An event 150 years in the making, the Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering is excited to celebrate Purdue Engineering’s sesquicentennial.

Throughout the 2024-25 school year, Purdue University will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of Purdue Engineering. Since its creation in 1874, Purdue Engineering has become a world leader in engineering research and education.

“On this historic year, we honor our engineering community’s remarkable journey, reflecting on the legacy of giant leaps and excellence that make us who we are,” said Arvind Raman, the John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering. “Simultaneously, these events will foster dialogue and innovative thinking, driving us toward novel achievements and societal impact that help us progress as the most consequential engineering college in the nation.”

Rao S. Govindaraju, the Bowen Engineering Head of Civil and Construction Engineering and the Christopher B. and Susan S. Burke Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering, said he is eager to celebrate this momentous milestone with the school’s alumni, students, faculty, staff and partners.

“It is no exaggeration to say that those connected to our school have played a significant role in the success of both research and academic excellence at Purdue,” Govindaraju said. “I look forward to celebrating this event and encourage our alumni especially to take part when they can.”

Purdue Engineering traces its origin to September 1874 when university President Abraham C. Shortridge published a four-year curriculum in engineering with three years studying a common curriculum and the fourth year specializing in one of four majors offered at that time. The first engineering student, William Eldridge, was enrolled in an engineering class taught by an engineering instructor, William Morgan. Just 13 years later, the School of Civil Engineering as a separate entity was established.

“The history of the College of Engineering and the School of Civil and Construction Engineering are one,” Raman said. “The growth of both programs has been incredible, and the Lyles School’s success and world-renowned reputation is a tremendous point of pride for the university as a whole.”

The 150th celebration officially kicked off in September. Events planned for the rest of the school year include thought-provoking lectures by distinguished speakers, awards ceremonies celebrating community excellence and student competitions that serve as a space for emerging talent to showcase their skills and innovation.

Other milestone moments will include ribbon cuttings, anniversary celebrations and alumni events that provide a platform for graduates to reconnect, reminisce and forge new connections.

To learn more about Purdue Engineering's sesquicentennial celebration and upcoming events, visit engineering.purdue.edu/150.

Jim Rowings honored at 150th celebration

To cap off the first day of celebration on September 14, the College of Engineering held a banquet where it honored some of its most dedicated alumni. Among those recognized was Purdue civil engineering alumnus Jim Rowings (BSCE ’75, MSCE ’79, PhD ’82), vice president of Kiewit Corp.

Rowings has supported his alma mater for decades and is a current member of the Lyles School’s civil engineering advisory council. He also spearheaded the Kiewit Scholars program which provides annual scholarship awards of up to $10,000 for in-state students and up to $16,000 for out-of-state students seeking leadership opportunities in the construction industry.