2009 Heroes (alphabetical)

2009 Heroes

Wendi Ailor

Wendi works selflessly for both alumni and students at Purdue in both her job and her position as an advisor. She positively influences those around her through her words and actions as well as her smile, which lights up any room. Wendi has a down-to-earth personality and can relate to anyone; she truly cares for everyone. Wendi is a great influence and inspiration to those with whom she works.

Back to top

Steve Akers

Through his work in student conduct and crisis management, Steve has helped shape and maintain the integrity and values of Purdue University. In his thankless job, he must make tough, sometimes dramatic, decisions. However, these choices help hold students accountable for their choices and actions and also help Purdue to maintain its standards. Steve's integrity and selflessness help the University 's standards persist.

Back to top

Hala Al-Essa

Hala, now a graduate student at Harvard, is an outstanding young alumna. Her contributions to campus as student included her work on the Consumer and Family Sciences Student Council, various Dietetics programs, and Iron Key. Hala's peers always knew they could depend on her for help.

Back to top

Bridgette Anderson

Bridgette is a student with integrity, character, and humility. In 2006, during Bridgette's sophomore year of high school, a family tragedy changed her life. Bridgette remained strong for her family with the help of her faith. She continually puts others before herself and does all she can to make others happy. Because of what she has been through, Bridgette has decided to use her life to help others and is majoring in Youth, Adult, & Family Services.

Back to top

Kory Banes

Kory, a freshman in the College of Liberal Arts, saved a stranger's life. Last June while driving home after a baseball game, Kory and three of his teammates noticed a woman pinned under a minivan in her driveway. The four young men jumped out of the car and lifted the van off of the woman, called 911, and directed traffic until the paramedics and police arrived.

Back to top

Jonathan Beever

Jonathan, a graduate student in the Department of Philosophy, is a hero because of what he did after experiencing a terrible apartment fire during his senior year of college. He was only a few months away from graduation and had been working diligently on his thesis when his apartment building caught fire. That night, Jonathan went throughout the building to make sure everyone escaped safely. In the fire he lost his thesis, both the hard copies and what had been on his computer as well as all of his notes, journals, textbooks, and library books. Although it seemed impossible to repeat a year's worth of work, Jonathon spent night and day re-doing his research and re-writing his thesis in only three months. Additionally, Jonathon discovered that his apartment had several safety violations, so he worked with the local government to make changes in the law requiring all apartments to be inspected for violations more often.

Back to top

Elena Benedicto

Elena is an Associate Professor of English and Linguistics who has worked for the past 15 years with a community in a remote area of Nicaragua. She has taken a nontraditional approach to research and made the people in her community partners in discovery. She has created a partnership with URACCAN, the university in the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua, where she directs the bachelor's and master's thesis programs and teaches the courses she has developed twice a year. The outcome is that she has created a generation of Sumu speakers that are linguists and who can work with their own language. Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in the world, and the area where Dr. Benedicto works is one of the poorest of the country. It has no running water, no sewage collection infrastructure, and no paved streets. It is a malaria-infested region and the intestinal infections in children are rampant. With this extremely harsh environment, the families living in the area make the choice of sending to primary school only the male children. Professor Benedicto created a fund, The Mayagna Girls Fund, which now has the status of non-profit organization in the United States. Over the past ten years, the fund, which covers lodging and school expenses, has allowed over one hundred girls to graduate with a primary or high school education.

Back to top

Kim Berman

Kim, a staff member for the Purdue Alumni Association, has been an inspiration to her co-workers and the alumni with whom she interacts. For the last three years, she has been battling cancer, and although she has sometimes received negative news from her doctors, she has remained optimistic and determined to overcome the disease. Kim has made it a priority to work with multiple groups that are searching for a cure for cancer. Even at her lowest moments, Kim has given time and energy to cancer-fighting organizations and to other individuals in the community who are also battling the disease.

Back to top

Brent Bible

Brent was a friend of John Romine, but through his relentless support and care for John, grew to be more like a brother. Even though Brent had no real connection to John other than being an advisor at his fraternity, he went out of his way to ensure the full and utmost care for John. He traveled hours to spend time with John at the hospital, at home, or at Purdue when John was not feeling well, even in the middle of the night. Brent never left John's side and was a crucial asset in John's effort to support bone marrow drives across Indiana and to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation through his International Fraternity. Indeed Brent was John's hero, but he also was a hero to those who knew the impact and strength that he gave John despite any adversity with which he was faced.

Back to top

Patty Bonney

Patty's dedication to the School of Veterinary Medicine and the Purdue Comparative Oncology Program (PCOP) has been vital to securing donations imperative to the school's cancer research. Without Patty, the School of Veterinary Medicine and the PCOP would not be able to affect positively as many patients as it has. Moreover, despite her demanding work schedule, Patty still finds time to build personal relationships with donors, help with clinical trials, and maintain membership in the Veterinary Oncology Nurses Society.

