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Student Life Student Advisory Board marks year’s end with advice on leadership and connection

Purdue students with Beth McCuskey, smiling around a Purdue-themed cake.

The Student Life Student Advisory Board met April 1 for its final meeting of the year in Elliott Hall of Music. Board members made their way from the pit to the stage, marking the moment in a setting that reflected both celebration and reflection.

During the meeting, graduating seniors shared advice shaped by their Purdue experiences, offering guidance to help other students engage and flourish during their time at the university. Students encouraged their peers to say yes to opportunities, go first even when it feels uncomfortable, and take chances early, noting that growth often comes through trial and error. They emphasized the importance of focusing on relationships, being intentional about the people they spend time with, and showing gratitude and care for friends and community.

Seniors also reminded students to keep perspective — exams last only a few hours, but relationships, experiences and personal growth last far longer. They encouraged students to explore the Greater Lafayette area, expand their horizons, do things that feel scary and take time to reflect rather than sprint through college. Many shared that failure often teaches more than success and that trying new things, even when outcomes are uncertain, helps students become better versions of themselves.

Purdue students with Beth McCuskey, smiling around a Purdue-themed cake
Members of the Student Life Student Advisory Board gather in the Elliott Hall of Music artist room following onstage student remarks during their final meeting of the year. The event concluded with cake as graduating seniors celebrated their leadership and reflected on their Purdue experiences.


The conversation closed with a reminder to act with intention — telling people what they mean to you, giving back to the community, mentoring others, and passing on knowledge and experience to the next generation. Graduating seniors reflected that college happens only once and encouraged younger students to enjoy the journey, make meaningful connections and remain open to where opportunities may lead.

Beth McCuskey, vice provost for Student Life, thanked the students for using their leadership to help make campus stronger and more connected, congratulated them on a job well done, and shared excitement for what lies ahead as they move into the next chapter of their lives.

The reflections shared during the meeting underscored the lasting impact of Student Life students who lead with purpose, care and commitment, shaping a stronger Purdue community through their engagement, service and willingness to invest in others.