Visting the Sweet Shop between classes, or going to one of the many long-gone night spots afterward depending on which one had the best promotion that night. Sliding down snowy Slayter Hill on a borrowed lunch tray. Stopping during a walk through the mall to hear Brother Max preach and argue with students. Greek life. The birth of the Breakfast Club. Attending the Purdue Grand Prix and the many social events that took place the week of the race. And so much more. This was life at Purdue in the totally rad 1980s.

What do you remember about Purdue athletics in the 1980s? Eight teams won Big Ten championships, hanging banners in basketball, track, volleyball and golf. It was the beginning of the Keady-vs.-Knight rivalry. When Joe Barry Carroll and his teammates made Purdue’s first Final Four appearance. When the Cradle of Quarterbacks roster grew to include Mark Herrmann, Scott Campbell and Jim Everett. And when one of the most versatile football players in school history, Rod Woodson, launched a career that would land him in the college and pro football halls of fame. Let’s look back at Purdue sports in the ’80s.

Even back in the 1980s, Boilermakers were focused on subjects that are still relevant today. Virus mapping. Paving the way for a global internet. Intelligent manufacturing. Energy-efficient housing. Aerospace innovation. The university was investing in technology, life sciences and engineering, dedicating new buildings during the decade that would lay the groundwork for future breakthroughs. The ’80s were a time of booming enrollment at Purdue and a pivotal period in its academic evolution. Check out a collection of images from that era.

As the Unfinished Block P statue reminds us, Purdue is in a constant state of evolution, as are Boilermakers themselves. The campus of the 1980s was nothing like the one we see today (remember the outdoor pool at the CoRec?). Even iconic buildings like Purdue Memorial Union and University Hall have new interior or exterior features that would be unrecognizable to 1980s Boilermakers. But that decade is also when some of today’s campus landmarks — including the Class of 1939 Water Sculpture (you may know it as the Engineering Fountain), Knoy Hall of Technology, the Northwestern Avenue Parking Garage and the Materials and Electrical Engineering building — came into existence. See which structures you recognize in this collection of ’80s-era campus images.

Studying aviation and being part of Air Force ROTC built the foundation for Col. Nathan Malafa’s inspiring career

When Col. Nathan Malafa was a kid, he went to an air show and was mesmerized by a fighter jet racing across the sky. 

He watched it land, taxi and come to a stop. When the canopy opened and the pilot emerged, he realized it was someone’s job to fly that plane. He wanted to be that someone.  

He not only achieved that dream but became leader of one of the most prestigious air demonstration teams in the world.  

Malafa recently retired following the end of his tenure as commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Few callings require levels of technical expertise and teamwork like his did. As the pilot controlling the No.1 jet, he was responsible for leading precision formation flying and commanding a squadron of 135 military members from around the country.  

With over 3,700 flight hours in a fighter aircraft and nearly 850 combat hours, he was well prepared for the challenge. Before he became the leader of the prestigious team or served the nation from an F-15E, he was a Purdue Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadet and had an unforgettable experience.  

Shortly after retiring from the Air Force, Malafa reflected on his time at Purdue and how it paved the way for his extraordinary military career.  

Q: After growing up in Michigan, how did you decide on Purdue? 

A: When I was in high school, I got a pamphlet from Purdue and thought, ‘I’m not going to be an engineer. They’ll never accept me.’ But I started doing a little more research and discovered that Purdue was the intersection of everything I was looking for in a college.  

Purdue’s flight program stood out for me. It also had an Air Force ROTC program, and I was able to get a scholarship with that. It was also the right distance from home — close, but not too close. I visited the campus with a friend and knew I had found my place. 

Q: What did your Air Force ROTC program experience teach you? 

A: Doing Air Force ROTC was a leap of faith for me. I didn’t have a huge family military background. I didn’t know a lot about it other than what I saw in the movies. What I did carry was this longtime goal of becoming a fighter pilot.  

That drive to become a pilot started at an air show and seeing the amazing machines. But once I got to Purdue and started going through the program, I soon realized a strong sense of patriotism had always been there.  

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When you start reading books, understanding our history, learning about all the amazing stories of those who sacrificed everything, it nurtures this call to action. In the process, I got to know some of the most incredible people. My mentors’ dedication kept me going.  

So maybe the cool jets brought me in, but it was the relationships that made this for me. I saw the long-lasting impact that you can have, and I set my course. 

Q: Was Purdue’s Air Force ROTC program what you expected? 

A: It was amazing. It provided opportunities not only in leadership development and classroom learning, but chances to see the world.  

There were once-in-a-lifetime trips. I got to go to Africa to see the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. In Arusha, Tanzania, the United Nations established a court for trials for people charged for the Rwandan genocide in 1994. It’s something I’ll always remember. 

I got to go to the Air Force Academy and complete a free-fall training program, which was unique and fantastic. That was my first introduction to the type of training the Air Force does. You can take somebody who has never even thought of jumping out of an airplane and within two weeks they’ve done five solo free-fall events.