Back to top

Anthony Cawdron

Anthony, the event coordinator at Westwood, is a very considerate, witty, and boisterously educated man with much influence. Anthony knows how to thoroughly teach any student who desires the knowledge of fine dining with the proper etiquette. Not only is this man professional and acts with much selflessness, he positively influences large groups of people with every dining experience. Mr. Cawdron presents etiquette events for student organizations free of charge and full of energy. His integrity to teach, ability to help others, and great Purdue spirit make him a hero.

Back to top

Colonel Cindra Chastain

Colonel Chastain, an alumna from Animal Sciences and Army ROTC, has served on active duty in the US Army and Indiana Army National Guard for over 24 years. Colonel Chastain has overcome many obstacles while serving in the military yet has always demonstrated outstanding leadership, courage and selfless service. She commanded a support battalion that was the first National Guard unit of its type to conduct training operations at the U. S. Army's Premiere training facility, The National Training Center, at Fort Erwin, California. Furthermore, under Colonel Chastain's leadership, this battalion was evaluated as the best overall support unit to ever complete a training rotation at this highly coveted and prestigious military training facility. Currently, Colonel Chastain is responsible for overseeing a team's agribusiness section that is responsible for training Afghan farmers.

Back to top

Debra Clues

Debby is a Purdue graduate who has served on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of the Suncoast Clearwater Branch for four years. As the Annual Campaign Manager to raise funds for scholarships, Debby was the first Campaign Manager to exceed the campaign goal. Debby has also been involved with the American Red Cross. In her position as Community Relations Manager for Bay News 9, she developed a program called "Project Weather" that provides science kits to all 6th grade science teachers in seven counties to teach children about weather. Debby has also developed science and weather exhibits in the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa, Explorations V Children's Museum in Lakeland, and Great Explorations Children's Museum in St. Petersburg, and created a Weather Classroom and Science Center.

Back to top

Robert Cole

Robert has proven himself as a dedicated father and husband to support his family by working full time and attending night classes to obtain a masters degree. He has unselfishly given his time to Habitat for Humanity through his job and has constantly proven that he has dedicated his life to better that of his family and others. Through Robert's selfless acts, he has become a hero for others.

Back to top

Kenneth Coleman

Ken has spent a lifetime at Purdue University but is most well-known for his career as the Associate Dean of Students with responsibilities for the former University Division program. Ken has mentored thousands of students during his career, especially in his role as student organization advisor for Phi Kappa Sigma and Evans Scholars, and is remembered for his upbeat personality and infectious spirit. Ken continues his service to Purdue as a semi-retired academic advisor with the Undergraduate Studies Program.

Back to top

Barbara Cook

Barbara, the Purdue Dean of Students Emerita, was nominated by a past student for her impact on his time at Purdue. This student was the president of Tarkington, PRHC and PSA. The school newspaper revealed in an article days before winter break that he was gay. Over break, Dean of Students Barbara Cook made several calls to see how he was doing. She told him, "please come back, Purdue needs you; if you don't return, they win." Her phone calls encouraged his return to campus to serve out his term as PSA president and to receive his degree. For her devotion to student affairs during her time at Purdue which culminated with serving as Purdue's dean of students, the Purdue chapter of Mortar Board is named in her honor.

Back to top

Nancy Cross

Nancy has demonstrated incredible dedication and a legendary work ethic toward the 500 Purdue student athletes and over 9,000 John Purdue Club members. She has been the driving force behind the large growth of the John Purdue Club, which has doubled in size in the past decade, and has been integral in raising three times as much money for student athlete scholarships in that same time. Nancy is a very humble person who never acts in a boastful or self serving manner; she always maintains a positive attitude.

Back to top

Gary Crowden

Colonel Crowden, an outstanding alumnus, participated in peacekeeping operations from June 1977 until June 1979 as both a military observer during the civil war in Lebanon and the Operations Officer for Observer Group Sinai (OGS). As a member of OGS in March of 1978, Colonel Crowden assisted United Nations (UN) efforts in establishing a military presence in a UN controlled buffer zone between Israel and opposition forces in Southern Lebanon. Further, during his assignment he assisted the UN in the planning for the withdrawal of UN forces in Sinai and its return to Egyptian control. As a result of UNTSO's participation in these peace-keeping endeavors, the Nobel Peace Prize was given to all who made contributions to peace in that area.

