Grounds and Horticulture students cultivate learning through campus collaboration
HORT 317 students and Purdue Grounds staff work together on new landscaping around University Hall. Photo provided by Grounds.
In recent years, Purdue’s Grounds department has partnered with the Horticulture 317 class, which focuses on landscaping, construction and management, to provide students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities. This collaboration bridges classroom instruction with real-world application, offering students direct experience in campus landscaping projects while fostering connections between students and staff.
This year’s project centered on planting efforts around the newly renovated University Hall, where students applied what they learned in class to a high-visibility campus landscape. Through this experience, students gained a deeper understanding of landscaping techniques, nursery management and the business aspects of horticulture.
“These partnerships are a win-win,” said Phil Richey, director of Grounds. “Students get meaningful, real-world experience right here on campus, and our staff enjoy the chance to mentor and work alongside the next generation of landscape professionals.”
For the students, the opportunity to contribute to a campus project enhances both their technical and professional development.
“Working on a project like University Hall gives students a real sense of ownership,” said Kyle Daniel, HORT 317 instructor. “They get to see how classroom concepts translate into professional practice, everything from plant selection to installation and long-term maintenance.”
Projects like this continue to strengthen the relationship between Purdue’s academic and operational teams, supporting both student learning and the continued beautification of campus.
Grounds is part of the Administrative Operations organization, which supports the university through safe, reliable and transformative services. Caring for and enhancing Purdue’s landscapes is just one of the many ways the organization helps power the university’s mission. To learn more about the daily operations of the organization, follow us on Instagram at @purdueoperations and Facebook at Purdue Administrative Operations.
