First Impressions

Photo by Charles Jischke

This issue of Life 360 features a number of truly wonderful things taking place in the College of Health and Human Sciences. We continue to grow in size and scope, all the while keeping our focus on our mission to make lives better.

Throughout the past year, the Department of Nutrition Science celebrated its 110th anniversary with a series of events, including a gala dinner attended by more than 300 people. See the story “A Recipe for Success” to learn of the department’s origin in the School of Science and the outstanding men and women who worked to establish the now internationally recognized department.

The Department of Health and Kinesiology also celebrated a monumental anniversary — 100 years! What began as a program for men’s intercollegiate and intramural athletics, including the teaching of sports skills and the training of future coaches, has grown into a program committed to health promotion, disease prevention and kinesiology (the study of the mechanics of body movements). See “Drop and Give Me 100” for more history.

Our third celebration focused on the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, where the Ben and Maxine Miller Child Development Laboratory School celebrated a significant anniversary. Originally known as the Purdue University Nursery School, the program, established in 1926, was the first university-based nursery school in Indiana. Ninety years later, the lab school remains a leader in the field of early childhood education and childhood development research. Read “A Legacy of Impact” to learn more about the school.

I am also excited to share with you our story on the Purdue Autism Cluster (“Research Piece by Piece”). This HHS-led initiative brings together researchers from multiple disciplines throughout campus to advance research, assessment and treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorders; our effort spans basic biological and genetic to behavioral and applied approaches.

In our last issue, we shared our goals for Ever True: The Campaign for Purdue University. In this issue, we give you an update on the progress we’ve made toward our $77 million goal. You’ll meet individuals who generously support HHS through endowed scholarships and professorships, as well as students and faculty who are the current beneficiaries of their generosity.

It is a privilege and an honor for me to serve as dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, and together we are making lives better!

Hail Purdue!

dean, Christine Ladisch's signature

Christine Ladisch
Dean

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