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May 4, 2026
| Hello, Boilermakers!
Nearly two years into our expansion, your work continues to shape Indianapolis as thriving and student-centered. Faculty are deep into grading, staff are wrapping up semester projects and summer is just on the horizon — this final stretch is an opportunity to finish strong and reflect on what we’ve accomplished together.
I’m especially proud to celebrate the achievements within our community. Congratulations to Jon Rienstra-Kiracofe, selected for the Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award. And a special thank-you to the 27 students recognized with Golden Hammer Awards,
whose leadership, service and commitment to excellence embody the best of Purdue. Thank you all for closing the semester with care and pride.
Boiler Up!
David M. Umulis Senior Vice Provost Purdue University for Indianapolis
| EVENTS
Future Ready initiative available in Indianapolis
Future Ready, a new initiative developed for Purdue, will embed a lightweight, highly adaptable practice of reflection in the activities students already participate in (courses, communities, organizations, etc.). Through Future Ready, students will improve their awareness of their skills and their ability to tell their own story, making them more competitive for internships, jobs and further study.
Anyone who works directly with students (faculty/instructors and staff such as advisors, mentors and coaches) is encouraged to participate by attending one 2-hour training session. You will be provided with materials and follow-up support to adapt the Future Ready framework to fit your context.
The next Future Ready training will be held 9:30-11:30 a.m. May 13 in the Student Center, Room 102, in Indianapolis. RSVP here for the training while space is available or to indicate interest in future training. Contact Jennifer Dobbs-Oates, provost faculty fellow, with questions.
Golden Hammer Awards recognize student impact in Indianapolis
Inside America’s first Union Station — a crossroads once traveled by presidents and pioneers — a new generation of leaders took the spotlight April 23. Purdue University honored 27 undergraduates at the second annual Golden Hammer Awards dinner, celebrating students in Indianapolis whose influence extends well beyond the classroom. Read more.
Student Innovation & Excellence Showcase highlights undergraduate research and projects
Purdue students filled the Campus Center's fourth floor, presenting their high-impact educational learning projects to faculty, staff and their peers at the Innovation and Excellence Showcase on April 30. A sizable group of 439 students who had received guidance from 71 mentors were signed up to present 126 projects at the event.
Purdue OWL holds first Mystery Dinner Party for students
The Purdue OWL held its first Mystery Dinner Party on April 22. Students worked in teams to search for clues on the first and second floors of Student Center. Together, they solved the mystery of the missing owls, received prize bags with OWL swag and enjoyed dinner from Panera Bread.
Jonathan Rienstra-Kiracofe receives Purdue’s highest undergraduate teaching honor
Jonathan Rienstra-Kiracofe, an associate dean in the College of Science in Indianapolis and a professor of practice in chemistry, received the Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award on March 26. He was honored at a reception April 1 in Indianapolis. Read more.
