Purdue University

Now boasting more than 300,000 living alumni, Purdue University graduates have been to the moon, to the highest levels of business and government, and to Sweden to receive Nobel Prizes.

The Indiana link in a nationwide chain of 68 land-grant colleges and universities, Purdue owes its origin to the Morrill Act, signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1862 to promote establishment of schools to teach agriculture and the "mechanic arts."

An act of generosity by Lafayette businessman John Purdue secured the Indiana land-grant college for Lafayette. Purdue pledged money and land for the school. In return, the institution was named for him, and he remained a trustee until his death in 1876.

Classes began in 1874 with a total of 39 students and six faculty members. Since then, enrollment has grown to nearly 68,000 on five campuses and a faculty and staff totaling approximately 14,500. In excess of 37,000 students are enrolled at Purdue’s main campus in West Lafayette, Ind.

Since its inception in 1869, Purdue has attained widespread fame for the quality of its teaching, research and service in a number of fields. Once known primarily as an engineering and agriculture school, the University now offers nearly 6,700 courses in more than 200 specializations in agriculture; consumer and family sciences; education; engineering; liberal arts; management; pharmacy, nursing, and health sciences; science; technology; and veterinary medicine. Students pursue advanced degrees through the Graduate School. Purdue has one of the largest enrollments of women and minority students in engineering in the country, and the School of Veterinary Medicine is one of only 27 nationwide.

In addition to charting new paths through its instruction, Purdue also blazes new frontiers in research, from unraveling the molecular structure of viruses to designing a self-supporting food system for space colonies to genetically engineering crops and plants for feeding an ever-expanding world.

As one of the 25 largest colleges and universities in the United States, Purdue leaves its mark on the world — and beyond — on a daily basis. Affectionately known as the "mother of astronauts," the University boasts 22 graduates — 20 men and two women — who have been selected to participate in the NASA space program. From the 1960s to today, from the Mercury Program to today’s fleet of space shuttles, Purdue alumni have flown on more than one-third of all manned U.S. space flights. Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, and Eugene Cernan, the last person to leave it, both call Purdue alma mater. In addition to the astronauts, scores of scientists, engineers and other personnel who help support the space program have graduated from Purdue.

From the steam era to the space age, Purdue has forged a proud tradition of education, research and service to the state, nation and the world ... a tradition stronger than ever as Purdue moves into the 21st century.

Purdue University Quick Facts

Location: West Lafayette, Indiana 47907

Founded: 1869

Enrollment: 38,208 (fall 2001)

Acres: 17,528 (14,256 for agriculture)

Capital Investment of Physical Plant (systemwide): $1.5 billion

Estimated Replacement Cost: $2.1 billion

Living Alumni: In excess of 300,000

President: Dr. Martin C. Jischke

Faculty Representatives: Dr. Philip E. Nelson
Dr. Christie L. Sahley

Athletics Director: Morgan J. Burke

Nickname: Boilermakers

Colors: Old Gold and Black

Mascot: Boilermaker Special

Song: Hail Purdue

National Affiliation: NCAA Division I

Conference: Big Ten

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Purdue Boilermakers