Back to top

Jessica Crum

Jessica, a staff member in the College of Agriculture, is involved in a philanthropy project every year in conjunction with the Agriculture Administration building's annual holiday party. The project supports the Cary Home for Children and Group Homes for Children by purchasing Christmas gifts or donating money to buy gifts for the children who are cared for at these facilities. For the last 5 years, Jessica has selflessly coordinated the whole project by organizing the donations and fundraising while also taking the time to work with the homes as a liaison to determine what would be the most meaningful gifts for the children. Jessica is making a huge difference in the community via her work on this project and is a 'holiday angel' for kids throughout West Lafayette and Lafayette.

Back to top

Freddie Davis

Fred has served the Purdue Community as a police investigator for nearly 30 years. Fred has assisted students, staff, and faculty in their times of crisis. His tenacity and dedication to finding and arresting criminals is unmatched. Fred has also spent many hours mentoring other members of the police department staff so that his intuitive skills might be passed along to the next "generation" of officers and investigators.

Back to top

Tina Dexter

Through Tina's daily actions, she shows others her internal strength to achieve not only her own goals but to help others achieve theirs as well. For example, she encouraged her son to pursue the graduate assistantship he now holds and also assisted him in pursuing higher education, which she believed strongly in and for which she had much appreciation. Tina can constantly be found helping others in her office and taking on jobs of advisors in order to improve the performance of her office. She has a quiet and endearing strength that motivates everyone who knows her.

Back to top

Yelana Dracheva

Yelana is an outstanding young alumnus. Her contributions to campus as a student included her work in Women in Engineering and Iron Key. Yelana's dedication to Purdue is one of the reasons the Unfinished Block P came to fruition.

Back to top

Brad Duerstock

Brad is an assistant research professor in the Center for Paralysis Research at the School of Veterinary Medicine. He has dedicated his career to discovering and testing new ways to repair damage caused by traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Additionally, he has provided and continues to develop innovative resources for students and scientists with mobility and visual impairments. Dr. Duerstock's work enables students with disabilities to be self-sufficient and to participate in hands-on laboratory experiments. He is developing a microscope that can be controlled through a computer interface, which will allow students and scientists with disabilities to independently use a light microscope. Although Dr. Duerstock's research accomplishments alone are sufficient to label him a Purdue hero, he cannot move his arms or legs due to a diving accident he suffered in high school.

Back to top

Mary Eddy

Mary, a staff member in Foreign Languages and Literature, is considered an unsung hero of the department. She has given approximately 16 years of service to the Purdue family, in which she has been an exceptional role model of integrity, generosity, caring and altruism for graduate students and a vital figure and positive spirit in the undergraduate foreign language curriculum that serves hundreds of students across campus.

Back to top

Teresa Eloff

Teresa is the Director of Undergraduate Recruitment and Retention and as well as an advisor and mentor to the students who are Consumer and Family Sciences Ambassadors. She takes a personal interest in each of the students and creates for them a home away from home while going out of her way to help improve their daily lives. She is very personal and engaging. Teresa has given hope and inspiration to students without a need for acknowledgment.

Back to top

Allan Friedman

Allan is a 1970 graduate of Purdue University with a B.S. in physics who recently has come into national prominence following high profile brain tumor surgeries on Senator Kennedy and Robert Novack. He works tirelessly as a co-director of the Robert Preston Tisch Brain Tumor Center and as the Guy Odom Professor of Neurolosurgery at Duke University. Allan has been a source of optimism and dedication to his patients and all those who come into contact with him. He is a master educator and all of the residents training under Allan not only learn from his masterful technique, but most importantly, they learn the right way to care for patients and their families. He is actively involved in medical students' and undergraduates' educational experiences and provides true mentorship for all those lucky enough to encounter him.

Back to top

Frank Garofalo

Frank is an outstanding young alumnus. During his time at Purdue, he was a Purdue Athletic Promotions intern, Office of Admissions Tour Guide, Resident Assistant, Staff Resident and a member of both Mortar Board and Iron Key. He was the Resident Assistant of the Year for Cary Quadrangle for 2006-2007. He also had internships with Disney and Bank of America. At age 14, Frank started his own web design company called Cyber View. Frank was best known on campus for his web design abilities, and he was always willing to help organizations and his peers with their websites.

Back to top

Gina Gregorzyk

Gina is an outstanding young alumnus. Her sincere desire to help her peers achieve their goals helped make her a successful student leader. During her time at Purdue, Gina was the Resident Assistant of the Year for Harrison Hall for 2006-2007 and a member of Iron Key.

Back to top

Shane Hageman

Shane is an outstanding young alumnus. On campus, he was the Executive Director of Governmental Relations for Purdue Student Government, the President of Iron Key, and a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. During his time at Purdue, Shane also held internships in the office of Senator Richard Lugar and in Washington D.C. He is remembered at Purdue as an outspoken individual who was willing to help his friends whenever he could.