Q: Would you say Purdue built more of your technical or interpersonal skills? 

A: Certainly both. Fortunately, Purdue provided two paths of learning.  

From a technical standpoint, a lot of people don’t understand that if you do Air Force ROTC, it really isn’t anything about flying. I spent so much time in the air and learning about planes from majoring in aviation technology. 

The ROTC side was very much about leadership. I learned a lot about myself. I developed a deeper understanding of success — it’s measured by how well your team does. What you can do individually isn’t as important as what you can do to contribute. There’s a lot of power in knowing that and applying talents to something bigger than yourself.  

Q: How has that influenced your leadership style today?  

A: It all comes back to people and relationships. The Thunderbirds are an incredible team and leading them is a heavy responsibility. The first thing I did when I became commander was reach back to people who have done this before. 

I’m grateful for a group of mentors I can rely on. I wanted to know how this team should operate. It’s especially tricky because we only do two years as officers. Turnover and our operations tempo are both quick.  

It’s critical to keep the standards high. We set the bar at perfection. You can’t achieve perfection every single time, but you’ll achieve excellence along the way.

We set the bar at perfection. You can’t achieve perfection every single time, but you’ll achieve excellence along the way.

Nathan Malafa

Aviation technology ’05

Q: What was it like, for you personally, to be the commander? 

A: Since I had done a lot of research and talked to previous leaders, I came into the job under no illusions about how demanding it would be. It was going to take everything. It’s a 24/7/365 job. You don’t get a chance to disconnect.  

Knowing that and executing that are two different things. It’s difficult to say no to friends and family and miss life events, from weddings to picking up the kids. But that’s part of the sacrifice, and it’s what I liked about it — it’s designed to represent what all military service members do every single day.  

I’m thankful for the chance to travel the country and interact with Americans who were excited to see us and the hard work we poured into demonstrations. My favorite part about the job was getting to light that spark in the next generation. I was one of those kids at an air show.  

Q: Have you crossed paths with Purdue alumni? 

A: Boilermakers are everywhere. I flew Strike Eagles as my first jet and one of the other squadron members was a Purdue classmate. When I transitioned to the F-35, I met a Purdue grad from my same class. There’s a worldwide network.  

It’s heartwarming because there’s that immediate connection. You can talk about Ross-Ade Stadium or Cary Quad, and it’s going to bring back a lot of great memories.

When I meet alumni for the first time, it instantly builds a bond of trust. It’s that link. You go, ‘OK, I know that I can count on you,’ and I think that’s something pretty special.  

Q: Boilermakers are known for their persistence. What does persistence mean to you? 

A: ‘Persistence’ is a great word that people need to internalize a little bit more. We face adversity all the time. If you’re not facing adversity, you’re probably not doing what you need to be doing. You’re probably not applying yourself hard enough because you should fail. You need to fail. Failure is good. That’s how we learn. That’s how we grow.  

I learn when I fail. I did that a lot in college, and it was an excellent molding experience. The ability to get back up and keep going forward is what counts. It’s about shaping the approach differently and continuing the pursuit of something worthy of your time and effort.  

I had big goals and wondered how I was ever going to achieve them. But I took it one day at a time and stayed committed. Persistence is not giving up and not settling for less.

Named “The Ramblr,” this repurposed vehicle has been signed by Boilermaker legends

What do Purdue Pete, Robbie Hummel and Mike Alstott have in common, besides being Boilermakers? All three have signed “The Ramblr,” a bus the Armes family repurposed specifically for tailgates. In fact, anyone who visits the Armeses during football weekends signs the bus. It’s a tradition they’ve been keeping for years.  

Kelsey Armes says their core group consists of around 20 Boilermakers, but all are welcome to come on by. They’ve had crowds of up to 100. They make sure first responders and event staff know that they can stop at the bus for something to eat, a bottle of water or an update on the game from one of the three TVs that are always going. 

“The Ramblr” is usually surrounded by two or three other vehicles from the Armeses’ group. They decide on a different theme for the food every weekend. The welcoming atmosphere, an array of food and the game on display — getting to sign the gold bus is a good time.

Every day during the season, without fail.

David Blough pulls into the parking lot outside the Washington Commanders facility at 5:30 a.m., and, on the dot, here comes Ryan Kerrigan pulling into another parking space.

Kerrigan’s in Year 4 as an assistant coach with the franchise he played 10 years for — and still is its all-time official sacks leader — and Blough is in his second season after retiring from a five-year career that included stints with four teams.

They greet each other, fall in line and walk into the facility together. In the locker room, either getting ready to work out or wrapping up those early morning workouts, Kerrigan and Blough chat about their growing families — Kerrigan and wife Jessica have four kiddos, David and Melissa have one with hopes for more — but conversation naturally turns to another common thread, one that runs deep, as alma maters tend to do.

They’re Purdue Boilermakers — and faces of the football program in different eras. The aw-shucks, humble demeanor on the surface of a relentless worker and the servant leader with a Texas drawl and sly, crooked smile that belies a fierce competitor.

