Parents & Families E-Newsletter - November 2010
Dear Parents and Families,
The fall semester is drawing to a close here on campus. With just a few weeks left, this is probably the busiest time of year for students, staff and faculty.
Thanksgiving break is a welcome respite from the hectic pace of classes, papers and exams. It is a good time to reflect on the semester’s progress and spend time with family and friends.
Purdue celebrated a number of exciting milestones this semester.
Perhaps the biggest of these was the announcement in early October that our very own Ei-ichi Negishi, Herbert C. Brown Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, was being awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Outstanding accomplishments like this make the entire Purdue community proud. As a Boilermaker parent, you understand the value of such achievements in adding value to your son or daughter’s Purdue education. More importantly, Professor Negishi serves as a brilliant role model for our students, demonstrating what is possible through hard work and dedication.
Purdue students continue to make news, too, and give the University more reason to be proud. In a survey of corporate recruiters released this fall, The Wall Street Journal ranked Purdue fourth in the nation for preparing students for the workforce. Our students – your sons and daughters – are recognized as well-rounded graduates, with a strong work ethic, strong leadership skills and real-world experience. It is rewarding to see our students shine among their peers.
This newsletter is filled with exciting news like this about our students, faculty, alumni and staff. You’ll also find valuable resources to help guide you and your student through topics like finals week, educational tax credits, and career opportunities.
Your son or daughter is part of a proud and far-reaching Boilermaker family, one which celebrates and supports their accomplishments. Thank you for all that you do to encourage and support their success.
Sincerely,
France A. Córdova
President
Student Life
Purdue features 5 Students Who are Difference Makers
Being a Purdue student is a full-time job. Juggling classes, activities and a personal life is an ongoing challenge. However, there are many Purdue students who are looking beyond themselves to help others in a variety of ways such as starting programs for needy children, being a mentor, helping a friend in need, serving their country or even helping to make potable water available to those in their native country. This month, read about five students who have gone above and beyond, who are not only Boilermakers, but difference makers, too. Read More
50 million expected to see Purdue marching band in 2010 Macy's parade
Behind the flashy 75- second performance of the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band at the upcoming Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, lie years of anticipation and months of hard work. Every second of this special show opportunity - only 10 bands from 300 applicants are chosen each year - is highly choreographed and practiced to perfection. Purdue will be the lead band in the 84th annual Macy's parade telecasted world wide on NBC at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 25. Read More
Homecoming celebrated with student-driven traditions ... and a Boilermaker victory
A pep rally, blood drive, king and queen coronation, and a parade were among the student-sponsored 2010 Homecoming festivities. Seniors Brandon Krozel and Sara Wagner were crowned king and queen. This year's parade featured more than 50 entries and the winning float entry went to the Purdue Student Engineering Foundation.
Homecoming coronation | Game recap
'Boiler Bytes' featured online and on Big Ten Network
The most recent release of BoilerBytes, short video features about the Purdue community, includes clips on the Purdue All-American Marching Band, Purdue police K-9 unit, the ROTC program, student tour guides, and quarterback honors. Visit www.purdue.edu/boilerbytes to view more than 60 video clips that celebrate the Purdue Boilermakers. This installment, "Boiler Bytes 14," also made its debut on the Big Ten Network in October. Read More
Academics
'Mixable' blends Facebook with academics for student success
A new application lets university students create online study groups within Facebook, and synch and share documents via Dropbox. The idea is to blend students' social and academic lives into a more engaged learning experience. Read More
Job recruiters rank Purdue #4
A recently released Wall Street Journal survey of corporate recruiters ranks Purdue University fourth in the nation in preparing its students for the work force. In the survey's specialty rankings, Purdue also was ranked first in management information systems, second in engineering and eighth in computer science. Read More
$2 million grant will help people with disabilities study science
Students who dream of studying science but face hurdles because of physical impairments may find new options thanks to a $2 million grant awarded to Purdue University. Read More
Purdue professor wins Nobel Prize in chemistry
A Purdue University chemist received the Nobel Prize in chemistry for creating a method to build complex organic molecules necessary for numerous purposes, from pharmaceutical manufacturing to electronics. Ei-ichi Negishi, the Herbert C. Brown Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, was a co-recipient of the prize with scientists Richard Heck of the University of Delaware in Newark and Akira Suzuki of Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan. They will share the $1.5 million award.
For his achievement, Negishi also received Japan's highest distinction, the Order of Culture, from the country's emperor in early November. Read More
Library renovations on fast track with $2 million gift
Dean of Libraries James L. Mullins and President France A. Córdova share a moment with alumnus Roland Parrish. Thanks to the generosity of Purdue alumnus and entrepreneur Roland Parrish, students frequenting the management library will enjoy many new renovations in the near future. The Roland G. Parrish Library of Management and Economics will be a prototype state-of-the-art library, laboratory and learning commons. The University honored Parrish last month during a naming ceremony to celebrate his $2 million contribution to the project. Renovations will be completed by early 2012. Read More
Resources
Education tax credits available
Families filing a 2010 U.S. tax return may have educational tax credits available to them if they are claiming their Purdue student as a dependent for federal income tax purposes. In mid-January 2011, the Bursar's Office will mail students an IRS Form 1098-T to their permanent home address to assist with claiming these federal income tax benefits.
