The University Development Office was established in 1972 to solicit private financial support for Purdue. The University Development Office, in coordination with the development officers representing each of the academic schools/colleges, plans, coordinates, and implements fund-raising programs to obtain gifts from various private sources, including alumni, parents, faculty and staff, friends, corporations, and foundations. Development Services receives, records, and acknowledges gifts to Purdue University, Purdue Foundation, and other affiliated foundations. It maintains an electronic database on Purdue alumni and friends. Private support, which is welcome as outright or as planned gifts, helps the University meet needs for facilities, student scholarships and fellowships, equipment, and faculty support.

The University Development Office includes the areas of Annual Giving, Class Gifts, Corporate Relations, Special Events, Foundation Relations, Development Services, Planned Giving, the Purdue Telefund, and the President’s Council.