Indianapolis community stakeholders tour West Lafayette cultural and infrastructure landmarks

In partnership with the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, Administrative Operations recently welcomed staff from Indianapolis to West Lafayette. This visit gave stakeholders the opportunity to experience West Lafayette firsthand.

Attendees began their day with a guided walking tour highlighting the contributions of Black Boilermakers while also offering insights into the cultural history, diversity and importance of the Black experience at Purdue.

Key stops on the tour included the Class of 1950 Lecture Hall, the Diversity Tree, the Parker residence halls and the Black Cultural Center.

“The tour showcased how Purdue has masterfully memorialized the contributions of African Americans at Purdue,” said Renee Thomas, associate vice provost for the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. “As our physical footprint in Indianapolis evolves, it is a priority to create spaces for cultural remembrances of the legacy of Indiana Ave.”

The second half of the tour included remarks by John Gates, vice provost for the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, and Michael B. Cline, senior vice president for Administrative Operations, and highlighted the physical campus environment showcasing how the university’s campus master plan is executed through initiatives and infrastructure around campus. Recent renovations in the Purdue Memorial Union and Stewart Center were highlighted, along with the Wilmeth Active Learning Center and the newest campus gateway at the northwest corner of the Mitch Daniels Boulevard and Grant Street intersection. These stops provided the Indianapolis stakeholders with a look into how Purdue has transformed spaces to provide top-of-the-line facilities for students, faculty and staff.

“Purdue’s expansion in Indianapolis is an exciting and transformational leap. The opportunity to share segments of our Purdue University history as well as the built environment with our neighbors along the Indiana Avenue historical corridor is priceless,” said Evan Hawkins, senior director for Administrative Operations, Purdue University in Indianapolis. “The walking tour showcased our commitment to honoring the contributions of Black Boilermakers as well as the state-of-the-art academic labs and infrastructure, setting a strong foundation for replicating these efforts at our Indianapolis extension.” 

The visit offered a comprehensive view of how staff in West Lafayette operate and manage infrastructure and actively support cultural and intellectual diversity. These insights will be invaluable as the Indianapolis campus continues to grow and develop. By fostering a similar environment of excellence, inclusivity and robust infrastructure, the Indianapolis extension aims to mirror the flagship campus’ commitment to providing an enriching and supportive atmosphere for all members of the university community.

Administrative Operations supports the university through safe, reliable and transformative services. Enhancing campus through various initiatives and infrastructure to enrich the experiences of students, faculty and staff is just one way the organization continues to power Purdue.