Purdue News
Purdue NewsThe celebration includes a look back at campus accomplishments made possible with funds from the council. For instance, since 1972, the university has created 50 distinguished professorships, a new bell tower, the Class of 1950 Lecture Hall and the Beering Scholarship program, all of which were partially funded by council members.
Annual contributions to Purdue were $4.5 million 25 years ago when the council was formed. During the fiscal year just completed, the comparable figure was almost $65 million -- more than 14 times greater, thanks, in part, to council members.
According to Purdue President Steven C. Beering, the support of the council is crucial to university growth at a time of limited public funding.
"A strong base of donations from private individuals who love Purdue is necessary to assure the quality of academic programs and financial aid for deserving students," he said. "For 25 years, members of the President's Council have been that core of dedicated people who are always willing to help the university."
The council, established in 1972 by former President Arthur G. Hansen to elevate and sustain annual levels of private giving to the university, comprises Purdue alumni and friends who give a minimum of $1,000 annually. It has more than 5,900 member households.
Some members of the council serve as advisers to the president and various schools and departments. Still others provide funding for endowments, professorships and new scholarship opportunities for students.
Another way council members give to the university is through the "Class Gift" program. The Class of 1950 contributed $1 million toward the $3.6 million Class of 1950 Lecture Hall, and the Class of 1948 gave $400,000 toward the construction of the $ 1.4 million Purdue Bell Tower. The Purdue Water Sculpture was a gift from the Class of 1939. Also, the $7 million Purdue golf course renovation is funded entirely by private gifts from council members.
Two of the "givers" are Marion "Bud" Hafele and his wife, Annie R. Stinson-Hafele. The Purdue graduates -- Bud Hafele earned his degree from the School of Agriculture in 1948, and Annie Hafele graduated from the School of Consumer and Family Sciences in 1944 -- now live in Kingsport, Tenn. They have established an endowment that provides scholarships for three undergraduate students.
"It is now payback time," Hafele said, "and that is accepted with pleasure along with the fond memories and pride of being a Purdue alumnus."
The weekend begins Friday afternoon with council members attending classes taught
by Purdue faculty and staff on a variety of subjects, from transportation in the
21st century, to the story of Amelia Earhart. The celebration continues Friday evening
with a special dinner and dancing, an awards presentation and remarks from President Beering.
The annual weekend wraps up with a pregame buffet before the Purdue vs. Michigan
State football game on Saturday.
CONTACT: Carolyn Gery, President's Council executive director, (765) 494-2731
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
