150 Years of Purdue Engineering:
Celebrating Our Consequential Impact on the World
Sesquicentennial Celebration
Message from the Dean
Dear Purdue Engineering Community,
This seminal year marks Purdue Engineering’s sesquicentennial commemorating "150 Years of Purdue Engineering.” From pioneering medical technologies and space exploration to establishing the nation’s first Women in Engineering Program and the National Society of Black Engineers, our storied past is the foundation of future innovations and breakthroughs.
Today, we produce more than 5% of the nation’s engineering students, and our program continues to rank nationally. Purdue Engineering has never been larger or better. Celebrating our rich 150-year legacy is about recognizing the indomitable spirit of Boilermakers that drives us toward a future filled with possibilities.
Call for Proposals
As part of our celebration, I am excited to announce a call for proposals for special events and projects beginning this fall that reflect the people behind our technological breakthroughs and envision the future paths of engineering innovation.
Hosting an array of special projects and events — including discussions, panels and workshops — is not just celebratory; it's pivotal to our mission. These activities will serve as vital forums for sparking innovative ideas, collaborating and sharing insights into the future of engineering.
By bringing together the brightest minds — our esteemed faculty, distinguished alums, innovative students and visionary partners — these events will catalyze conversations that propel us toward our goal of being the most consequential engineering college in the nation.
We invite you to contribute to this historic moment by submitting proposals that reflect the sesquicentennial’s themes:
- Engineering in Medicine
- Future of Energy Transition
- Future of Space
- National Security and Defense
- Semiconductors
- Manufacturing and Operations
- Training of Engineers
- Innovation Engine
- AI and Autonomy
Proposals may be submitted here. Questions can be directed to the “150 Years of Purdue Engineering” co-chairs, Korina Wilbert at kwilbert@purdue.edu and Joe Pekny at pekny@purdue.edu.
Through this collaborative engagement, we will not only honor our rich legacy but also maximize our impact on society, underscoring our commitment to developing solutions for the most pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.
Happy 150th anniversary!
John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering, Robert V. Adams Professor in Mechanical Engineering
Commemorate an extraordinary legacy of world-changing giant leaps by contributing to the College of Engineering 150th Anniversary Fund. As we dare to think differently and continue to challenge ourselves, your support will empower us to continue influencing the world of engineering on a global stage for another 150 years.
