Sandy is known for her ability to go “one brick higher,” embodying the values Purdue stands for and adding her own signature warmth and thoughtfulness. Whether assisting a student in crisis, helping a faculty member navigate complex administrative questions, or coordinating high-profile recruitment visits, she approaches every task with remarkable care, precision, and professionalism.

Going Above and Beyond for Students

Sandy’s commitment to student success is the heart of her work. She is often the first staff member prospective students meet—and the person they continue turning to throughout their time at Purdue. Her door is always open, and her reputation for empathy and resourcefulness is well earned.

One example illustrates her impact: just before the holiday break, a student learned that their insurance was being canceled—just days before leaving the country for a research internship. The situation was complex, stressful, and urgent. Sandy immediately stepped in, navigating multiple offices across campus, contacting HR and the insurer directly, and communicating constantly with the student and their advisor. Thanks to her persistence, the student’s insurance was reinstated, and they were able to travel abroad with peace of mind.

This story is one of many. "Ask Sandy—she will know best," is a common phrase among BME students. As MD/PhD student Andrew Sivaprakasa shared, “There’s no one I can trust more than Sandy to put me at ease and help me figure it out.” Another student, Aditya Shanghavi, added, “Her commitment to students is unwavering… she provides crucial guidance in a timely manner.”

A Trusted Partner for Faculty and Staff

Faculty rely heavily on Sandy’s expertise, especially in areas involving graduate programs, partnerships, and recruitment. She plays a central role in planning visits for candidates in the Engineering–Medicine collaborations, ensuring each visitor’s experience is meaningful, personalized, and seamless. Her meticulous work on data tables for grants and assessments has directly contributed to NIH T-32 renewals and new funding initiatives—quiet but essential contributions that strengthen the Weldon School’s academic mission.

Colleagues describe her as reliable, detail-oriented, and unfailingly kind. “She is one of the best people I have ever worked with,” said graduate student Grigorii Rudakov—a sentiment echoed across the school.

Service That Extends Beyond the Workday

Sandy’s spirit of service extends well beyond her job description. Earlier this year, when a colleague faced a family emergency the night of a major student service event, Sandy stepped in immediately. She stayed late to run the event herself—ensuring students could still prepare 80 sack lunches for a local homeless shelter—and delivered those lunches the next day, on time, as promised. Her willingness to show up in moments of need has left a lasting mark on those she works with.

A Lasting Impact

Sandy’s contributions appear again and again in thesis acknowledgments, student testimonials, faculty praise, and everyday interactions. She has shaped the experience of countless students and strengthened the Weldon School with her compassion, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

We are proud to celebrate Sandy May as a finalist for the College of Engineering Customer Service Award—and even prouder to have her as a colleague whose presence makes Purdue a better place every single day.