins during her Boilermaker journey. Her story is unique because not many people can say they interned for a company and later served in the most senior role — CEO — of that same company.  Hear her share the importance of leading a 105-year-old company into the future and the long-lasting legacy she hopes to leave at Cummins. This includes Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy to go further, faster to reduce the greenhouse gas and air quality impacts of its products. You’ll also hear her biggest lessons and advice for fellow women in STEM and why she believes inclusivity and representation are necessary for shaping our society for the better. Plus, Jennifer shares what it means to see her own two daughters follow in her footsteps and pursue degrees in mechanical engineering at Purdue.  Don’t miss Jennifer’s incredible story of how she climbed the ladder from intern to CEO and the role Purdue has played in her life.