The Bruce Helfert Memorial Award is given each year to outstanding juniors in the College of Engineering or the College of Science to recognize that student’s academic excellence and demonstrated social concern. The $2,750.00 award has been made possible by a gift from Mrs. Sylvia Helfert, and has been awarded for more than 40 years in memory of her son, Bruce, a 1964 graduate of Purdue’s School of Science.

Recipients of the award exhibit an understanding of science and technology and the effects of science and technology on humankind, the criteria state. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above.

Andrea Gibson-DuPerry

Andrea Gibson-DuPerry is a junior majoring in Industrial Engineering. During her time at Purdue, she has served in Product Management and Global Procurement roles with TE Connectivity Ltd., worked as a Communications Assistant and Student Liaison within the Minority Engineering Program, mentored other students through the chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, and will be President of Purdue's chapter of the National Society for Black Engineers for 2021-22 school year.

Joseph Kirchhoff

Joseph Kirchhoff is a junior in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. During his time at Purdue, he has been involved with the Aerospace Honor’s Society, worked alongside prominent figures within the field of research, including Dr. Byron Pipes at the Composite Manufacturing Simulation Center (CMSC), and been active as a Student Leader of Boilers in Action (BIA). Both have shown tremendous dedication to their academics as well as exhibiting social concern for their community members, both on and off campus.