- Students also may access the IRS Form 1098-T form at myPurdue (http://www.myPurdue.purdue.edu) in mid-January. Click on the "Financial" tab and the "1098-T Tax Information" option.
- Students should make any needed address updates by Jan. 1 on myPurdue to ensure that the IRS Form 1098-T reaches their permanent home address. Address information can be accessed and updated under the 'Student Life' tab on myPurdue.
- Tax filers should note that the American Opportunity tax credit, available for tax years 2009 and 2010, is based upon payments made by Dec. 31, 2010. If students and parents intend to take advantage of this credit, they may wish to make payments by this deadline.
- Visit the Bursar’s Office website at http://www.purdue.edu/edtaxinfo or contact your tax professional for more information.
Student support available for Finals Week preparation
Students may need some additional support in the last few weeks leading up to finals week. The following campus resources provide students with:
- Tactics for Coping: The Academic Success Center Student Advisory Board will present a workshop, "Surviving Finals Week," at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 4:30 pm. in Lawson Hall, Room B151.
- A Surprise Snack: Families can send students living in the residence halls a Boiler Treat Pack available through Housing and Food Services.
- A Quiet Place to Study: Purdue Libraries has extended its hours of operation, including the UnderGrounds coffee shop.
- Study and Test-taking Suggestions: The Academic Resource Center has resources available on site and online.
- Writing Resources: Students who have questions about final writing assignments can contact the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
- A Doctor or a Counselor: The Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH) has physicians and mental health care providers on staff. Purdue's Student Wellness Office is a point of contact for a wide variety of student needs, including annual flu shots and offers many online, self-help resources.
Convocations offers quality time with your student and a holiday gift option
Now is the ideal time to purchase Purdue Convocations tickets for an upcoming campus visit or as a holiday gift to your student. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, Purdue Convocations is offering a $5 discount off tickets for most shows, including Blue Man Group coming March1-2. For more information, visit Purdue Convocations web site.
CityBus stops get more predictable with MyRide service
Students may have shorter and more predictable waiting times at the bus stop thanks to a new service offered by CityBus of Greater Lafayette. The new service provides passengers with real-time access to how long they must wait for their ride via phone texts. MyRide estimates the time the next bus will depart from any bus stop on campus or in the cities of Lafayette and West Lafayette, based on the bus's actual location. Read More
Students have travel options for semester break
There are a variety of transportation options for students to reach airport or bus terminals and their semester break destination, including BoilerRide (a Web-based carpool and event/trip matching program); AmTrak train service, (or call 765-497-3828); Greyhound Bus; and shuttle services (A recent shuttle service not listed on this linked page is Star of America.)
Residence halls close December 20 for semester break
Students living in Purdue residence halls will need to make alternative arrangements for housing over the semester break when the halls close. Students not participating in commencement must check out by noon on Dec. 20, but may leave personal belongings in their room. Residence halls will reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 3, but meals in the dining halls will not resume until Monday morning, Jan. 10.
For students who reside in the the residence halls, but are unable to find alternative living arrangements, Purdue Village has very limited space available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students needing this option should contact the Purdue Village Community Center to make a reservation at 765-494-2090.
Center for Career Opportunities helps families to help their students
Did you know there is information for families of Purdue students on the Center for Career Opportunities' website? Among the resources on the site is a Four-Year Parent and Family Guide to assist families with helping their student prepare for employment. Students interested in summer internships should be seeking opportunities now by registering for and using CCO Express, the center's online job database. Read More
Woodrow Wilson Fellowship provides stipend for graduate school
College seniors in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) considering a career in teaching should consider graduate school at Purdue. Applications are now being accepted for the Woodrow Wilson Indiana Teaching Fellowship, which offers a $30,000 stipend to pursue a master's degree at Purdue and three other Indiana institutions.
The final application deadline for the third cohort is Jan. 12, 2011. In return, fellows teach for at least three years in a rural (if accepted to program at Purdue) or an urban (if accepted to program at Ball State, IUPUI or University of Indianapolis) school district. Read More
Administration
New leaders join Purdue
Three units at Purdue welcomed new leadership this fall -- Lisa D. Calvert , vice president for development; Melissa E. Exum, vice president for student affairs; and Beth M. McCuskey, associate vice president for housing and food services.
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| Lisa D. Calvert | Melissa E. Exum | Beth M. McCuskey |
Purdue opens West Coast Partnership Center
Purdue recently opened its West Coast Partnership Center under the leadership of Purdue alumnus John C. Boyle (pictured). The new center is designed to send Purdue technical expertise to West Coast high-tech companies and entrepreneurs while bringing research and development dollars back to Indiana. The office is located in the NASA Research Park in Mountain View. Read More
Purdue, Neil Armstrong present 'Hero of the Hudson' with medal Purdue alumnus
Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the Hero of the Hudson, was awarded the university's Neil Armstrong Medal of Excellence on Friday (Nov. 12), making him only the second person to earn the honor. Armstrong, former astronaut and Purdue alumnus, returnedto present the medal at a dinner that was part of his alma mater's annual President's Council Weekend. Read More
Purdue brand campaign launched at Homecoming
Purdue has unveiled its new brand campaign, "Makers, All," which celebrates the University's proud Boilermaker traditions as well as its future promise. The new brand strategy is grounded in research based on interviews, focus groups and surveys of more than 5,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, prospective students, corporate partners and state legislators. Read More