Newly launched philanthropic component to Back a Boiler already impacting Purdue students

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Pave the Way program, which launched this fall as a philanthropic component to complement Purdue’s Back a Boiler income share agreement initiative, has already impacted seven undergraduate students.

“Receiving funding from the new Pave the Way program allows me to keep pursuing my dreams toward the career I want,” said Amy Wroblewski, a senior studying management and strategy and organizational management from Lafayette, Indiana. “After graduation, I hope to pay it forward by donating to Purdue to help future Boilermakers pursue their career aspirations.”

In addition to Wroblewski, two other seniors and four juniors from the College of Engineering, Krannert School of Management, Purdue Polytechnic Institute and College of Science received funding this fall.

Students who apply to participate in Back a Boiler, which offers education funding in exchange for an agreed-upon percentage of post-graduation income over a set number of months, may also apply for available funding support from the Pave the Way program.

Addressing Purdue alumni and friends at a dinner in Naples, Fla., Purdue President Mitch Daniels recognized the support of President’s Council donors Bob and Patti Truitt, who made the initial commitment to Pave the Way. (Purdue University photo) Download image

In addition to signing a Back a Boiler contract, Pave the Way participants are invited to make a voluntary pledge. After graduation, students fulfill their Back a Boiler commitment and are encouraged to donate to Purdue through charitable giving, creating an evergreen Pave the Way fund to benefit future students.

Bob and Patti Truitt, Purdue alumni who approached the university about expanding Back a Boiler so that donors could participate, in addition to investors, made the initial commitment to Pave the Way.

“We’re grateful to Bob and Patti for helping students finance their education,” said Amy Noah, vice president for development, Purdue Research Foundation. “The Pave the Way program establishes an ongoing legacy of philanthropy. It’s what we like to call a virtuous cycle.”

The Back a Boiler program is part of the university’s Purdue Moves: Affordability and Accessibility established by Purdue President Mitch Daniels.

To learn more or to support the Pave the Way program, visit purdue.edu/evertrue/pavetheway or contact David Lasater, associate vice president for advancement, Purdue Research Foundation, at 765-496-2406.

Contact: Lisa Tally, executive director for philanthropic communications, University Development Office, lhtally@prf.org, 765-494-2181

Sources: Amy Noah, arnoah@prf.org

Amy Wroblewski, evertrue@prf.org

Video link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTa2_EMftHk&feature=youtu.be.