Did You Know?: International Flag Display

August 19, 2011

The International Flag Display hangs in the West Great Hall of Purdue Memorial Union as a visual reminder that "Boilermakers exist all over the world."

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Bright swaying fabrics -- symbols of more than 120 nations -- hang overhead from oak dowels at the entrance of the West Great Hall in Purdue Memorial Union.

The International Flag Display, which was established by the Iron Key senior leadership honorary of 2006, is a visual welcome to faculty, staff, students and visitors and serves as a reminder that "Boilermakers exist all over the world."

With contributions from various student groups, individuals and administrative offices on campus, the Iron Key class was able to finance the project, which was professionally designed by an Indianapolis firm and installed in Fall 2006.

At the time of installation, the 126 flags represented U.N.-recognized countries of citizenship for each enrolled student. Initially the flags were presented in alphabetical order by name of country; however, after consultation with Sen. Richard Lugar and military veterans, the U.S. flag now appears first in the display while all others remain alphabetized.

The display is not only eye-catching, but also meaningful. The Iron Key class intended the International Flag Display to:

* Acknowledge the large international presence at Purdue.
* Support the University's diversity initiatives.
* Remind students about the value of study abroad opportunities.
* Represent the Purdue experience as preparing students for today's global community.

A "flag fund" was established by Iron Key in order to replace flags and purchase new ones as needed for countries represented by new Purdue students or those recognized by the United Nations.

Tony Hawkins, associate vice president for student affairs, says the flag display is meant to be updated every five years or so. From 2006 to 2011, students from the following places have joined the Purdue family:

* Botswana
* Brunei
* British Virgin Islands
* Cayman Islands
* Mongolia
* Mozambique
* Suriname
* Syria
* Uzbekistan
* Tajikistan

Flags from these homelands will be added to the International Flag Display during the academic year. The flag of the United Kingdom will represent the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands.


Source: Tony Hawkins, associate vice president of student affairs.