Purdue for Life Foundation to assume and expand alumni engagement role

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue for Life Foundation, formed in 2020 to deepen ties to the university, drive and coordinate all alumni-related activities across graduates’ lives and garner support for Purdue, has formally taken on alumni engagement as a central part of its mission, following the recent signing of an agreement between the foundation and the Purdue Alumni Association. (see YouTube video)

“It’s part of our goal to coordinate and streamline our operations and communications to better serve the Purdue family,” said Matt Folk, president and CEO of the Purdue for Life Foundation and vice president for university advancement and alumni engagement, Purdue University. “The Purdue for Life Foundation will now be managing engagement opportunities — online classes, mentoring and volunteer work, social events and more — for our alumni and our many friends around the world.”

The agreement unites the university’s fundraising function, which includes the John Purdue Club and President’s Council, with its alumni engagement function within one integrated organization. The Purdue Alumni Association staff has joined the Purdue for Life Foundation to carry out those alumni engagement activities, and Purdue Alumni Association veteran Jillian Henry has been named vice president of engagement for the Purdue for Life Foundation

The Purdue Alumni Association will continue with its core function of managing the election of three alumni trustees for the Purdue University Board of Trustees.

The Purdue for Life Foundation’s new integrated engagement and advancement model has become increasingly common across American universities.

“If you’re a graduate, friend, student, family member of a student or simply a fan of Purdue University, you’re part of the Purdue for Life Foundation,” Folk said. “We’re dedicated to becoming your home away from home for resources, information and opportunities so that alumni and friends can engage with, support and be enriched by this remarkable university.”

Future activities will expand lifelong learning curricula (both on-campus and online) and provide on-campus residential options.

“This is just the beginning,” Folk said. “I hope the Purdue family will look for opportunities to stay connected, get involved and give back across their lifetimes. We’re just getting started.”

Learn more about the Purdue for Life Foundation. FAQs about Purdue for Life and the recent merger are available.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 5 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://purdue.edu/. 

Media contact: Jim Bush, 765-336-1909, jsbush@purdue.edu 

Source: Matt Folk, mdfolk@purdueforlife.org

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