Daniels recognizes Kasi Jones with One Brick Higher Award

STAR and BGR are staples of the Purdue freshman experience, and Kasi Jones, director of orientation programs, has spent the last decade making sure these two programs get new Boilermakers off to a good start.

In recognition of her enormous contributions to these and other student success initiatives, President Mitch Daniels has honored Kasi Jones with the One Brick Higher Award.

The One Brick Higher Award is a special recognition given to Purdue faculty, staff and students who go beyond the requirements of their role and through extraordinary effort improve the lives of those around them, increase the effectiveness of the workplace or prevent or solve problems.

STAR -- Summer Transition, Advising and Registration -- is an event for incoming new undergraduate students to meet their advisors, request their first semester’s courses and become familiar with Purdue’s campus. BGR -- Boiler Gold Rush -- is a weeklong orientation for new undergraduate students that takes place the week before classes start. During BGR, students learn about Purdue’s traditions and campus culture and begin to form lasting relationships with their peers.

“STAR and BGR are formative experiences for Boilermakers. I hear time and again from students how important and enjoyable these programs are in their time at Purdue. Kasi has made a positive impact in the lives of literally tens of thousands of Boilermakers, and we can’t thank her enough for her dedication,” Daniels said.

More than 7,000 freshmen are expected to take part in STAR and BGR this summer. 

“Kasi has been instrumental in building up both of these programs over the past 10 years. Neither program would be what it is today without her creativity and passion for our students,” said Dan Carpenter, executive director in Student Success Programs, which includes the student orientation programs.