Back to top

Vanessa Hale

Vanessa has been an inspiration through her selfless acts of kindness, generosity and dedication to those who are less fortunate. She put her future and professional life on hold by participating in Teach for America and AmeriCorps in order to teach English and Science on a Navajo reservation in New Mexico. It was here that Vanessa was able to inspire students to learn and to help them aspire to be something great. Her dedication has led her to try to design a program to help all students experience science through programs at local zoos.

Back to top

Tony Hawkins

As the Dean of Students, Tony has dedicated himself to serving the students of Purdue. He is genuinely concerned about the well-being of students and always puts others before himself. Tony's selflessness and humility has inspired many Boilermakers, especially those he has advised in Iron Key.

Back to top

Cindey Hays

Cindey, the administrative assistant to Dr. Kamyar Haghighi, the head of the School of Engineering Education, always puts others before herself. Her compassion and selflessness have gained the admiration of her co-workers, who cite Cindey as one reason Purdue is a great place to work. Cindey's dedication to caring for Dr. Haghighi, who suffers from ALS and needs help with daily tasks such as eating and moving around his office, is the perfect example of her willingness to always put others before herself.

Back to top

Dan Hirleman

Dan is a dedicated mechanical engineering professor and humanitarian. Because of his personal belief that engineers have a responsibility to respond to the challenges of the 21st Century, Dan has created numerous innovative programs, including Purdue's Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE) Program, an autonomous vehicle, several humanitarian projects for various countries, and new global courses, to ensure that students and researchers have the tools to be globally engaged and can make an impact on society. He was recently named as a delegate to the 2009 US-Islamic World Forum in Doha, Qatar. Additionally, his family has served as a host family for international students and for young adults from dysfunctional families.

Back to top

Roger and Connie Hoffer

Roger and Connie have proven themselves as heroes by doing work that most people do not want to do in order to positively influence the lives of those they help. They have just begun to show their potential through their volunteering with the Red Cross and their church, in which they actively help individuals who are affected by floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes and other such natural disasters. Connie, a nurse, and Roger, a professor of wildlife science, have used their skills to care for others by providing direct medical aid, counseling, and even home reconstruction assistance. Connie and Roger have consistently left the comfort of their homes to help others, and they plan to continue doing so for as long as possible.

Back to top

Steven Holtsclaw

Steven is an outstanding young alumnus. During his time at Purdue, he was nicknamed "Master of the Universe" due to his long list of accomplishments which included: President of Pi Kappa Phi, President of the Interfraternity Council, member of Mortar Board, and member of Iron Key. Steven's humility and dedication were admired by his peers. Currently, Steven is the representative of the Class of 2008 on the Purdue Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Back to top

Sindie Hornbeck

As a full-time employee in the Horizons office at Purdue, Sindie goes out of her way to help students. She teaches a section of GS199, mentors eight to 10 work study students, assists countless students with financial aid, and always makes sure students have a place to stay during university breaks. Sindie, who will turn 50 this year, is also raising two teenage children by herself while pursuing her bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision. Amazingly, Sindie has been able to accomplish all of this while battling Tachycardia, a life-threatening heart condition.

Back to top

Linda Hudson

Linda worked in the department of Comparative Pathobiology in the School of Veterinary Medicine from 1983 to July 2008. During this time, she was the first contact with the department for graduate students, as she guided them through the application and admission process. Linda took the time to interview students to understand their cultural pasts and personal situations, and she always placed her faith in those around her.

Back to top

Jackie Jimerson

Jackie, an administrator in the College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Sciences, has spent countless hours over the last fifteen plus years assisting students, especially students of color, gain acceptance into and excel in the School of Pharmacy. Her commitment to the students and their success is unparalleled. Jackie sets the bar high and encourages students to dream and achieve; she leads by example with her persistence and selflessness, thus helping others to create and achieve their goals.

Back to top

Patty Jischke

Patty was the strongest supporter of her husband, former Purdue President Martin Jischke, as the first lady of the university, while also being a behind-the-scenes advocate for Purdue. Patty's love for all students and their education was evident in every project and activity in which she was involved. She was a shining light and source of positive influence for all students, faculty, staff, and members of the Purdue Community. Purdue has been made a better place due to the love that Patty brought with her to West Lafayette.

Back to top

Kay Johnson

Kay is a graduate student in Aeronautics and Astronautics. She is the founder and President of both the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP) at Purdue and Get Real About Discrimination. Purdue University is now nationally recognized for having the first University NOGLSTP chapter in the country. Get Real About Discrimination is an empowerment group that identifies that everyone needs a voice and that by speaking out, we all learn about ourselves and help others learn from all of our experiences. Kay's love and respect for others is unyielding, even when she has been treated miserably. She has inspired so many to fight for what they believe. Kay is a selfless human being that is always willing to help those around her.