Kerrigan, a three-year starting defensive end, built one of the most prolific careers in Purdue football history: a consensus unanimous All-American, a two-time First Team All-Big Ten player and still the school’s all-time leader in forced fumbles from 2007-10.

A two-time captain, Blough was a top-five statistical quarterback and helped produce one of the most shocking victories in school history with an upset over third-ranked Ohio State in 2018 in Ross-Ade Stadium, with buddy Tyler Trent closely watching. 

After chatting Purdue, families and life, they shower and part, heading to the chaotic, busy careers they’ve chosen as coaches in the world’s premier football league.

And there’s nowhere else they’d rather be.

Time is the essence

The schedule is jammed, more to do than it seems hours in a day.

As a player in the NFL, dedication and commitment are part of the job description. Film study is essential, working to memorize and understand an opposing player’s every move because the slightest clue is an edge to win the rep. And reps add up, maybe producing a game-changing or game-winning play.

To produce that kind of spark, the body has to be just right, too, which requires hours in the weight room, hours in recovery, hours stretching. And hours in meetings, with specific positional units, with the offense or defense, with the whole team. And hours in practice, working technique in positional drills, walking through plays with the full unit, going full bore against scout teams.

And then, finally, heading home.

Kerrigan and Blough quickly found that coaching in the NFL isn’t the same.

The schedule taped by the entrance to the facility that logs minute by minute for a draining, full day? That’s for the players.

Those 5:30 a.m. workouts? They’re to keep up with the rigors of a schedule that is, somehow, even more demanding for Kerrigan and Blough than before. Coaches tack on two hours before that listed players’ schedule starts and another three after. At least.

It was that kind of obligation that made Kerrigan believe he wouldn’t coach once his playing career was done.

“It was a hard no for the longest time in my NFL career,” Kerrigan says. “For most of my career, I saw coaches I played under working really crazy hours, and it just seemed like it wasn’t necessarily something that was really appealing to me.”

But once Kerrigan’s body started to betray him — a degenerative knee injury ended his career in 2021, after a one-year stint with the Eagles — Kerrigan couldn’t fathom walking away from the game.

So he dipped his toe into the coaching ranks, coming back to Washington as a coaching intern for training camp in 2022. Kerrigan quickly realized the experience, the expertise, the knowledge he’d gained had to be shared. He realized he liked imparting wisdom and providing insight and practical tools to make players better. When a full-time coaching spot as an assistant defensive line coach opened, Kerrigan seized the opportunity.

“It’s been cool,” Kerrigan says of the coaching journey, which shifted to assistant linebackers / pass rush specialist coach in 2024. “It’s fun just getting to see ball from the coaching minds now. You definitely learn a lot more. I have the thought of, ‘Man, if I had this kind of knowledge, if I’d have been able to see the game from this lens as a player, that would have been awesome.’

“The lion’s share of what you do in coaching is you watch film. You prepare because you’ve got to prepare the guys. Whereas a player, especially as a line-of-scrimmage player, we’re concerned about the guy you were going against instead of the scheme. But now, as the coach, you have to be really on it with the scheme. So that’s been cool to develop in that way.”

Kerrigan says his strengths as a coach are being detail-oriented and relatable, and he’s tried to stay empathetic to the needs of players. He admits it was “interesting” when he first started coaching because he was leading players that he’d just been on the field with each week and had to shift to giving official direction and acting as an authority figure.

“I think it was actually a blessing for me because they knew that when I’m telling them something, it’s coming from a good place. It’s coming from a place of, ‘Hey, this is how I think it’s going to help you perform your best and do the best for the team,’” Kerrigan says. “I think having that relationship and not being too far removed from it has helped.”

Kerrigan is 15 years removed from Purdue, and it doesn’t always feel like it.

He was stoked to return to campus for the season opener in 2025 as honorary captain, not just to soak up the college atmosphere in Ross-Ade again, but especially to introduce his kids to a place he considers special.

The feeling is mutual.

Kerrigan isn’t just one of the best defensive players to ever play for Purdue.The way he went about the game also endeared him to so many. He was relentless in his preparation, in the weight room, film study and on the practice field, and reckless in the best way on game days because of it.

Not that he’d want to talk much about any of that individual success. Then and now, Kerrigan is still humble at his core, borne from how his parents raised him and his siblings in Muncie, Indiana.

“Be humble, but be confident. You don’t have to be a jerk about it,” he says. “I think, too, playing a game like football, you get humbled quite a bit. You can be really good at times, but there are going to be other times when you’re going to come across a guy who is going to make you feel a little inferior. So it’s like you can’t sit there and puff your chest when things are going well because you could turn around the next week and be feeling not so good about yourself.

“That’s how I approached it. I never wanted to be a guy who was braggadocios in any way. I just wanted to go out and do my job and make plays.”

No wonder Kerrigan was, and is, so beloved by the fan base.

