Record number of Purdue Global graduates celebrate their accomplishments at October commencement

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Emily Lewis’ educational path has been defined by transformation.

At 33 years old, Lewis faced a life-altering cancer diagnosis that shaped what not only the next few years of her life might look like, but the rest of her life. Faced with the challenge of what steps to take next, Lewis decided to push forward.

“When I looked deep within myself, I decided that I could use this adversity as fuel to return to my education,” Lewis said. “I chose Purdue Global’s nutrition program because I wanted to transform a difficult time in my life where my own health was being challenged and use it as a platform to educate those within my community about ways to live healthier.”

Lewis, who served as Purdue Global’s October 2024 Commencement speaker, shared her story of transformation to encourage and challenge her fellow graduates to consider their personal transformations in their journeys.

“I think it is safe to say that every graduate here today feels that, over the course of their educational journey, they have experienced transformation,” Lewis said. “Those of you walking the stage are a different version of yourselves today than the day you signed up for school. And I am so proud of all of you for persisting tirelessly toward your academic goals.”

Lewis inspired the record number of graduates on Oct. 5 at Purdue’s campus in West Lafayette. Purdue Global celebrated the accomplishments of more than 2,200 graduates among three in-person and two virtual ceremonies. More than 10,000 guests, faculty and staff attended the in-person commencements at Elliott Hall of Music.

The graduates represented 26 countries and 49 states, including 390 residents from Indiana, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. There were 359 graduates affiliated with the military. Thirty-four systemwide Purdue University employees earned a Purdue Global degree or certificate via the Purdue Global education benefit.

Purdue Global is also the preferred online university and degree provider of the Guild and Team USA Learning Network and has been enrolling eligible members of Team USA in various degree programs.

Purdue Global Chancellor Frank Dooley addressed the graduates, reminding them that much like the recent Team USA athletes competing in the Olympics and Paralympics, their hard work and perseverance is key to helping them complete their comeback journeys through life’s adversities and challenges.

“There are qualities that each of us holds that have brought us together today,” Dooley said. “Drive. Determination. Dedication. I name a few to draw similarities our graduates have with the Team USA athletes we saw competing in Paris this summer. Like these athletes, you focused on your goal and didn’t stop until you achieved it. Take pride in reaching your finish line and turning your dream to reality.”

Ickebor Lorena Martinez of Miami; Ebony Collier of Chicago; and Carson Sowers of Lexington, Virginia, each performed the national anthem during one of the ceremonies. Martinez earned her Bachelor of Science in health care administration. Collier received her Master of Science in human services. Sowers received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration.

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults, with more than 36,000 students enrolled and an estimated 11,000 degrees and certificates awarded yearly.

The next Purdue Global commencement is scheduled for May 3, 2025, in West Lafayette.

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.