Back to top

Eileen Kays

Eileen is not an official Purdue alumna but still possesses tremendous Purdue spirit. Although she only had a high school education, Eileen wanted each of her four sons to earn college degrees. Eileen's husband passed away from lung cancer after surviving two open heart surgeries. She led the boys through this difficult time when two were in high school and two in college. During her sons' childhood, she made it very clear that they were going to be college graduates, and she set aside living expenses in order to save for tuition. Her sons have nine college degrees between the four of them; six of these degrees are from Purdue University. Eileen has attended every home football game and PMO Christmas show for the past 23 years after coming to watch her sons in the marching band and glee club while they were students. Her sons have taken the valuable lessons they learned in and out of the classrooms at Purdue and become leaders in their workplaces and communities.

Back to top

William Kiesel

Upon graduating from Purdue with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, William became 1st Lieutenant in the Marine Corps as a fighter pilot flying F4U Corsairs. He went missing in action over the Philippines in July of 1945, while fighting for the freedom of his country. William selflessly gave his life to help protect and improve the lives of his fellow Americans. He was a true hero.

Back to top

Pat Kuhnle

Pat has proven his unselfish acts and heroic giving to the Purdue Community for over 20 years in his role as advisor to Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. He has helped fellow chapter members by mentoring them and providing them with advice on how to succeed in life. He encourages a balance in life around physical, mental, and spiritual health while he works both as a General Manager for the Exponent and volunteers through St. Tom's Church. Pat has consistently shown his unselfish desire to improve the lives of others.

Back to top

Brian Lamb

Brian is a Purdue alumnus and founder of C-Span. Brian was recently cited by U.S. News & World Report as one of the fifty most influential Americans today. His courage in founding such an unconventional service as C-Span and his diligence in leading C-Span through forty years of public service and development distinguish him as a hero.

Back to top

Kevin Landeck

Kevin, an outstanding alumnus, was captain of the Roller Hockey Team and coached a Little League baseball team in the local community while he was a student at Purdue. As an ROTC cadet, Kevin was active in the Ranger Club and was the "best rifleman" on the department's Rifle and Pistol Team. He received his commission as an Infantry Second Lieutenant in May 2004. He was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq, on February 2, 2007. Posthumously, the US Army awarded him the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals. Captain Landeck continues to serve and motivate the Purdue Army ROTC Department through the "Best Ranger Award" perpetual trophy given annually in his memory to a deserving cadet.

Back to top

Betsy Liley

Betsy is a College of Liberal Arts alumna and currently serves as the University Director of Foundation Relations. She is a creative thinker and uses her knowledge of the nonprofit sector to Purdue's advantage by cultivating relationships with even the largest foundations across the nation and the world. As the only fundraiser for the department, she exceeded her goal of $20 million and raised nearly $50 million with very little personnel support. She also spends extended amounts of time at the office that go far and beyond a normal work schedule. It is her mission to make Purdue the "university of the future."

Back to top

Timothy McGovern

Timothy was an excellent student and Army ROTC cadet who represented Purdue at the annual George C. Marshall Symposium at the Virginia Military Institute, where he earned Distinguished Military Honors. He was commissioned as an Engineer Second Lieutenant after graduation but was killed while commanding troops in Iraq. His dedication to the safety and freedom of the United States and his hard work while attending Purdue have helped make Timothy a hero.

Back to top

Abelardo Molina

Abelardo is an aviation flight student in the College of Technology who has overcome much adversity and has still been able to pursue his dreams. While growing up, he persevered through many obstacles and hardships, including losing his father at a very young age and being raised by a single immigrant mom, who does not speak the English language. Ever since he was a young boy, Abelardo was interested in flying planes; this year he will graduate from Purdue in Flight. He serves as a flight instructor to Purdue's flight students and operated as co-pilot on Purdue's Super King Air 200s. Aberlardo has provided many hours of service and leadership to the College of Technology (COT) and the Department of Aviation as well as to the Latino Cultural Center. He developed a mentoring program with Jefferson High School in Lafayette for Latino students through the Latino Cultural Center. He was recently awarded 2008 Outstanding Latino Leadership Award from the Latino Faculty and Staff.

Back to top

Pat Carpenter Mott

Pat defied the norm of her times and opened her heart to change the Purdue community during segregation in the late 1940s. She accepted two black students and helped them feel comfortable during their first experiences in the dining hall and their next few weeks on campus. She was a leader and innovator of her time. Her attempts to successfully integrate the campus and prove equality were made with unwavering demeanor and a genuine passion for human rights.

Back to top

Matt Murawski

Matt was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corp after graduation from Purdue and has been deployed twice to Iraq. He served as a leader training Iraqi troops to form the Iraqi National Guard despite the turmoil and hostile environment with which he was faced. He was also an assistant team leader to 11 marines advising over 500 Iraqi National Police, designed to help improve the safety of the Iraqi people. Matt has displayed true selflessness giving of himself to better the lives of the Iraqi people through his efforts.

