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Boilermakers taking small steps and giant leaps around the world. 

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article | Education

A Day in the Life of a Starship Robot

It’s a chilly Indiana morning on the Purdue campus, but we woke up early for a busy day ahead. I feel fully charged and look at my 63 siblings as we all gradually come to life.  We receive our first…

article | Education

Vice Provost Gates aims to transform campus culture

Diversity and inclusion in higher education are complex issues, and their successful advancement is often measured in small steps rather than giant leaps. The task of addressing these crucial issues at Purdue University rests with John Gates, who joined Purdue…

article | Experience

Tony Zamora: Purdue’s Renaissance man for 5 decades

Widely described as a friend, a mentor, a legend and an icon, Zamora served as director of the Black Cultural Center from 1973 to 1995 and retired as BCC director emeritus. A determined driver and advocate of cultural and diversity…

article | Education

Zenephia Evans keeps the heart of Purdue pumping

It is hard to hear Zenephia Evans speak without becoming caught up in her motivating, positive energy. Proactive and innovative, Evans is always thinking about how she can improve the lives of those around her, and she shares that energy…

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Derek Fordjour

The BOILERMAKER, by artist Derek Fordjour, was given to the Purdue Black Alumni Organization (PBAO) on October 2, 2009, Homecoming Weekend, after the premier of the film Black Purdue directed by Fordjour and Jamar White. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of…

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Assata Gilmore

No fewer than five of Assata Gilmore’s family members attended Purdue University before her, so there were certainly big footprints to be filled. Needless to say, Gilmore filled them — and more.

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David Robert Lewis

Since its founding in 1887, Purdue University’s School of Civil Engineering has been dedicated to the advancement of society – through not only research and implementation, but cultural progressiveness as well. One of the School’s first significant cultural achievements came…

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Nichole Wilson

For Nichole Wilson, the goal was always to be among the leaders in healthcare. The exact path, however, was not always so clear. “I’ve always had leadership in my DNA, and I reached a point where I wanted to take the next step in my…

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Helen Bass Williams

Helen Bass Williams (1916–1991) was a significant figure in the Civil Rights movement before coming to Purdue in 1968 as an instructor in French and a counselor in the School of Humanities, Social Science, and Education (HSSE). Born and raised…

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Purdue University Black Alumni Authors

We recognize the following Black authors, all alumni of Purdue University, and their contributions to literature. Their powerful use of language is changing the world.

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Cornell Bell

Dr. Cornell A. Bell distinguished himself in education with his personal involvement and dedication in helping provide opportunities to hundreds of students through the Business Opportunity Program. He was the director of the program for 37 years until his retirement…

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Kassandra Agee Chandler

Kassandra “Katie” Agee Chandler (M’80) was born to a blue-collar family from Gary, Indiana. She originally aspired to attend an out of state college following high school graduation. This plan was disrupted when she was contacted by Cornell Bell (PhD…