Alongside Drew Brees, Kerrigan is an unquestioned face of Purdue football. And he has happily embraced the role.

“I love it,” he says. “A lot of the people in the league know me as that, ‘You’re the Purdue guy.’ I’m like, ‘Hell, yeah, that’s me.’ I wear my Old Gold and Black stuff around here all the time. I get excited when I’m driving down the road and I see someone with a Purdue license plate (frame) or a decal on their car. I’m like, ‘Oh, cool, one of me.’ I definitely take a lot of pride in that.”

Seeking influence, deflecting praise

Blough always knew he’d be here.

Well, maybe not here — in the NFL — exactly. But coaching, no doubt.

How could he not, considering most of the important men in his life have been coaches? Coaching is an “honorable line of work,” Blough says. More than a career, it’s a calling, in a way. A privilege to walk alongside boys, young men or grown men, depending on the level. An opportunity to teach, to shepherd, to influence, to support.

All traits that are, well, Blough.

At Purdue, maybe more than anything, he was known as a leader, someone willing to serve others while also setting an example and expectation for work, toughness and competitiveness to envious and, at times, ridiculous levels (ping-pong bragging rights?).

All very Boilermaker-by-definition qualities that spearheaded a shift for the football program, as the 2018 season— Blough’s senior season and coach Jeff Brohm’s second at Purdue — produced three victories against ranked opponents.

“That was most memorable,” Blough says, “helping kind of launch it into the years Aidan O’Connell got to lead and take them to a Big Ten championship (game). So we got to set the foundation for what Coach Brohm was doing there.”

Even then, when Blough’s character and tenacity were on full display, his talent showed, too. Blough holds the record for most passing yards in a game (572) and ranks No. 3 in Purdue history in completions, passing touchdowns and starts, and No. 4 in passing yards. (After Blough is reminded of that impressive list, he’s quick to point out he was 13-23 as a starter and had “a lot” of interceptions, because of course he would.)

His football mind was sharp then, pulling from every quarterback coach and play caller in his midst, from John Shoop to Tim Lester to Brian Brohm to Jeff Brohm. In the NFL, he backed up elite-level quarterback talents in Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff, Kirk Cousins and Kyler Murray. He worked under innovative offensive minds in Kliff Kingsbury, Ben Johnson and Kevin O’Connell.

Soaking up every bit he could along the way, taking notes both mental and physical, Blough has been able to form his own style. He loves being the one creating the content now, not just consuming it as players do. It’s one of his strengths as a coach, artistically expressing new ideas, plays and concepts and presenting those in a variety of ways to best equip Washington phenom Jayden Daniels — the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year — and the quarterbacks in the room as assistant QB coach.

“I’ve fallen in love with the greatest chess match, which is the highest level in the NFL,” Blough says. “I think experience is such a great teacher. … I’ve gotten to learn how they see the game, and I think what’s fun is putting that puzzle together for where we’re at now and what to share at the right time that may help you beat the (opponent) we’re playing this Sunday. I’ve been able to add tools at every step of the way, just observing.”

That curious, innovative mind has wowed the NFL. So much so, the 30-year-old is already in high demand.

Three NFL teams wanted to interview Blough last offseason for coaching openings, and the Commanders blocked them all. Kingsbury, who called Blough “one of the brightest quarterbacks I’ve ever been around,” told reporters last season that Blough has “a chance to move up really quickly in this profession.”

In typical Blough fashion, he deflects the praise.

“I really am fortunate to have been around a lot of people who are having success and that my path happened to cross with them. I don’t think it’s by coincidence,” says Blough, a subtle reference to his deep faith. “I am very thankful for (Commanders head coach) Dan Quinn and the opportunity that I’ve had to start here and learn under him and his intentional development for me. So that if there’s another position, whether it’s here or somewhere else along the way, I’ll know he made sure I never really missed a step.”

Blough would love to continue to move up the coaching ranks and ultimately become a head coach — “one day after seeing a lot of other responsibilities.” He says that could be at “my local high school” in Texas or in the NFL.

That kind of aspiration isn’t motivated by fame or money.

That’s not Blough.

“First and foremost, I would love to make an impact on people,” he says. “That’s what I’ve learned, as technology is entering the space, as everybody is running different schemes, the thing that is going to remain is the human element. I want to make an impact on people.”

Blough’s already doing that, Kerrigan says.

“He’s loved in the building,” Kerrigan says, “does a great job, has a really good way with the guys.”

The same goes for the older of the iconic Boilermaker pair.

“Ryan’s looking out for me because he’s been in Washington longer than I have. He’s a resource I’m able to pull from, and that’s probably more of who he is than the situation we’re in,” Blough says. “I didn’t get to know him much when I was at Purdue, other than shaking his hand a bit. And now, I’m really glad that our paths have crossed.”

Written by Stacy Clardie, who covered Kerrigan and Blough for the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette and GoldandBlack.com during their Purdue careers. She is now the lead marketing and communications strategist, undergraduate education, College of Engineering, Purdue University.

