STAR Program celebrates program graduates, invites applications for fall cohort

Four people pose indoors during an award presentation, with one person holding a framed certificate.

Pictured from left are Linda Baer, Amy Boyle, Rendi Tharp and Will Sondgerath at the STAR Program graduation ceremony. Tharp was recognized for successfully completing the bronze level of the program’s leadership pillar.

August 5, 2026 Purdue Today

Applications for the STAR (Strategic Training and Resources) Program’s 25-person fall cohort will open Aug. 10-25.

The program is a partnership between Human Resources and the Campus Support Staff Advisory Committee’s professional development committee. It designed to help nonmanagement employees in the professional, operational support and skilled trades career streams build skills, grow professionally and take the next step in their careers. Employees who have completed at least one year of employment at Purdue are encouraged to apply.

The STAR program is one of the many ways Human Resources supports growth at every stage of the employee journey and helps employees pursue their next step — whether that’s upward mobility, moving into a new role or growing in their current role.

Thirty-six Purdue employees graduated from the STAR Program this past spring, marking the milestone with a ceremony at the Purdue Memorial Union.

Each graduate received a framed certificate presented by Amy Boyle, vice president for human resources, and Will Sondgerath, senior assistant dean for staff and operations in the College of Engineering, offered opening remarks.

Since the program began, it has helped employees across Purdue tap into their potential — working more effectively and building confidence on the job. Graduates say the payoff shows up in their daily work.

“Through the program, I realized that no matter how experienced or knowledgeable you are, there is always room to grow,” said Teresa Luse, administrative assistant in the School of Nuclear Engineering.

Luse’s experience reflects a common theme among graduates, who say the program provides valuable tools they can apply directly to their job.

“I successfully completed the bronze level of the STAR customer service program. Through this experience, I gained valuable skills in organization, communication and professional writing, which I have consistently applied in my work environment,” said Jamie Morehouse, academic services coordinator and schedule deputy in the School of Engineering Technology.

For details, visit the program webpage. Questions about the program can be directed to oestar@purdue.edu.