Lawmakers recognize 150 consequential years during Purdue Engineering Day at the Statehouse
In recognition of Purdue Engineering’s profound impact on the State of Indiana over the past 150 consequential years, John. A Edwardson Dean of Engineering Arvind Raman and students joined state legislators on Jan. 28 during Purdue Engineering Day at the Statehouse.
To kick off the celebration, Raman and 14 students across a variety of engineering majors joined State Sen. Spencer Deery in the Indiana Senate chamber as he presented Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7.
The resolution highlights the famed graduates and faculty, including astronaut Neil Armstrong, inventor Frank Thomas Jr. and designer Charles Ellis, who have called Purdue Engineering home since Purdue established its first four-year engineering curriculum in 1874. The resolution also points to the college’s modern-day impact, such as the recent launch of the first semiconductor degree program in the U.S.
“In the past 150 years, Purdue engineers have defended our nation, walked on the Moon, fueled our economy, and redefined what's possible,” Deery said. “It's more than appropriate for the state to pause and celebrate that history on this anniversary, and I am proud to lead that commemoration in the General Assembly on behalf of Boilermakers everywhere.”
The resolution, which passed without objection to a standing ovation, was authored by Deery and State Sens. Ron Alting and Brian Buchanan, and sponsored by State Reps. Chris Campbell, Matt Commons and Sheila Klinker.
A reception following the resolution presentation was attended by state lawmakers, alumni and business leaders. Also in attendance was the first “Green2Gold” student, Teagan Bensheimer. Green2Gold is a unique partnership between Ivy Tech and Purdue that offers an affordable local pathway to a Bachelor of Science in engineering from Purdue.
“Today, Indiana is facing an unprecedented engineering shortage,” Raman said during his remarks at the reception. “In a rapidly evolving global job market, Indiana-based employers are discovering that staying competitive means tapping into the pool of talent emerging from Purdue University.”
Raman shared three other ways Purdue is encouraging “brain gain,” combating “brain drain” and advancing the state: Interns for Indiana, which connects entrepreneurially minded students to startups and early-stage companies; high school partnerships, which allow the college to recruit students from underrepresented counties; and guaranteed paid internships for Purdue College of Engineering students in Indianapolis.
Overall, Raman emphasized how the College of Engineering persistently leads the way in unparalleled experiential learning, co-op and internship opportunities, producing graduates who are highly sought-after by major companies like Tesla.
“This year, Purdue University will become the number one producer of the best-prepared and most diverse engineering talent in the nation,” Raman said. “What a truly remarkable way we’ve come in 150 years.”
The reception also featured a panel of six students who are primed to become the next generation of world-changing engineers through careers at Fortune 500 companies like Eli Lilly, Rolls Royce, Cummins and many others.
“Being part of the student panel at Purdue Engineering Day was an incredible experience,” said Emily Barone, a graduate student in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering. “It was an honor to discuss the impact of a Purdue education on real-world challenges. Engaging with state leaders and local alumni about my upcoming career at Eli Lilly sparked meaningful conversations about the ways Purdue prepares us to excel beyond the classroom.”
Jarrett Corneil, a senior in the Elmore Family School of Electrical Engineering, is set to work full-time at Rolls Royce in May.
“I was honored to represent Purdue University at this event and engage with some of Indiana's leaders during the resolution presentation,” Corneil said. “This event provided an incredible opportunity to not only celebrate Purdue’s 150th year of engineering excellence but also to highlight the significant impact our program has had on the State of Indiana. Moreover, it showcased the remarkable achievements of our student body. I hope that our efforts inspired legislators about the promising future of Purdue Engineering and ensure that our institution remains at the forefront of their minds when making crucial decisions and enacting new laws.”
Bradley Bogovich, a senior in the School of Mechanical Engineering, will work as a manufacturing engineer for Cummins.
“I’m honored to be a small part of Purdue Engineering’s long, rich history,” Bogovich said, “and grateful for the opportunity to represent our community at the Statehouse as we look toward the future of innovation in Indiana.”
Click here for more photos from the event.
