Office of Undergraduate Research

A History of Student Organizations at Purdue Margo Katherine Wilke Undergraduate Research Internship Program Spring 2026 Accepted History, Professional Writing, English, Anthropology, Sociology, Interdisciplinary Studies Student organizations at Purdue play a powerful role in the development of students. Not only do they provide extracurricular activities and collegiality, but they also allow students to develop leadership and management skills. There have been literally thousands of student organizations at Purdue—traditional fraternities and sororities, co-operatives, clubs for particular majors, philanthropic organizations, affinity-based groups, social clubs, and more. The diversity of student organizations shows how community serves as a foundation of campus life that enhances personal growth, professional development, and intellectual advancement. This book project seeks to document the rich and complex history of these groups, narrating their development and demonstrating the impact they have made on students. Jennifer L Bay Students will have the opportunity to work with archival collections to find photos, images, textual history, and other artifacts that can demonstrate the development of this history. There may be opportunities to write some of the history, based on student interest and ability. Students may also be able to participate in interviewing key figures who have been involved in student orgs and activities. We can do in-person or hybrid work, as desired. https://archives.lib.purdue.edu/repositories/2/resources/444
https://archives.lib.purdue.edu/repositories/2/resources/619
https://archives.lib.purdue.edu/repositories/2/resources/675
https://archives.lib.purdue.edu/repositories/2/resources/1398 No prior experience is needed; excitement and interest in the project are key. Those students currently involved in student organizations, especially with leadership positions, affinity groups, or sororities and fraternities, are encouraged to apply. 3 5 (estimated)