My passion for Purdue: Keith Schwingendorf

March 10, 2015  


Keith Schwingendorf

Keith Schwingendorf, professor of mathematics and former founding dean at the Purdue North Central College of Science. (Photo provided)
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Keith Schwingendorf, professor of mathematics and former founding dean at the Purdue North Central College of Science, is a three-time Purdue graduate (PhD, 1978) and has served the University system for more than 40 years. A lifelong educator, he understands the power of higher education and the benefit financial support can have for young people who aim high and are committed to realizing their futures.

His unbridled enthusiasm and love of all things Purdue, particularly Purdue Athletics, is bona fide. Schwingendorf strongly believes that a solid foundation is the key to success. "Talent without guidance is meaningless," he says. "It takes commitment to realize great dreams."

"By endowing an athletics scholarship, he is laying a foundation, granting opportunity, and encouraging dreams for future Boilermakers," says Mike Braughton, assistant athletics director for the John Purdue Club. "Today, our annual scholarship and academic support costs total $11 million and that number keeps going up. That's why Keith's generosity is so critical."

"I joined the John Purdue Club in 1977, shortly after I started tutoring student-athletes," Schwingendorf says. "I saw just how important the club's mission is and wanted to be part of it." Every gift given to the JPC helps pay tuition, room and board, books, and academic support costs for more than 500 student-athletes each year.

His recent Football Next Step Program pledge, to name the Football Academic Study Room after his family, will continue future support for student academic success. As a tutor, professor, department head and dean, his dedication has always been to challenge each student to maximize his or her academic potential.

Although he no longer tutors, Schwingendorf's spirited mark on Purdue continues. He is actively involved with Purdue Athletics and serves on the University Graduate Council, and he and his wife, Lisa, serve on the Purdue Parent & Family Advisory Board.

Additionally, his recent pledge to Bailey Hall named a family reception area in honor of his wife and his daughter, Jessica, a Purdue senior in University Choir. Schwingendorf and his family have season football and basketball tickets, and attend as many Purdue activities as they can. "There is a joy in coming back to West Lafayette and staying connected," he says. "Purdue is a big part of our lives."

Braughton says, "His support of the athletic programs goes far beyond just being a member of the John Purdue Club. Through the men's basketball deferred scholarship endowment in Keith's name, many student-athletes will receive a Purdue education. The scholarship is set up in his name but is also set up so that his son, Ryan, will reap the benefits of a lifetime JPC membership. This and his Football Next Step pledge are tremendous acts of generosity."

Schwingendorf stepped down from his position as dean in 2013 to return to teaching. "I realized I was much happier in the classroom," he says.

His love for student success is rooted in the belief that he is having a positive impact on them. "Nothing is more gratifying than hearing a former student say I helped them achieve their goals," Schwingendorf says. "I love what I do and can only hope the world will be better for it."

* Faculty and staff who would like to share their own thoughts and stories about supporting Purdue should contact stewardship@purdue.edu or 49-43872.

Writer: Karen Pulliam, 49-43872, kp@purdue.edu 

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