Latinx Boilermaker Stories Archive

Beginning 2021, during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins Sept. 15 and honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans, we began sharing a series of articles featuring Latinx Boilermakers.

These stories celebrate the accomplishments and history of the Latinx community at Purdue University. Whether it's reading about the roots of the Latino Cultural Center or how alumni are making an impact around the world, we celebrate these Boilermakers this month, and all-year long.

2021 Latinx Boilermaker Stories

Latino Cultural Center: 20-year-old dream now a vibrant reality

It all began with a handful of Latinx college students inspired by National Hispanic Heritage Month. Read full story.

Purdue Latinx students gain strength from looking inward and connecting outward

Since its establishment in 2003, Purdue’s Latino Cultural Center (LCC) has served as a space to represent Latinx cultures, identities, histories, and accomplishments. The connections and community that students find there often give them the confidence to excel in challenging situations, including the pandemic. Read Full Story

Latin American minor covers breadth of history and cultures

Purdue’s Latin American and Latino Studies Program now offers a 15-credit minor. Students select from a smorgasbord of about 45 courses offered by departments across campus to learn about Latinx communities, Latin America and the Caribbean. Read Full Story

Former student plants seeds for growth, sustainability

When Val Schull conducted graduate study at Purdue, first for their master’s degree and then a doctorate in agricultural and biological engineering, they were encouraged by their advisor, Dr. Margaret Gitau, to think creatively and to be a problem solver. Read full story

A servant Boilermaker who lives on in others

He majored in electrical engineering technology but through his dedication and impact to Latinx communities, he may as well have added a major in community service. Read Full Story.

From Nicaragua to Purdue, the roots that became wings

With help from his grandmother and his parents, Joseph Pabst was able to attend the American Nicaraguan School where he found that he was drawn to aviation. He says, “During those years, I developed a passion for all things aviation and thought, at that time, that I wanted to be a pilot or an engineer or technician within the aviation industry.” Read Full Story.