We’ll see you over there!

Join us for the Family Convocation during STAR (Summer Transition Advising and Registration) 2012 to find out how student involvement contributes to student success.

Choose from two DAILY sessions during June 18 to July 12 in the Class of ’50 Lecture Hall (campus map) at 10:30 am or 1:00 pm  to learn about:

Health & Wellness

Gain important information regarding student health insurance policies, procedures, and strategies.  You will also learn about Purdue’s fitness & wellness facilities, outdoor adventure, and sports clubs.  Learn tips for talking with your student about healthy decision-making and strategies for reducing risks to help him or her live well.

Community Standards & Safety

Campus safety is a priority at Purdue. Hear Environmental Health and Safety and Dean of Students staff discuss common risks that first year students encounter and practical strategies to reduce those risks. Information will be shared that will assist students living both on and off campus during their first year at Purdue.

Campus Living

Your student can engage in leadership, service, campus activities, and social justice in the Residence Halls or learn about Greek Life and Cooperative Housing on campus. With over 600 student organizations, there are many opportunities for students to meet and refine their leadership skills and engage in their new community.

We hope to see you there!

Boiler up!

When I first started here at Purdue, I couldn’t comprehend what a monumental time the next few years would be in my life. Choosing an institution to study reaches far beyond just the academic realm of the campus. In my 4 years here, Purdue has shaped and molded me through the opportunities and experiences I ‘ve been allotted. Growing as an individual far beyond the span of Boilermaker to become an opportunity maker, a trail maker, an empowerment maker and a diversity maker. I’ve been able to make positive, lasting contributions to my campus and community through outreach, volunteering, and campus involvement.

This year, I get the awesome opportunity to lead this year’s freshman and transfer students as a Boiler Gold Rush Team Leader. So when the fall approaches and the newest Boilermakers look to me as to how they begin this journey, I’ll ask:

“What kind of maker do you want to be?” What mark will you leave on this campus and the world that says you were here? The adage, “college is the time of your life” only applies if you let it. Think Big! Purdue is just the starting point for your greatness. “

I would hope at that moment new students would realize Purdue is filled with myriad opportunities to equip them with the skills needed to become the “maker” each of them seeks to be.

When I reflect over my college experiences and prepare for my last year. I have no regrets. Every opportunity and failure shaped me into the maker I have become. I am confident in my education and my ability to lead. I look forward to leaving my mark on the world. I see my college years as the premise to the great things I’ll accomplish. This is hardly the time of my life, I’m just beginning!

Get involved. Share your story. Enjoy the experience.

Makers All.

Student Life contributor Martie Burris is a senior in the College of Technology studying Organizational Leadership and Supervision.

Some may say that summer time in “West LaLa” can be a pretty boring place once students pack up and leave, but don’t be fooled. If you’re looking for fun here or in the surrounding areas, here are some things that will definitely keep you busy!

1. Enjoy the great outdoors? Try driving out to the Wolfe Leisure Time Campground right here in Lafayette for a camping experience or fun picnic. There’s swimming, volleyball, basketball and much more. Gather a group of friends for fun all day. There are exciting activities hosted at Wolfe all summer long. Historic Prophetstown State Park is another great option just north of town near Battle Ground. Go for a hike or bike ride through the restored prairie grass meadows and learn about what made this area significant.
2. Fun. In. The. Sun. There are major beaches all around Lafayette – travel 45 minutes to the ever popular Indiana Beach or road trip by bus or train to Chicago and visit the Navy Pier. For more local attractions visit one of the beautiful lakes of Indiana. There are more than just cornfields in Indiana.
3. Lookout this summer for the Indiana State Fair! During the first two weeks of August, Indianapolis is the home to the land of funnel cakes here in Indiana. The fair will host concerts, special deal days and group packages. Check back later for the 2012 schedule and look out for Purdue Day at the fair.
4. Hungry? The Taste of Chicago is the world’s largest outdoor food fest. Attracting people from all over the globe, Chicago city vendors set up shop in Grant Park offering samples of the notorious Chicago cuisines and other food from different influences for thousands of spectators. This event is FREE to visit and food can be purchased! From classics like Chicago-style pizza, to the hundreds of takes on the hotdog, there’s something for everyone. This year’s dates are July 11-15. Don’t Miss out. If Chicago is too far, check out the Sagamore West Farmers Market or the Historic Lafayette Farmers Market for fresh, local food.
5. If you do nothing else this summer, make sure you go for a “Fountain Run” on Purdue’s campus. It’s part of the Boilermaker experience! With two major fountains on campus, take your pick or run through both. It’s free and cool for everyone.

