Zachary A. Marshall

The university’s top male student is Zachary A. Marshall from the College of Engineering, Polytechnic Institute and the Honors College, and the top female student is Alexandra “Sasha” Kipnis from the College of Science.

Marshall, of Orland Park, Illinois, majored in aeronautical and astronautical engineering and aerospace financial analysis. He is the 2021 recipient of the G.A. Ross Award. He says jokingly that he has to be careful on campus not to walk into a pole because he spends so much time looking up at aircraft. Marshall has completed research in Purdue’s Advanced Aviation Institute for Research – Center of Research Excellence and served as president of Purdue’s chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He says that his time at Purdue helped him “learn how to learn” as he prepares to jump into the industry.

The G.A. Ross Award is presented annually to an outstanding senior man who has demonstrated high standards of academic achievement, outstanding leadership and strength of character, and has made a contribution to Purdue. The award is made possible through a gift from G.A. Ross, a 1916 Purdue graduate. The recipient receives a $2,000 award, medallion and inscription of his name on the award marker on Purdue Mall.

In October 2020, Marshall was also named as a 2020-2021 Purdue Engineering Fellow.

Marshall, along with Kipnis and other student award recipients, will be recognized during the May 2021 commencement ceremonies.

Source: Purdue News Service, Purdue’s top students to be recognized during 2021 commencement