Engineering is a field fueled by innovation and collaboration — and both are greatly magnified when engineers approach a topic with a wide range of perspectives to achieve excellent solutions. Along with education, life experiences shape the type of engineers we become. Diverse teams challenge each other in ways that expand perspectives, develop inclusive solutions, and move the world forward. 

For well over a century, Purdue University and the Lyles School of Civil Engineering have been at the forefront in educating the world’s leading engineers. However, we have not been at the forefront for all students of color. We recently celebrated the first documented African American graduate of Purdue University, Mr. David Robert Lewis. Mr. Lewis received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1892. One hundred and twenty-eight years later, Black engineering students' enrollment does not show the level of progress we should expect, based on the population. 

All students will significantly benefit from a more diverse educational experience and classroom setting. We must strive to understand how to do better!  The Lyles School of Civil Engineering embraces the College of Engineering efforts to recruit, retain, and graduate more Black engineers.