Speeches
Purdue president urges graduates to look back with pride, ahead with passion – May 11, 2012
Purdue University President France A. Córdova on Friday (May 11) encouraged graduates to reflect on their many accomplishments and the fun they had in making a difference - and to eagerly look ahead. More
State of the University address – March 27, 2012
Purdue President France A. Córdova presented her final State of University address in South Ballroom of the Purdue Memorial Union. More
President France Córdova visits Colombia - March 19, 2012
Purdue is forging ties with universities and government agencies in Colombia to expand research opportunities and broaden the university’s global impact. President Córdova spoke at several events during an official visit to Colombia in March. More
President tells graduates Purdue experience positions them to pursue passions - December 18, 2011
Purdue President France A. Córdova on Sunday (Dec. 18) encouraged the university's newest graduates to be bold and pursue their passions. Córdova offered congratulations - and diplomas - to about 2,600 graduates during commencement ceremonies in Purdue's Elliott Hall of Music. More
Three Steps toward the Next Giant Leap - September 9, 2011
Purdue President France A. Córdova presented the keynote address at "Space City 2020", a day-long workshop that was part of the Rice University NASAversary where representatives of business, government and academia met to discuss strategies for remaining at the forefront of space exploration. More
Remarks to the State Budget Committee - September 8, 2011
Today, I want to talk to you about where we are in terms of our current tuition and budget, and our plans for the future. Purdue is committed to offering a high-quality education. This state needs a university that is attractive to the best and brightest students. More
Purdue president tells grads they have the skills to move the world forward
Purdue President France A. Córdova on Saturday (Aug. 6) told more than 1,400 graduates that their time at the university has provided them with a unique set of skills, memories and learning experiences that enable them to make their mark on the world. More
The full text of President France A. Córdova's speech
Gaga and Negishi? Purdue President's speech takes grads from concert halls to Nobel prize
Purdue President France A. Córdova on Friday (May 13) urged new graduates to use what they've learned during their "Purdue experience" in whatever they do in life.
Córdova addressed candidates during commencement ceremonies at the Elliott Hall of Music. More than 6,600 students were candidates to receive degrees in five weekend ceremonies at the West Lafayette campus. More
The full text of President France A. Córdova's speech
A photo gallery of the commencement ceremony
State of the University address - January 25, 2011
President France A. Córdova presented the annual State of University address in South Ballroom of the Purdue Memorial Union. More
State Ways and Means Committee - January 11, 2011
President France A. Córdova presented Purdue's budget request to the Indiana State Ways and Means Committee in Indianapolis. More
Purdue President to graduates: 'This class has done it all, and done it well'
Purdue President France A. Córdova on Sunday (Dec. 19) spoke of lasting memories that are part of the Purdue experience and encouraged new graduates to follow the examples of past and present successful Boilermakers. Córdova addressed more than 1,400 graduates during two commencement ceremonies in the Elliott Hall of Music. More
The full text of President France A. Córdova's speech
A photo gallery of the commencement ceremony
Board of Trustees - December 18, 2010
President France A. Córdova and Rab Mukerjea, executive director of strategic planning and assessment, presented the Strategic Plan Governance Report to trustees on Dec. 18. More
State Budget Committee - November 17, 2010
President France A. Córdova presented Purdue's legislative request to the Indiana State Budget Committee in Indianapolis. More
Board of Trustees - August 30, 2010
President France A. Córdova provided the Board of Trustees an overview of campus accomplishments during the board meeting on Aug. 30 in Indianapolis. More
President tells graduates they're joining a special group: Purdue alumni
President France A. Córdova on Saturday (Aug. 7) welcomed nearly 1,400 graduates into an exclusive club that includes men and women who have made their names known worldwide and those who are leaders on all levels of society. They are Purdue alumni. More
The full text of President France A. Córdova's speech
A photo gallery of the commencement ceremony
Córdova: 'Graduates, the spotlight shines on you now'
Ladies and gentlemen, the hall we sit in today was dedicated 70 years ago this month. On this historic stage, more than 385,000 graduates have received a Purdue diploma. This weekend, six thousand more from the Class of 2010 will join them. More
News release with video
Video of Córdova's commencement speech
World Food Prize winner shows, tells graduates that anything is possible
Gebisa Ejeta, Purdue Distinguished Professor of Agronomy and 2009 World Food Prize Laureate, made these comments Friday (May 14) during the commencement ceremony for graduates in the colleges of Agriculture; Consumer and Family Sciences; and Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Sciences. More
Video of Ejeta's commencement speech
State of the University 2010
Improved student retention, higher national rankings, record research funding, and a broad portfolio of student and faculty achievements point to a Purdue University "on the move," said President France A. Córdova on Tuesday (Feb. 23) in her annual State of the University address. More
Córdova to graduates: 'We can't wait to see what you accomplish'
Graduates, you've crossed the finish line. What a special day this is for the Boilermaker family: 1,318 baccalaureate degrees, 166 master's degrees, 158 PhDs, and 2 Doctor of Pharmacy degrees will be awarded today. You are graduating from one of the most distinguished universities in the country; no, make that, in the world! More