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A tradition of opportunity

University Hall on the Purdue University campus.

University Hall, foreground, is the only building remaining from the original six that stood when Purdue University first opened its doors in 1874. (Purdue University photo)

How Purdue’s founding mission guided its evolution and lives on today

Purdue University was created to serve – to serve the people of Indiana and beyond through research, teaching and engagement. It also serves its students through access to a world-class education. This legacy dates back to the passage of the Morrill Act in 1862, and it lives on today.

This series of stories will outline how Purdue has evolved through the years in accordance with its founding as a land-grant university. Learn about some of the key people and events that shaped Purdue’s evolution, building an internationally renowned university that will continue meeting challenges and serving its state and nation well into the future.

Learn about Purdue’s inspirational founding mission:

Purdue Polytechnic High School offers its students a unique pathway to acceptance at Purdue University.
Article

Purdue remains nimble and driven toward the future

Evolving alongside society is necessary for any land-grant institution that wishes to deliver upon its promise.
George Wodicka, right, led Purdue’s biomedical engineering program for 23 years before stepping down in 2021.
Article

Why Purdue is unique among land-grant institutions

Purdue distinguishes itself through its focus on collaborative, multidisciplinary research that is increasingly important to solving society’s most pressing issues.
Statue of John Purdue on the Purdue University campus.
Article

What is a land-grant university?

What makes Purdue and its 111 land-grant peers different from other colleges and universities?
Article

Purdue Global, PPHS carry on tradition that dates back to Purdue’s founding

As a land-grant university, Purdue exists to provide educational opportunity Nearly 45 years after she attended her first class on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus, Cynthia Walker Middleton finished what she started by completing an online degree in business administration …
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David Ching

After attending a journalism workshop at summer camp, David started a school paper in fourth grade. At the time, he covered school skits and kickball games but he eventually fulfilled his dream as a professional sportswriter covering college sports for ESPN. Now, he leverages his storytelling skills to share compelling narratives from across campus.

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