Category: Purdue Traditions

podcast | Experience

Podcast Ep. 117: ‘Joy of My Life’ — Celebrating Jay Gephart’s Purdue ‘All-American’ Marching Band Legacy 

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jay Gephart, the Al G. Wright Chair of Purdue Bands & Orchestras, conductor of Purdue Wind Ensemble and director of the “All-American” Marching Band.  The prestigious marching band is known...
Purdue Memorial Union

podcast | Experience

Podcast Ep. 116: Celebrating 100 Years of History at the Purdue Memorial Union

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Bob Mindrum, former director of the Purdue Memorial Union and author of “Purdue Memorial Union, The First 100 Years, 1924 to 2024.”  The Purdue Memorial Union — a longtime centerpiece...
Eric Jakubiak poses in the lockers he built to house his Purdue memorabilia collection.

article | Experience

A fan cave can go anywhere — even in a bathroom

Eric Jakubiak remodeled his basement bathroom in gold and black during a pandemic quarantine You wouldn’t necessarily look at the photo and understand its significance unless you were a Boilermaker — and even then, you’d need to be Eric Jakubiak...
Purdue alum Don Hunt and his bar built using a section of original flooring from Mackey Arena

article | Experience

Check out a Purdue fan cave where each piece has a memorable story

Don Hunt still has the ticket from his first Purdue game, among his extensive Boilermaker memorabilia collection.
Molly, Bill and Sam Walker share a special family bond in the Purdue Christmas Show

article | Experience

Celebrating 90 years of Christmas cheer

The Purdue Christmas Show tradition is full of cross-generational connections between family members
Darrell Smith, a Purdue maintenance technician and longtime caretaker of the Purdue Memorial Union Christmas tree

article | Experience

A special holiday tradition and a tribute to a beloved spouse

The Purdue Memorial Union Christmas tree is the centerpiece of one of the university’s most beloved traditions.

Purdue’s “Piano Man,” Bruce Barker.

podcast | Experience

Podcast Ep. 94: ‘Piano Man’ Bruce Barker on His Purdue Experience, Playing in Front of Millions and Retirement

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Purdue’s “Piano Man,” Bruce Barker. Despite growing up in Lafayette, Bruce didn’t see himself attending Purdue. He wasn’t the best student while in school, and he didn’t peg himself as...
A miniature replica of the university's over 2,600-acre campus.

article | Education

Campus history as seen within Purdue’s Campus Model

The Purdue Campus Model has been around since 1957, but not much is known about its beginnings. Learn about this hidden icon and how it is part of Purdue’s spirit.

Dave and Donna Beering

podcast | Education

Podcast Ep. 92: Dave and Donna Beering on Continuing Former Purdue President Dr. Steven Beering’s Legacy

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Dave and Donna Beering, proud alumni and son and daughter-in-law of Dr. Steven C. Beering, former Purdue president.   If you’re a Boilermaker, you’ve likely heard the name "Beering” or possibly...
Dave Cappelleri holding the Guinness World Records certificate.

article | Research

The world’s smallest drum

This microscopic version of the World’s Largest Drum is a Guinness World Record winner.
Eugene Cernan on the lunar surface during the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972.

article | Education

Eugene Cernan: Purdue astronaut, NASA pioneer

Eugene Cernan could make his otherworldly accomplishments seem accessible to the mortals who had never ventured beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.

video | Experience

Back Home Again: Purdue and the Indy 500 

Boilermakers have been integral to the Indianapolis 500 for more than 100 years — whether it’s engineers ensuring optimal vehicle performance, the “All-American” Marching Band playing “Back Home Again in Indiana” or students representing the University in the 500 Festival...