The Zou sisters initiated endless opportunities by learning to twirl

Good things take time — or a lot of ambition.  

Sisters Sara and Chellie Zou learned to twirl at age 17 to audition for roles as Purdue’s Silver Twins. Neither had ever picked up a baton but committed to an intense training regimen and a shared belief that they could make it happen. 

“Our strengths were perfect for it,” Chellie says. “We knew how to work together.” 

This chance to join the “All-American” Marching Band would open doors to unforgettable experiences and valuable connections.  

Becoming experts with batons in just a few short months, they secured their spots on the team of feature twirlers. Their college years consisted of prestigious performances and introductions to the people and places that would go on to shape their careers.  

“The friendships we formed during our time as the Silver Twins intertwine with all of our milestones — from career highlights to graduate degrees to long-distance moves,” Sara says.  

“Purdue has been so much more than only a place to us,” Chellie says. “It’s been a launchpad, a community and a lifelong network.”

Becoming part of a Purdue tradition  

Silver Twins have been a key part of the “All-American” Marching Band for decades. In 1960 identical twins Sharon and Karon Roeske auditioned to be performers. Then-director Al G. Wright is reported saying, “The chance of finding twins who are twirlers are a million to one, so I named them the ‘Silver Twins’ and put them on the field.” 

Since the Roeske sisters first performed, the tradition has evolved with every school year. Not all of the Silver Twins have actually been twins — there have been plenty of cases of two talented performers meeting for the first time at auditions.  

What never changes? An unparalleled level of excellence. The ability to perform in perfect synch is no simple feat, and most women who take on the role are recognized for their abilities on a national level, holding titles from countrywide competitions.  

Most have trained for years, but not all. The Zou sisters only picked up batons after learning about the possibility of becoming the university’s Silver Twins. A chance encounter between two family friends during the Zous’ birthday party sparked the idea.  

Their high school band director, Max Jones, sat at a table with one of their mother’s friends who came from a Purdue family. Jones was preparing to join Purdue as an assistant director for the “All-American” Marching Band. He learned more about the Silver Twins and relayed the information.  

Sara and Chellie didn’t know a lot about twirling, but they weren’t without a solid foundation for competing — they had been dancing since age 3, and Jones recognized their talents in the color guard.  

Committing to intense training with the goal of securing the spot, their hard work paid off and they became the Silver Twins in 2008.

Performing on campus and around the world 

At Purdue, Sara and Chellie leaned into their responsibilities as the Silver Twins and their knack for getting involved. Not only were they working toward their goals — they were also meeting other spirited Boilermakers who would go on to become lifelong connections.  

Other Purdue feature twirlers have been constant sources of support, even attending each other’s recent weddings. Golden Girl MerrieBeth (Cox) Carlson and Girl-in-Black Meg (Merdian) Stumpf have been their close friends since performing brought all of them together.  

Traveling with the “All-American” Marching Band gave them some of their most formative experiences. They were in New York to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Flying to Beijing, they were able to perform on the Great Wall of China while also seeing special audience members: their grandparents.  

“We visited our grandparents with our family every year and lived there for a year when we were 10 years old,” Chellie says. “But they had never seen us twirl until our performance with the band. It was really special.”  

As Boilermakers, they met alumni from all corners of the globe, including Neil Armstrong and Drew Brees. Attending events and representing the university helped them develop strong leadership and communication skills.  

They prioritized helping in any way they could within the College of Liberal Arts. Sara majored in political science and minored in Chinese and communication. Chellie majored in communication and minored in Chinese and psychology. They hosted the naming event for the Brian Lamb School of Communication before working for Purdue alum Lamb at C-SPAN, the public affairs TV network he founded in Washington, D.C.

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Setting the stage for success 

Everywhere the Zou sisters go, they meet Purdue alumni. Their decision to stay actively involved with the university only felt natural. “No matter where we are, there’s a band alum we can reach out to,” Sara says.  

In their jobs at C-SPAN after graduation, they were able to use connections they had made as students. They joined the Purdue alumni club in D.C., as well as where their next move took them — Boston, to attend graduate school at Harvard.  

After earning their master’s degrees in marketing management in 2018, Purdue connections brought them to Chicago. Chellie works as the senior manager of transformation at McDonald’s and is the president of the Purdue Alumni Club of Chicago. Sara works as the senior manager of community and market impact at United Airlines and recently finished her term as vice president of the Alumni Club. They are both members of the Purdue Libraries Dean’s Advisory Council.  

“We can get back to Purdue much easier now that we’re in Chicago,” Sara says. “We’re close to our family.” 

They make it a point to visit West Lafayette for two football games a season, plus a basketball game and spring visit. Being on campus is a reminder of all they’ve worked toward.  

“We’re grateful for the opportunities Purdue provided and the incredible people we met along the way,” Chellie says.

