2008-09 Executive Board
Bruce Cooley, Vice President of Public Relations
Hometown - Greenfield, IN
Major - Agricultural & Biological Engineering
Future Goals - The immediate goal is to progress forward towards a masters and Ph.D in Engineering or Theology. Upon completion, I hope to engage in consulting-type field where I could combine my passions for learning, for teaching and for helping others succeed.
Interests - I enjoy good conversations with nearly anyone. My passions are to learn, to teach and to see/help others succeed. I enjoy photography, reading, writing, camping, hiking, rock climbing and nearly anything else that involves a challenge and the outdoors.
Fun Fact - I love to hike mountains, so I climbed the second highest point in the lower 48 states - -Mount Elbert in Colorado at 14,440 ft.
Why I Love Purdue - Purdue has such a rich story. Sure one can talk about the traditions and the history of greatness that Purdue University has achieved, but I believe there is a commonly overlooked factor. Within the chapters of Purdue's History, there are not only the famous astronauts and the successful business men/women, but you also have a entire campus of absolutely amazing people both present and past. It is those people that make Purdue such a great place to be. Think about all of the work that is done by the professors, the secretaries, the tutors, the graduate students, the undergraduate students. But there is a key to what these people are doing, that is, they all are, in some way, forming relationships.
Even the most corky professors have some sort of relationship. And if you break it down, Purdue's reputation really does pivot on those individual relationship that others have made with Boilermakers or Boilermaker-want-to-be's. Put simply, the relationships that compose Purdue's Story, both present and past, are the very reason why I love Purdue.
Patrick Haller, Vice President of Philanthropy
Hometown - Cincinnati, OH
Major - Chemistry
Future Goals - I am attending the University of Souther California for graduate school, and I will be studying chemical engineering.
Interests - I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, and running.
Fun Facts - I will be driving the train at the Cincinnati Zoo this summer.
Favorite PFSB Moment - Meeting the astronauts and their families, and traveling to Naples for the annual PC weekend.
Why I love Purdue - In addition to strong academic and athletic programs, Purdue is full of amazing people. I have met incredible people in the classroom, at PFSB functions, and everywhere else. Most importantly, everyone at Purdue has treated me very well, and everyone is so passionate about Purdue it's hard not to be!
Abby Hoye, Vice President of Communications
Hometown - Fishers, IN
Major - Communication
Future Goals - I will be working as a Governor Daniel's Fellow in Indianapolis and hope to ultimately find a career in the public relations, community relations or marketing field. I would love to live somewhere south and warm one day.
Interests - Traveling, reading, writing/making cards, watching reality TV, playing on my Mac, being outdoors, spending time with family and friends.
Fun Facts - I studied abroad in Florence, Italy the summer between my sophomore and junior year at Purdue. I run the Information Booth at the Indiana State Fair every year with my 83 year -old grandfather. I have undergone 3 different knee surgeries on my right knee. I have met at least 20 different country artists - my favorite being Keith Urban. I was the first baby born in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin in 1987.
Favorite PFSB Moment - Taking part in the Neil Armstrong weekend celebration. It was the experience of a lifetime to escort the astronauts around campus and attend a dinner where Neil Armstrong spoke about his days as a Purdue student.
Why I Love Purdue - I love Purdue because of how proud everyone in the Purdue Family is to be a Boilermaker. Tradition runs deep and school spirit shines. The doors and opportunities Purdue has opened up for me are unbeatable and the people I have met are unforgettable. I am looking forward to being an active alum and giving back what Purdue has given me.
Arjun Ishwar, Chief of Staff
Hometown - Carmel, IN
Major - MS, Biomedical Engineering
Future Goals - After graduating, I hope to utilize my undergraduate and graduate experiences in biomedical engineering to pursue biomedical product and business development for small ventures.
Interests - I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, participating and watching sports, and working out—assuming I’m not in the research lab.
Fun Facts - Although most think this is strange, I do not like any form of sweet food or candy.
Favorite PFSB Moment - My favorite PFSB moment was at the Campaign Finale celebration the summer of 2007. At the event, PFSB members were asked to deliver personalized “Thank You” notes to individuals at the dinner. It was an incredible feeling listening to many of these individuals express their gratitude, energy, and Purdue spirit. I have also had the opportunity and privilege to travel to California, Washington DC, New York, and Naples, FL to attend Purdue on the Road Events; it’s amazing to see Purdue pride all over the country!
Why I love Purdue - I always knew that I wanted to get into the engineering field. Growing up an hour from West Lafayette, I knew that Purdue was the best choice for me. Over the past four years, Purdue has transformed from a backyard school to become a new home. The atmosphere is lively, academics are outstanding, and people are family. The main reason I love Purdue, however, is due to the pride you can take in saying, “I’m a Boilermaker!”
Laura Kightlinger, Vice President of Events
Hometown - Indianapolis, IN
Majors - Accounting & Management
Minors - Finance & International Business
Future Goals - To obtain my MBA from a top graduate business program and eventually own or manage a business. Also, I hope to travel around the world.
Interests - Running, traveling, reading, cooking
Fun Facts - I share my name with a famous comedian who has written for such popular shows as "Saturday Night Live" and "Will and Grace." Also, the only college I applied to was Purdue; both of my parents, my sister, and my brother-in-law are all Purdue grads, and I have known since I was young that I wanted to be a Boilermaker.
Favorite PFSB Moment - Escorting 16 astronauts around campus during Homecoming 2007. Their humility and approachability were inspiring.
Why I Love Purdue - The people! The faculty and staff go out of their way to help students reach their goals. The students know how to work hard and have fun. I have been positively influenced by many of my peers, and they have grown to be my best friends.
Derek Mauk, Vice President of Finance
Hometown - Fort Wayne, IN
Majors - Accounting and Management
Future Goals - To obtain an MBA after my undergraduate education and work for a firm or in a field that allows me to help others. Whether it is working for a corporation that promotes community service and involvement, or directly for a company involved in the benefit of others, I want to work toward a worthwhile cause that I enjoy.
Fun Facts - I enjoy restoring classic automobiles and bicycles.
Interests - I enjoy spending time with my close friends and family, I appreciate my involvement in the university and community, and I love both playing and watching nearly every sport I can think of.
Favorite PFSB Moment -PFSB affords its students many opportunities to interact with a diverse group of dedicated alumni. At a football brunch my first year on PFSB, I had the opportunity to sit with Patty Jischke alongside Fred and Mary Ford. I have relished the chance to interact with faithful Purdue people like the Fords, along with many other prestigious alumni and friends of the university.
Why I love Purdue - To put it simply, the people. While I feel Purdue offers a world -class education and affords its students opportunities not found at any other university, the people of Purdue are why I fell in love with this grand institution. From Purdue alumni, to our professors, to the faculty, to the friends I have made during my time here, I can honestly say I have loved it all.
