President's Message - August 2010
Dear Purdue friends and family,
Each August brings a sense of anticipation. Soon our classrooms and residences, sidewalks and lawns will begin to fill with students -- some new to campus and excited about beginning the next phase of their lives, others returning and eager to see old friends and renew their studies.
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It is a time, no matter our age or role, for us to refresh our commitment to personal growth and learning.
Our newest students will bring a fresh perspective as they arrive for Boiler Gold Rush, a week of orientation with peer mentors, social events and general acclimation. They will tour the campus, learn where the classrooms and computer labs are, have lunch with other students in their chosen majors, and learn about all the clubs and activities we have to offer. First Gentlemen Chris Foster and I will be on hand to help them move in. Together we will engage in traditions such as singing "Hail Purdue" as we get ready to cheer on the Boilermakers throughout the year.
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You can read about some of these new students in our ongoing "5 Students Who …" feature. This month, we look at "5 Students Who are Budding Boilermakers." Like most all of our students, these five have many skills and talents -- they devote spare time to music, serving their communities or learning about wildlife. They represent the diversity, in all senses of the word, of our newest class of Boilermakers.
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Also this month, we will again be sharing Purdue's story at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Purdue Day is scheduled for Aug. 13, when visitors to the fair can discover what is happening at Purdue through interactive displays and exhibits. Robotics demonstrations, a constitution quiz, presentations from entomology and veterinary medicine, and performances by many of our musical groups are designed to show Purdue's commitment to our students and our state. Of course, our College of Agriculture and Purdue Extension have a large presence throughout the full run of the fair, Aug. 6-22. This outreach reflects our university’s land-grant mission and illustrates Purdue’s impact on the daily lives of Indiana's citizens.
As we begin this new academic year, we renew our commitment to launching tomorrow's leaders, delivering on our research discoveries, and meeting global challenges through research and outreach. The arrival of our students energizes the campus and gives us a sense of unity and purpose. Welcome Boilermakers! Hail Purdue!
France A. Córdova
President, Purdue University