Back to top

Jan Ogden

Jan oversees the daily/monthly business operation of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department in the Purdue College of Consumer & Family Sciences. Over the past two years of OnePurdue implementation, Jan has maintained the highest level of customer service. Her persistence, integrity and selflessness in developing customer friendly services in her department and delivering these services so congenially have quietly brought the department forward. Jan consistently chooses to work out solutions to issues with a cheerful spirit and her strength and service within the department is most definitely felt.

Back to top

Coach Matt Painter

Coach Painter expects the best out of his team by holding them to the highest standards, not only on the court but also in the classroom. He personally meets with his players, assuring that they excel first as students and second as athletes. Through his compassion, drive, and persistence, he has proven to be a great role model for all students on and off the court.

Back to top

Mindy Paulet

Mindy is responsible for the growth and development of WorkLife Programs at Purdue, an initiative to improve the overall Wellness and Health services to faculty and staff. Her passion has improved the lives of many employees who have been struggling with personal health and wellness issues, professional productivity, and balancing family issues and work. Her dedication and leadership to improve the program has made it a benchmark for other Big Ten Universities.

Back to top

Brian Petraits

Brian is a 2008 graduate from the College of Technology. He is described by fellow graduates as the epitome of persistence, selflessness, and integrity. Throughout his college career Brian made an outstanding effort, in an effortless fashion, to impress upon others the idea that there is no such word as impossible. Brian was born with an ailing eye condition that over the years has progressively worsened, causing him to become blind. Growing up, Brian was treated no differently than the average child. He still contributed to household chores, played sports, and was an active participant in organizations within school. Phrases such as, "I can't" or "This is too hard" are not part of Brian's thought process. To the average person, Brian is a miracle, but to Brian himself it is just a part of who he is and how he looks at life. While at Purdue, Brian also fulfilled a personal philanthropic duty to go out and educate the study body on students with disabilities, or as Brian proudly refers to them, "capabilities". While at Purdue, he was a member of Mortar Board and Iron Key; a Homecoming King candidate; president of the Students with Disabilities; president of the Reamers; finalist for the commencement responder; a Grand Prix Foundation Ambassador; and reporter for the Exponent.

Back to top

Dan Pierce

Dan is a graduate from the College of Technology who works as a Records Administrator for Purdue. He improves the installation documents for all new telecommunication outlets on campus. He comes to work every day with a smile and is eager to move forward with challenges presented each day. Dan has also served on mission trips in Jamaica for four consecutive years.

Back to top

Deidra Pitman

Deidra is a staff member in Liberal Arts. She lost her husband to cancer several months ago and shortly thereafter lost her sister to a heart attack. Still, her coworkers have never seen her upset, frazzled, or short-tempered. She is the glue that holds her office together and always has an answer for any question. Deidra does not speak of her losses nearly as much as she speaks of her blessings.

Back to top

Robyn Poole

Robyn is a tireless worker in the Financial Aid Division of Purdue; however, she is most noted for her dedicated work to the humane treatment and care of cats in the local area. She promotes spaying and neutering to help prevent the starvation, death, and cruel treatment of the overpopulation of cats. She takes phone calls night and day to care for all sorts of cats and often does so without any monetary compensation. Robyn has proven herself a true hero and caretaker to the feline population.

Back to top

Erik Props

Erik, an advisor in the Krannert School of Management, is an inspiration to many. Months after his 21st birthday, Erik was involved in a water skiing accident which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Erik has overcome numerous physical challenges and setbacks and has remained a positive influence on Krannert students, as well as faculty, staff, and alumni. One student stated, "Erik Props has been an unbelievable mentor and friend to countless students and faculty. He provides constant support to all who ask and his willingness to help others pushes people to perform at their highest potential. He has helped build our school into an amazing place."

Back to top

David Pyle

David is an outstanding young alumnus. As President of FarmHouse Fraternity and the Purdue Foundation Student Board as well as a member of Iron Key, he dedicated himself to making Purdue a better place to go to school while he was on campus. David is a humble individual who was admired by his peers for his hard work and graciousness.

Back to top

Rosemary ("Rosie") Ricci

Rosie is an academic advisor in the College of Health Sciences as well as an advisor to the Reamer Club and former honorary member of Iron Key. Her genuine care and concern for students has led many to call her a "mother" away from home. Rosie is truly a selfless person.

Back to top

John Romine

John may be classified as the epitome of someone who persisted through adversity during his three year battle with Hodgskin's Lymphoma, a disease which he overcame once but could not beat a second time. During his battle, John went through many painful Chemotherapy treatments and bone marrow donations, and he spent months in and out of the hospital while still managing a solid course load and above average GPA. He was known for his charisma and a smile that could light up any room. Before John's passing, he was able to successfully support many bone marrow drives that could potentially save others' lives in order to prevent future patients from going through his same suffering. John's unwavering spirit and refusal to quit lives on in all that knew him.