The alumni converted this 1996 Ford E-350 and have enjoyed over a decade of football games with it

What’s the best way to tow along everything you’ll need for a tailgate? Alumni Mark Rudicel and Adam Sheller have everything from a pull-out grill to an LED TV in their converted ambulance. When they started looking for the ultimate tailgate machine, they searched for bread trucks, fire trucks — anything out of the ordinary.

The ambulance has been the perfect choice. Along with using its many compartments, they enjoy the bonus of testing out lights and sirens. They designed a custom wrap that includes the lyrics to “Hail Purdue” plus a large depiction of The Boilermaker statue on the back.

As season ticket holders, Rudicel and Sheller are at most games with their families and friends. Raising an eye-catching flag off the corner of their rig makes it even easier to find in the tailgate lots.

Robert Cohen is one year out of college and running sound for ‘The Book of Mormon’

What’s it like to hit your career goals right after graduating? Robert Cohen is one of the rare people who knows that feeling. 

Cohen earned his degree in sound for the performing arts last year and immediately took on technical roles with touring productions like Disney On Ice and “The Book of Mormon.” 

When the Broadway tour for “The Book of Mormon” stops at Elliott Hall of Music on Oct. 2, Cohen will feel right at home. Here the College of Liberal Arts alum shares how his experiences at Purdue helped him find success in the field he loves.

Q: What inspired you to pursue theater? 

A: While I’ve never performed, I got involved in the technical side of theater in high school. It caught my attention because of how much freedom I could have learning. It was a space where I could explore and experiment, where I could try, fail and grow. Once something piques my interest, I want to understand as much of it as I can.

Q: What about college surprised you? 

A: There is an abundance of activities at Purdue. Campus has a club for everything under the sun. You don’t grasp the scale of it until you’re juggling an entirely full schedule and have to figure out when you’re going to eat lunch — that definitely happened a few times.  

The unexpected part is how small the campus felt. No matter where I went, I was met with familiar faces. Being a part of so many organizations made for a tight-knit community.  

Some friends and I started a club — Live Events and Productions (LEAP) — by sort of stumbling into it. Throughout my time working at Hall of Music Productions when I was a student, I had the chance to work on various Broadway tours, concerts and sporting events.  

However, the number of people needed for these roles was limited, so not everyone could participate in these exciting opportunities. Recognizing this, the summer before my senior year, my friends and I had several calls and began planning a club to connect other students with hands-on technical experience. This has grown to become LEAP and has been hosting trainings, concerts and other opportunities for anyone interested since then.

Q: What advice would you give a freshman just starting to earn their degree?

A: It’s no surprise that the biggest takeaway is to get involved. There’s so much to do, and you should go in head first. Fill your plate. I feel like I became more well-rounded because of the different skills I learned and connections I created.  

In the theater industry, things move quickly. You have to be ready to pick things up — new opportunities, new roles, new technology. Being able to adapt is huge. Learning new skills in college helps me with my life now, from working on a new soundboard to fixing gear under pressure.  

Being able to step into different environments and do your best is important. I get to travel the country now, seeing different cities and working with local crews. Every crew requires a different approach to coordinating.  

Traveling has been such a rewarding part of the job. During the Disney On Ice tour, we were in New Mexico and got to see the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. A few company members and I woke up at 3 a.m., drove from Sante Fe and saw the hot air balloons launched.  

We stood in the field and got to watch hundreds take off. Then we went back to Sante Fe and did three shows that day. Balancing the hard work with making the most of my free time has been worth it.

My experiences at Purdue led to this.

Robert Cohen

BA sound for the performing arts ’24

Q: When was your last “pinch me” moment? 

A: In between Disney On Ice and “The Book of Mormon,” I had the chance to work as monitor engineer for “Riverdance,” the Irish step dancing show. They needed someone to cover for about two weeks.  

I started with them at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. Growing up, I would watch shows in that very theater. So when I walked out into the house of the theater before the show, it hit me. I’m living my dream already.  

I’m making a living doing what I love. When “The Book of Mormon” is at Purdue, it’ll be another one of those full-circle moments. Working shows in the venues I know so well as an audience member is surreal.

Q: What are you most excited for next?

A: When I was a senior in college, I sat down with a few of my mentors and professors and made a five-year plan. I’m a year out of college, and I’ve already hit it. I’m thrilled to be where I am.  

I love my work and getting to travel the country. After this tour, I’ll do whatever comes my way. There’s still so much to learn in the theater world and room to grow. It’d be cool to try the concert industry. It’s a whole different ballgame as far as technical skills and demands are concerned, but I’m eager to dive in.  

My experiences at Purdue led to this. Classes and clubs set me up for success, but the connections made the biggest difference. I’m glad that I could get involved in this industry so early and start building my career while I was in college.

Purdue volleyball coach Dave Shondell didn’t have a moment to waste.

In the brave new world of college athletics, student-athletes are more mobile than they have ever been. And immediately following the 2024 season and another NCAA Regional appearance, Shondell had to replace four players who had entered the transfer portal.

And he only had about 72 hours to do it. Six-foot-four middle blocker Lindsey Miller, who had played previously at USC and Notre Dame, was already committed as a grad transfer. Still, Shondell knew he needed some additional help on the front line, and in a hurry.

