February 12, 2008
Tiller receives high University honor
Football head coach Joe Tiller received the Order of the Griffin on Sunday night in Naples, Fla., as part of President's Council Weekend.
The Order of the Griffin, one of the University's highest honors, is given to individuals whose commitment and service to the University go well beyond the call of duty, and whose strength and vision have greatly benefited the institution.
Tiller received the award from President France A. Córdova, who was joined during the presentation by athletics director Morgan Burke and New Orleans Saints and former Purdue quarterback Drew Brees.
Córdova praised Tiller's leadership as Purdue' coach for the past 12 years.
"There are many people who say that Joe Tiller not only changed the football fortunes of Purdue, he changed the way the game is played in the Big Ten and made it more exciting than ever for our students and fans," Córdova said.
"Joe, your accomplishments are not only in football victories but in developing young men who go on to be leaders in their communities and our nation -- men such as Drew Brees whose contributions help Purdue as well as the many people in need in New Orleans."
Past recipients of the Order of the Griffin have included Nobel Prize winner Herbert Brown, and astronauts Neil Armstrong and Gene Cernan.