Back to top

Lydia Ryan

Lydia is an outstanding young alumna. During her time at Purdue, she was involved in a myriad of activities, including Mortar Board, Iron Key, the Liberal Arts Student Council, the Student Orientation Committee for Boiler Gold Rush, and Purdue Dance Marathon. Lydia is perhaps remembered best for her selflessness. She is currently a teacher in the Teach for America program, evidence of her constant desire and willingness to help others.

Back to top

David Santogrossi

During his career as a faculty member in the College of Liberal Arts, David has made significant contributions spanning over 30 years to the university. One of greatest strengths is his ability to relate to and positively impact undergraduate students. Many of his students return to Purdue just to see David and to thank him for his inspiration. David is a charter member of the Teaching Academy and sponsors a study abroad program in Florence, Italy.

Back to top

Kinnari Sejpal

Kinnari, a student in the College of Liberal Arts, has positively influenced people around her by selflessly volunteering in various community initiatives to make a difference. She volunteered her time to run a very successful United Way campaign for the non-profit Clarian Arnett Health and took up a position with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a project coordinator for their Bowl for Kid's Sake 2008 campaign. She has also been actively involved as one of the core members with the Motorcycle Safety at Purdue organization. Kinnari was diagnosed with cancer, and while selflessly working towards making the lives of others around her better, she secretly led a two-and-a-half year battle with the disease.

Back to top

Mark Senn

Mark, a staff member in Engineering Computer Network, has written and supported the puthesis LaTeX document class used to do theses and dissertations for the past twenty years. This program is used widely across the West Lafayette Campus, and thousands of students have graduated after using it.

Back to top

Colonel Michael Silver

Colonel Silver is a former Air Force fighter pilot and current head of Purdue Air Force ROTC. As an honorary advisor to the Iron Key Class of 2008, Col. Silver found the bronze artists who were responsible for the creation of the Block P Statue. Without his dedication to the group and to the project, it is unlikely that the statue would have come to fruition.

Back to top

Erin (Taylor) Slater

Erin, an outstanding alumna, had many personal obstacles to overcome before attending college. Once she enrolled at Purdue, her true leadership skills shined. Erin started the Purdue chapter of College Mentors for Kids in 1998 and served as President until her graduation in 2002. After graduation, Erin joined College Mentors for Kids, Inc. as a Program Director before accepting a position as a Vice President of Development. In 2007, Erin was promoted to CEO of the national organization. Through her roles in College Mentors for Kids, Erin continues to influence at-risk children by helping them develop an appreciation for the opportunities of higher education and expand their view of the possibilities they have.

Back to top

Janice Sojka

Janice, a faculty member in the School of Veterinary Medicine, has led the efforts of the PetSafe program since 1993. This program has provided a temporary home to pets that belong to owners who are unable to care for their animals due to a hardship such as hospitalization or entry into a domestic violence shelter. Janice makes the PetSafe program work by using her personal resources and personal time to arrange for the care of these pets at the Purdue University Veterinary School.

Back to top

Bonnie Sondgeroth

Bonnie is the secretary in the Division of Construction Engineering and Management, where she primarily serves undergraduate students. Bonnie personally invests her time and efforts to make sure that each of the students receives personal care and attention, even beyond their graduation. She fosters a sense of family and camaraderie among students starting in their first semester. Her enthusiasm for the students and what is possible boosts their spirits and attitudes in a way that translates into their success academically and professionally.

Back to top

Albert P. Stewart

Al brought music to a University that has no music school and thus also brought international recognition to Purdue, which is still enjoyed by present day personnel. Many students became outstanding individuals because of his teachings and foresight. Al perhaps was not a professor in the true definition of the position, but there are thousands of graduates who will stand up and say they learned more about being a responsible person from their affiliation with Purdue Musical Organizations than from the formal classroom.

Back to top

James Stukel

James, an outstanding alumnus, was a pioneer and leader in environmental technologies development. The excellence and integrity of his leadership was recognized and rewarded with a series assignments of increasing responsibility in the University of Illinois system, including positions as Vice Chancellor for Research, Dean of the Graduate School and Executive Vice Chancellor at the University of Illinois, Chicago. In 1995, James became President of the University of Illinois, where he served for 11 years. Meanwhile he served on boards and committees with many other civic organizations ranging from the Boy Scouts of America and Ronald McDonald House to the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations.

Back to top

Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger

Sully holds a masters degree in industrial psychology from Purdue University. He crash-landed a commercial aircraft masterfully in the Hudson River, allowing all of the passengers and crew to survive the impact.

