April 16, 2009

Alumni gifts to freshen Pappy's Sweet Shop, outdoor plaza

The Class of 1955 will meet at Pappy's Sweet Shop on the ground floor of Purdue Memorial Union at 11 a.m. An initial gift of $61,425 from the class has been placed in an endowment aimed at funding future renovations and repairs to the restaurant. At 4 p.m., representatives from the classes of 1956 and 1957 will gather beside the Pao Hall for Visual and Performing Arts to dedicate South Campus Plaza. Nearly $400,000 has been raised for the green space, which features seating for study and outdoor classes.

"Class gifts such as these help connect our alumni with the Boilermakers of the future while improving and beautifying our campus," President France A. Córdova said. "I would like to thank the classes of 1955, 1956 and 1957 for their generosity and vision in funding both these projects."

Pappy's, which opened in 1927, underwent a $1.9 million renovation in 2004. The event, which President Córdova will attend, will feature a 1950s theme, complete with music and dancing.

A city block of Wood Street between Marsteller and Sheetz streets was permanently closed to accommodate South Campus Plaza. Two sculptures will be added to the area in the future.

Writer: Tanya Brown, (765) 494-2079, tanyabrown@purdue.edu

Source: Jesica Hollinger, director of class gifts, (765) 494-2198, jwebb@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: Media interested in attending the Pappy's Sweet Shop or South Campus Plaza events should contact Tanya Brown, Purdue University News Service, (765) 494-2079, tanyabrown@purdue.edu

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