.Student Life Recognitions
Cutler Honored by Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors
Brandon Cutler, associate dean and director of Fraternity, Sorority and Cooperative Life (FSCL), was honored with the Sue Kraft Fussell Distinguished Service Award by the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA). The award is presented annually to individuals who have exhibited outstanding achievements in service to the fraternity/sorority industry and/or to AFA.
Cutler has served FSCL at Purdue since 2013, leading one of the nation’s largest fraternity, sorority and cooperative communities. He has volunteered in a variety of capacities for AFA, Order of Omega, Theta Chi Fraternity, College Mentors for Kids and the North American Interfraternity Conference. He received the award at the AFA Annual Meeting in Indianapolis in December.
Davis Named to 30 Under 40 Sawubona Class
Haley Davis, assistant director for FSCL, was named to the Annual 30 under 40 Sawubona Class, which recognizes the work of 30 individuals of African heritage across various roles within higher education who embody one or more of the Pan African Network core values. Sawubona is a Zulu greeting that translates to “I/We see you.,” and is an acknowledgment of another’s existence, that we witness and understand their presence. Davis advises fraternities and sororities in the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Panhellenic Association at Purdue.
Gruver Recognized by Society for Experiential Education
Melissa Gruver, senior associate director of the Roger C. Stewart Leadership and Development Department (LEAD), was recognized with the Anna Julia Cooper Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in Experiential Education award at the Society for Experiential Education Annual Conference.
Gruver has designed civic engagement programs at Purdue that teach students to advocate for themselves, others and causes they believe in. She has served as the advisor for the ACE Campus Food Pantry, is a member of the award-winning PurdueVotes Coalition and coordinated numerous new initiatives in LEAD. Gruver is also the founding chapter director of the Greater Lafayette Younger Women’s Task Force
Griffel Named Distinguished Alumnus by Viterbo University
William Griffel, the Albert P. Stewart Director of Purdue Musical Organizations (PMO) and the Jack Calhoun Director of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club, received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Viterbo University. Griffel received his bachelor’s degree in music education and vocal performance from Viterbo in 1992.
In addition to leading PMO, which serves as the university’s vocal music department, Griffel has served as a guest conductor and collaborator with numerous performing arts ensembles throughout Indiana. He has traveled nationally and internationally as a director and performer throughout Europe, the Baltics and Central America.
Hanes to Serve as Inaugural Assistant Vice Provost for Student Well-Being
The Office of the Vice Provost for Student Life named Chris Hanes the inaugural assistant vice provost for student well-being. In conjunction with serving as director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Hanes will work to develop and implement strategies to support and promote student well-being.
Hanes’ duties further the community of care approach he has taken to promote student well-being by engaging resources from across the campus community. This includes promoting and encouraging the Steps to Leaps philosophy, identifying and supporting student cultures and communities that improve student belonging, and serving as a liaison within Purdue and the Greater Lafayette community to create partnerships to accomplish mutual goals. The position also serves as the direct supervisor for three administrative departments within Student Life.
Executive in Residence Program Recognized by NASPA
University Residences’ Executive in Residence (EiR) program was recognized with a 2024-25 NASPA Excellence Award, presented by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. EiR received a bronze award in the category of Contracted Services, Housing, Residence Life, and related.
EiR brings successful alumni back to campus where they live among students for one week. Each executive’s visit provides students with opportunities to interact with executives around their areas of expertise and interests in formal and informal settings – from lecture halls to residence halls and dining courts to basketball courts. The hallmarks of the program are small group and one-on-one interactions. Since its inception in 2014, EiR has grown tremendously to include a learning community, student ambassador program, live-in Executive in Residence and spring break trip, where students travel to visit executives in their homes and workplaces.
Gephart Steps Down as Director of “All-American” Marching Band
Jay Gephart, the Al G. Wright Chair of Purdue Bands & Orchestras, stepped down from his position as director of the “All-American” Marching Band following the band’s final performance in 2024. He had served as director of the band since 2006, elevating the band’s profile through acclaimed performances on the national and international stage. Professor Gephart continues to chair the Bands & Orchestras department, direct the Purdue University Wind Ensemble and conduct other ensembles. Read more about Jay here.