Purdue Political Science & ENTR Student Making A Difference

Anyone who has walked around Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus and has spoken to students soon discovers that no two are alike. The diversity in the student body of approximately 40,000 students is what many would say makes it a great university, where students can utilize their own experiences, interests and passions to find a sense of purpose for their future.

One such student is Pierce Shepard. Pierce, a Lake Forest, Illinois native, and a Senior in the College of Liberal Arts Political Science department found his passion at Purdue studying politics and pursuing a Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, as well as through public service in the local community.

Pierce volunteers through his fraternity, Sigma Pi, where he served as the president in 2018-2019 and this year as the Risk Manager and Philanthropy Chair. Pierce volunteers with ACE Campus Food Pantry, which helps those in the community who are food deprived, and the Amazing Day Foundation, which helps with college student mental health and suicide prevention.

Pierce’s passion for helping others draws on his studies in Political Science and Entrepreneurship. After gaining work experience in the world of politics and a graduate degree or two, Pierce hopes to start his own non-partisan political research company that will provide services that benefit not only his clients, but also the public.

Pierce feels more confident in his ability to make the dream of starting his own company a reality because of his classes in the Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation program. “The skills and knowledge I have learned in my entrepreneurship classes have taught me what makes a good business idea, strategy and has given me the tools to decipher what companies might be a risk to invest in based on how they operate. These courses have given me the knowledge and confidence I need to start my own business one day.”

During his time on campus, Pierce Shepard has been a leader in the Purdue community. He will certainly be one to watch, as he takes on the political world and finds his own way to make a positive difference.