.Perspectives Spring 2025
A Word from Our Vice Provost:
Every student who attends Purdue University has an opportunity to create their own journey through the ways Student Life supports and catalyzes their well-being and personal growth. The kaleidoscope of people, programs and resources in Student Life supports our students through leadership development and experiences with a continued focus on well-being, promoting engagement with the arts and innovating toward the future of campus housing and the residential student experience. Our focus on these key areas contributes to Purdue's rich tapestry.
We can see these key areas in one of our most exciting new endeavors this year, the launch of Purdue in Indianapolis. Our staff has worked diligently to create experiences that are similar to those in West Lafayette while also capitalizing on everything that makes Indianapolis unique. A residential campus experience, leadership programs, engagement opportunities and providing services like Counseling and Psychological Services and the Office of the Dean of Students deliver essential programming and support to students in Indianapolis.
At the root of all Student Life programming and support is a desire to help students thrive in an environment that promotes their well-being. One of these programs is the peer-to-peer programming done by our CAPS Ambassadors program. This is just one example of the numerous ways Student Life departments and programs are building and supporting a community of care on campus to support student well-being.
Student Life also helps develop the next generation of leaders – sometimes from scratch! As we look at the future of housing, it is about more than just buildings – it is about the community and the impact of the personal interactions that develop within these buildings among our students that last throughout their lives. That is the story of Phi Sigma Rho, a national sorority whose founding can be traced to a conversation between two remarkable women who lived in Shreve Hall. Read more about how Abby (McDonald) Schwartz and Rashmi (Khanna) Drummond launched a movement that now counts more than 11,000 alumnae nationwide.
I remain forever grateful for our Student Life “victories and heroes” who continue to provide exceptional leadership and impact on campus and in communities across the globe. Whether it’s staying late to support a student event, providing mentorship, contributing to philanthropic endeavors or excelling in their fields, Student Life staff and alumni help shape their world. Our Impact Award winners and Recognitions piece highlight some of the exceptional leaders in Student Life.
This year, I had the opportunity to celebrate Barb Frazee, a long-time member of our staff and dear friend, as she launched her next chapter as a Purdue retiree! We welcomed John Eckman, our new assistant vice provost who oversees our housing and dining operations to our Student Life family to continue our work towards the future of housing and the residential experience. We thank Barb for her decades of dedicated service to the university and turn to John’s leadership as we move toward the future in campus housing – where we support more than 18,000 residents
Finally, Student Life continues to celebrate and grow in the arts. With no school of music, Student Life programs are the outlet for students to continue engaging with the arts while they pursue their studies and connect with other interests. On this theme, the Varsity Glee Club performed a special piece of music, composed by a Purdue alumnus, to help the College of Engineering celebrate its 150 th anniversary .
Thank you for your ongoing engagement and support of Student Life. Boiler Up!