Back to top

Bernard Tao

Bernard is a professor of Agricultural Engineering and a former chair of the University Senate. He was also an advisor to the Iron Key class of 2008, which was responsible for the Unfinished Block P project. Bernard loves students and is always willing to help them whenever they need his assistance.

Back to top

Victor Tang

Throughout his educational and professional life, Victor has constantly faced adversity, yet he always overcame whatever stood in his way. Encouraged by challenges, he went to work for IBM and quickly rose to the executive ranks. Through his unwavering efforts, he has vastly improved the technology and relations between China, Taiwan and the United States. Victor's strength to continue his pursuit despite constant adversity helps to define him as a hero.

Back to top

Robert Taylor

Bob's love for teaching is evident to every student that has taken his classes. He consistently strives to show his love for Agricultural Economics with his enthusiasm in an effort to help students relate to and appreciate the material. Bob has touched the lives of countless students through his charisma and contagious caring attitude.

Back to top

Betsy Thompson

Betsy, an academic advisor in the College of Consumer and Family Science and CFS Student Council advisor, was nominated by many of her students for her time, words of encouragement, wisdom, and belief in the potential of everyone to succeed. Betsy's positive influence has motivated many students' academic and leadership success. She took a pay cut to return to the College of CFS after transferring to advise in another college due to her dedication to the staff, students, and CFS Student Council.

Back to top

James Totton

James, a student in the College of Consumer and Family Sciences, has been involved with various parts of Purdue University since day one. Serving at various levels of Purdue Student Government, James became actively involved during his freshmen year. During the 2007-2008 school year he served as the Chief of Staff for Purdue Student Government. Also during his time at Purdue, he has been a Boiler Gold Rush team leader and a tour guide for the Office of Admissions. Most recently, he has served as a Resident Assistant at Tarkington Hall.

Back to top

Daryl Townsend

Daryl started at Purdue as a technician in the Purdue Facilities Electronics shop. He never had the opportunity to attend college, so he built his skill set through hard work and determination. He remains positive despite conflicts in the workplace and heavy workloads, and he never complains about the time work takes away from his family. Additionally, several years ago, Daryl fell out of a tree stand while deer hunting. Doctors informed him he would most likely never be able to walk on uneven surfaces like the woods again, but he proved them wrong and has since returned to deer hunting.

Back to top

Eric VanHouten

Eric is an outstanding young alumnus. During his time at Purdue, he is most remembered for his contributions as Student Body President. His administration was responsible for extending the hours of the Recreational Sports Center (RSC), initiating RSC renovation plans, and doubling the size of the safety patrol. Eric was also a mentor in College Mentors for Kids, the assistant manager of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club, and a member of Iron Key.

Back to top

Conni Vianco

Conni is a staff member at CERIS and Alumni of the School of Technology. She volunteers at a nursing home and started a group to work with seniors to help them understand the changes coming to Medicare. When she found out that the nursing home had run out of prizes for their games, she started a drive to collect new prizes. Additionally, Conni took temporary guardianship of a ward of the court and aids this person in times of need. She is still listed as an available guardian for others.

Back to top

Ralph Webb

Ralph has established himself as a professor who is committed to his students through his persistence and adherence to ethical principles in all of his work. He helped shape and form the Accomplished Clerical Excellence Program over 30 years ago that has helped increase the skills of and encourage clerical staff to take pride in their profession. Ralph has helped his students step outside their comfort zones in order to help improve themselves in their profession. Ralph's unselfish demeanor to promote his program and his role to help develop people has proven him an asset to Purdue.

Back to top

Helen Bass Williams

Helen began her career at Purdue in 1968 as a half-time instructor in French and half-time counselor in the School of Humanities, Social Science, and Education (HSSE). While Helen was at Purdue, she rented a house near campus and quickly became an anchor for many black students. Out of her concern for the existing level of campus support and academic preparedness of many minority students, Helen began to organize systems to increase their likelihood of success, and these efforts gave birth to an organization that became the Black Cultural Center. In addition Helen was aware of the need to improve the work and social environment for black faculty and staff. In the spring of 1975, the Black Faculty and Staff Council elected its first Executive Board which included Helen Bass Williams. This group became known as the Black Caucus of Faculty and Staff and continues today as an active and influential organization.

Back to top

Maggie Wolfred

Maggie is an outstanding young alumna. She contributed much to Purdue as the president of Kappa Alpha Theta as well as the Nursing Student Council. Maggie was a member of the Iron Key Class of 2008, which was responsible for the Unfinished Block P statue.

Back to top

Neil Zimmerman

Neil has proven to have a profound dedication to education, learning, and ethics in his interactions with his students. When he was faced with one of the most difficult times in his life during the passing of his wife, Neil was able to continue his pursuit of providing superior education to his students. He never faltered or gave up on his students always showed his resilience and dedication as a professor.

Back to top