“I got busy and watched a lot of tape of players that I was familiar with, that I thought could play at this level,” says Shondell, who is in his 23rd season at Purdue and will record his 500th victory this season as the program’s all-time winningest coach.

So far, so good when evaluating the Boilermakers’ performance to date. Purdue has thus far proved naysayers with low expectations wrong, entering Big Ten play ranked 10th in the nation with wins over two top-15 teams: No. 15 Kansas and No. 10 SMU.

“We are playing well as a unit,” says Shondell, who has had led Purdue to an NCAA tournament appearance in 19 of his 22 years at the helm, including four trips to the regional finals.

Joining Miller in the five-player transfer class were a pair of 6-3 outside hitters, Akasha Anderson and Nataly Moravec, and another middle blocker, 6-1 junior Dior Charles. Anderson spent two years at Auburn before playing for Michigan State in 2024. Moravec had been at BYU and Iowa, and Charles at Wake Forest. The fifth addition was Bianka Lulić, also a 6-5 middle blocker, who had played previously at Miami (Florida).

“The good news is that the five that I talked to, and the five that I thought at the time that were still available, were the best fits for Purdue,” Shondell says. “We had to adjust and adjust quickly, but I credit my staff and returning players for keeping me focused, and for those kids for wanting to be at Purdue.”

In fact, Anderson, Lulić and Moravec never made an official — or unofficial — visit before making their decision, although Anderson had the familiarity all Big Ten opponents have with Purdue. At Michigan State, the outside hitter had experienced firsthand the “welcoming” atmosphere that was Holloway Gymnasium, Purdue’s home venue.

While the time accounts vary to when Anderson and Shondell connected — Anderson says it was five minutes after she entered the portal, while Shondell says it was about an hour — it doesn’t matter. By the next day, Anderson was committed.

Charles also chose Purdue without any previous knowledge of the university’s program, let alone the university itself. She, however, made a quick study of Shondell’s success and was eager to make the jump.

“I had never heard of Purdue before I entered the transfer portal,” says Charles, who is enrolled in the Mitch Daniels School of Business. “I did a lot of research and loved the legacy of Dave and his program. I am from (Los Angeles), so going to Indiana scared me a little bit, and meeting all those returning teammates and the standard set by the program was a little intimidating. However, it didn’t take long for everyone to make me feel at ease.”

And like the others, Charles was also impressed by the resources allocated to the program, especially the new Gelov Family Purdue Athlete Dining facility. “It’s my favorite building on campus,” says Charles with a laugh. “Everything here, from the academic support to the coaching staff, is welcoming.

“I never would have thought that schools of this level would even notice me. And so that little doubt that I had in myself, it’s just good to see it washed away now that I am at Purdue.”

And make no mistake, academics is a key piece of the puzzle. The five transfers entered the West Lafayette campus wanting to graduate or further their education. It was a priority for each, but also a challenge getting the academic credits aligned and moving in the right direction.

One of Anderson’s first questions to Shondell on that prompt, fateful phone call was whether she would be able to graduate on time. She plans to go pro in January, and she wants to be in position to get her degree in political science while pursuing a pro career.

“I found out quickly how nice it is to be at Purdue, where academics are taken so seriously,” says Anderson, or “Kash” as she is nicknamed. “My professors are very much bought into helping it all work for me.”

But she also noted a more “chill” attitude around the program — a word not often used when describing Shondell’s intense coaching nature.

“I was part of an intense top-25 program for two years (at Auburn), and when you think of a top-15 program like Purdue, you think it is hardcore,” says Anderson, who admits she ranks high on the intensity scale on the court. “While expectations at Purdue are sky high, and we want to go to the Final Four, it was refreshing to find that people are more laid back here and have a good time. I’ve discovered it is about balance and the experience of building relationships at Purdue as much as it is about winning.”

Meanwhile, Moravec’s journey to Purdue took many turns and a lot of patience and faith. She began her career at BYU and transferred to Iowa, where she was a regular in 2023. Yet she yearned for a more competitive program, and with an eye on the transfer portal, Moravec did not return to Iowa for her redshirt sophomore season. Instead, she made the trek to China — where she had connections, in large part because her mother is originally from there — and trained, while also taking online classes so she didn’t lose a year of eligibility.

Coming here (to Purdue) is the happiest I’ve ever been. These girls are amazing.

Nataly Moravec Redshirt sophomore outside hitter

In fact, after entering the portal last year, she had emailed Shondell expressing interest in the program, and as fate would have it, the Purdue coach remembered her email when room became available and connected with Moravec.

It was an experience that still evokes emotion for her.

“I have had a lot of challenges and difficulties in my college experience,” says Moravec, who chose economics as her academic path. “It has not been smooth.

“Yet coming here (to Purdue) is the happiest I’ve ever been. These girls are amazing. We have gotten to know each other really well, especially during the off-season, and they really just welcomed us with open arms. The returning players have taught us how to navigate the systems. The coaches embraced us, and I think that it’s been so special to be a part of that.”

