June 8
The John Purdue Club celebrated the loyalty and generosity of its members during the annual John Purdue Club weekend on June 5-6, 2009. Many members participated during the two-day event, which included the opportunity to play in four different golf competitions, attend dinner programs featuring special guests and enjoy the fantastic weather at Purdue’s own Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex.
Friday evening focused on women's athletics with the Schleman-Hovde Classic in celebration of Helen Schleman and Fred Hovde, two champions of womens' athletics at Purdue. Saturday evening celebrated all of Purdue Athletics with a special emphasis on men's sports.
Attendees on Saturday were treated to very special guest Dave Young, former Purdue Football tight end from 1977-80. Dave returned to campus for the first time since 1985 to join us for John Purdue Club weekend from his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Dave, a four-time letter winner, All-American, All-Big Ten and MVP for Purdue, went on to a five year professional career. A 2nd round draft pick in 1981 to the New York Giants, Dave spent the majority of his career there with stops at Baltimore and Indianapolis. This spring, Dave Young was inducted into the Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame. All of the Purdue Athletics family was delighted to have Dave back on campus and for him to see how much the campus and surrounding community has changed! It was also great to hear him and teammates Pete Quinn and Bart Burrell reminisce about some great years of Purdue football history. Welcome back, Dave! We hope you visit us again soon!
During the John Purdue Club weekend, two very special awards are presented to outstanding members of the John Purdue Club family Black Coat and Diamond P.
The Black Coat award is presented annually to individuals, who through their visible and generous support, have distinguished themselves as outstanding advocates for the Purdue Athletics program. This honor was first bestowed upon Purdue President Fred Hovde in 1979, a tireless educator truly dedicated to the pursuit of higher education, athletics and even more specifically the elevation of women’s athletics. As an impressive recipient, he set the standard for all who follow.
The 2009 Black Coat recipient couple is a dedicated supporter of Purdue Athletics. Regardless of the schedule, you will find at least part of the couple at most every event (even when there are multiple events each day and consecutive days filled with events!) they have an incredible rate of participation to home games, away games, NCAA events and university and athletic functions. They have been multi-sport season ticket holders for over 20 years. Part of the couple earned a BS in 1957 from Purdue University. The couple resides in Lebanon and travels many trips to and from their home to Purdue! This couple personifies the true spirit of Purdue Boilermakers by finding positives in every situation and celebrating the many successes of all our student-athletes with great passion. Purdue Athletics is truly fortunate to have the 2009 Black Coat award recipients, Jane and Allen Milburn, as part of its family. Congratulations, Jane and Allen!
The Diamond P is considered to be the ultimate recognition of service and commitment to Purdue Athletics as a whole. The very first Diamond P was awarded to William "Pinky" Newell in 1977. Newell’s commitment to the health and well-being of our student-athletes as well as the development of educational standards in athletic training truly demonstrated his passion for athletics and Purdue University. The 2009 recipients of the Diamond P award are positive and committed stewards to the athletic program. Each one has demonstrated their loyalty and passion for Purdue throughout the years. These two gentlemen are truly champions of Purdue Athletics.
One of the 2009 recipients of the Diamond P has and continues to be a true member of the Team behind the Teams.’ Whether he was a key member of the Purdue men’s basketball support system or a current board member at the Indiana Sports Corporation, he has been an integral part in the elevation continuing tradition of sport, especially in regard to Boilermaker Athletics. From his time as a student manager in 1968-71, he has continued to find ways to go beyond the limits in helping others, even encouraging his son to follow in his footsteps as a student manager. He is a well-respected Veterinarian, a great friend of Purdue Athletics and a strong supporter of the John Purdue Club. We are sure that this recipient truly bleeds black and gold! It is with great appreciation that Phil Borst is awarded a Diamond P. Congratulations, Phil!
This 2009 Diamond P recipient demonstrates the true spirit of a Boilermaker. As a former student-athlete from 1971-75, he developed as a player and teammate who would do anything he could to help out his team. This trait continued well past his college years as a community activist and loyal supporter of academics, athletics and anything pertaining to Purdue University. He is always willing to help others less fortunate and in true Team behind the Teams’ fashion, supports our student-athletes by attending athletic events. He is an outstanding businessman in his own right and uses his network to help promote Purdue Athletics. Purdue Athletics is honored to have such a loyal and generous fan in 2009 Diamond P recipient, Randy Shields. Congratulations, Randy!
We thank our 2009 Black Coat and Diamond P award recipients for their loyal and generous support of Purdue Athletics and for being such wonderful representatives of the John Purdue Club family! Thank you to all members of the John Purdue Club family; it is because of your continued loyalty and support that the tradition that is Purdue Athletics continues to grow. Thank you!