Regardless of what Summer 2012 may bring you, be safe and Boiler Up. Enjoy the Lafayette area, make new friends, new memories but mostly have fun. Lafayette is only as boring as you make it. What are your favorite things to do at Purdue in the summer? Tell us in the comments!

Student Life contributor Martie Burris is a senior in the College of Technology studying Organizational Leadership and Supervision.

“The impact of education begins in the classroom, but it must be nurtured by a nationwide culture that believes in and supports higher education. I want to share this message with others across our nation. I will look for opportunities to become part of the team that creates policy — it’s the best way to make a real difference.”

Keith Hansen, a student responder at this weekend’s commencement ceremony and Indiana’s sole student member of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, is one of 5 Trailmakers – students who blazed a trail to inspire others to action.

Read more: Purdue’s 5 Students Who are Trail Makers

DIVISION I

Keith Hansen, B.S., Biomedical Engineering

DIVISON II

Ellen Zouras, B.S., Building Construction Management

DIVISION III

Adrianne Huber, B.S., International Agronomy

DIVISION IV

Katherine Bartlett, M.S., College of Agriculture

DIVISION V

Elise J. Leung, B.S., College of Health and Human Sciences

Commencement ceremonies will be held at Elliott Hall of Music May 11-13, 2012.

Eleven staff members were awarded grants to defray the cost of attending professional development conferences and training during this spring and summer. The grant encourages staff in the Division of Student Affairs to participate in professional development that will benefit students and student life, the staff member and his or her department, and the entire Purdue community.

The following staff received the grant:

• Cheryl Brantley (ODOS)
• Megan Burton (CAPS)
• Kate Dorrity (Rec Sports)
• Tyler Ford (Rec Sports)
• Bill Griffel (PMO)
• Ryan Guard (Naval ROTC)
• Stacey Lee (Rec Sports)
• Tammy Patrick (OSRR)
• Ashley Turner (PUSH)
• Dan Whiteley (VPSA)
• Andy Zehner (VPSA)

Grand Alternative is sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students and GetInvolved, with the support of several student organizations and departments, including the Wesley Foundation, the Student Wellness Office, Division of Recreational Sports, Purdue Student Union Board, Purdue Agricultural Council, Purdue Police Department, Alpha Phi Omega, Purdue Learning Collaborative on High-Risk Drinking Campus Improvement Team Caliber and through a $10,000 grant from Purdue Student Government.

“The Grand Alternative program helps students to have fun while being safe and also allows them to be part of the solution in reducing high-risk drinking on campus,” said Carol Ben-Davies, assistant Dean of Students.

All Grand Alternative events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Click here for a full schedule of events (PDF)

Friday, April 20:

• Fairway Co-Op Luau
• Moonlight Pancakes
• Carnival at Slayter

Saturday, April 21:

• Grand Prix Race: $7 in advance or $10 at the gate. Under age 12 is $5
• Turkish BBQ & Sports
• Movies at Slayter & Beering
• Rock the Quad @ Cary

Source: Purdue Newsroom

John Globoker, newly appointed Director of Financial Affairs for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, with his daughter

The Eleanor Kaplan award has been given to John Globoker for his contributions to the area of Business Management at Purdue. John received the award for excellence in customer service. Director of Business Management Chris Martin remarked  that “the foundation of any great organization is the quality of its people.” He noted that customer service is a core value in the business management area, and “customer service will never go out of style.” The award is named for Eleanor Kaplan, a Business Administrator who began her Purdue career in 1979 for the Education Department. Kaplan was known for her positive, cheerful attitude and a leader in providing high-quality customer service.

Additionally, John has been appointed Director of Financial Affairs for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, effective May 1st.

Congratulations to John for the award and promotion!

The full schedule includes a fitness expo on October 19th and a full morning of events on race day with the half-marathon, the 5K and a kids fun run. The course will feature music and entertainment to cheer on the participants as thousands are expected for the inaugural race through the twin cities.

All marathon and 5K runners will receive a t-shirt and finisher’s medal, with awards given to the top finishers in each age bracket. Early bird registration is $50 for the half marathon and $22 for the 5K, while the kids fun run is free for ages 8 and under. Students will receive a discount. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Drew Brees’ PALS program, encouraging physical fitness for young people.

More information and and online registration available here.