Shondell believes, in time, things will settle down with the transfer portal, revenue sharing and NIL. Some form of normalcy is just around the corner. Yet, the experience has opened a new chapter for him as a coach.

And despite building a program known for player development and remarkable roster stability, Purdue hasn’t missed a beat. The self-proclaimed “old ball coach” has proven he can recruit talent wherever and whenever that may be.

“I plan to be around here for a while,” Shondell says. “There have been rough times, but I really love our team, and am so happy about how well our transfers have not only played, but have become part of the fabric of our program.

“We are fortunate at Purdue.”

Written by Alan Karpick, publisher of GoldandBlack.com

Elizabeth Saunders connected with her roots while getting involved at the Tumaini Innovation Center and staying with relatives

Halfway around the world, Elizabeth Saunders felt at home. 

Even though she had never been to Kenya before her research abroad program, the Purdue construction engineering student found a room full of new people comforting. 

During one of the first meetings for her research project, everyone at the table was talking about the curriculum — at the same time. The communication style wasn’t what’s standard in the U.S. It was like being at her family’s Thanksgiving table.  

For the last five days Saunders was in Kenya, she sat with her actual family. They were the dozens of people her mother had left when she immigrated to the U.S. decades ago. 

It was Saunders’ first time meeting them face-to-face. The instant security she felt is almost impossible to describe.  

“It all felt familiar,” she says. “I grew up around a lot of Kenyan women — my mom, my grandma, my aunt — and it felt like I was with them.” 

Researching abroad 

Kenya was Saunders’ second time overseas. She first heard about studying abroad from an advisor, Brandon Fulk, and went to New Zealand for the spring semester of her junior year.  

“I love to challenge myself and try new things just for the sake of having more experiences,” says Saunders, who grew up in Greenwood, Indiana. “I’d never traveled that far before and definitely wanted to do it again.” 

Saunders doesn’t hesitate to credit faculty and staff for sharing all sorts of opportunities. She was working at the Office of Future Engineers when her manager, Lindsay Elias, let her know about the six-week summer research opening in Kenya. The National Science Foundation-funded program was led by Purdue’s Jennifer DeBoer and Kirsten Davis along with San Franciso State University’s Stephanie Claussen with support from the School of Engineering Education and Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships. 

The research project took place at the Tumaini Innovation Center, where she worked with an engineering education team to support the teachers in improving their vocational school. They were able to optimize programs by interviewing students, teachers and employers about their goals.  

Interviews at the center were only the start of Saunders’ conversations in Kenya. After her mother helped coordinate plans over the phone with relatives, she was set to meet some of them in Eldoret (where the center is located) and stay with dozens in Nairobi.  

Meeting family 

Anyone who has tried to learn a new language knows how difficult it can be. Where most would hesitate, Saunders dove in — she had to learn Swahili to communicate with her family.   

An American cousin taking Swahili courses gave her tips. For four months, they’d touch base about once a week to go over common terms. When she arrived in Kenya, she told her research team she was trying to learn the language. Some of the teachers then spoke exclusively in Swahili to introduce her to as many words as possible. She also met with a Swahili teacher to round out the informal crash course.   

While those in Eldoret and younger cousins were fluent in English, most of the older generation only spoke Swahili. One aunt was limited in Swahili but used Kikuyu, a Bantu language found mainly in the central region of Kenya. Talking with that aunt was like playing a game of telephone with another relative translating for them.  

“It took five minutes to figure out ‘Would you like any tea?’” she says. “We made it work. It was part of being immersed in their lives.” 

They spent the majority of the time telling stories about relatives she knew, relatives she didn’t. Her family history became both clearer and more intricate than ever.  

“Everyone spoke so highly of my great-grandmother, and it made me miss her even though we never met,” she says.  

The ancestral connection ran deep. She happened to arrive in Nairobi on the anniversary of her great-grandmother’s death. And out of every seat in the house, she happened to favor the one right next to where her great-grandmother always sat.  

Having to leave was more difficult than she could have expected. In a way, it was going away from one home to return to another, and it gave new meaning to what a safe haven is.  

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Seeing what’s next 

It won’t be the last time Saunders sees her family. She’s already looking forward to the next visit. Now that she’s opened the door, her mom and siblings are also making travel plans.  

The next time she’s there, she’ll have graduated — she’s set to receive her degree in December 2025 and head into the construction engineering industry.  

She’s looking at specialized construction and how buildings can best serve community needs, from hospitals and government buildings to museums and shared spaces. She’s also interested in construction projects for developing countries, where humanitarian initiatives like water collection systems make a big impact. Above all, she wants to make people’s lives better.  

“An alum gave advice that you’re not doing anything if you’re not helping others,” she says. “I know the opportunities are out there for me.” 

An alum gave advice that you’re not doing anything if you’re not helping others.

Elizabeth SaunderS

Senior in construction engineering