Inspired by the enduring legacy of Purdue alumnus Neil Armstrong, who was only 38 years old when he became the first person to step foot on the moon, Purdue Engineering announced the call for nominations for its newest annual alumni achievement award, “Purdue Engineering 38 by 38.” Class of 2024 nominations are open now through Jan. 31, 2024.

The prestigious honor recognizes 38 emerging leaders 38 years old or younger who have demonstrated an accelerated trajectory of professional success and whose achievements have made a significantly high impact in their respective fields.

“Purdue Engineering’s young alumni — their ideas, energy and passion — are an untapped treasure. Not only can we do more to honor these inspirational, high-achieving alumni, we can also engage them in our Vision 2030 for the College,” said Arvind Raman, the John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering. “The 38 by 38 award will help us connect with these alumni, honor them for their early successes and keep them engaged with Purdue Engineering.”

The college is launching the annual award to commemorate its 150^th anniversary in fall 2024. The award program will showcase how Purdue Engineering alumni are shaping the world from an early age.

Selection criteria for eligible 38 by 38 candidates include:

1. An accelerated trajectory of success as evidenced by such measures as quickly increasing responsibilities, fast growth or sale of a business, or early career recognitions, and
2. Magnitude of impact as measured in units relevant to the nominee’s work, such as sales, revenue, licensing of patents, citations or lives impacted.

Anyone may nominate alumni; however, self-nominations are not permitted. All living Purdue Engineering alumni who are not older than 38 on Jan. 1, 2024, are eligible.

A committee of 18 voting judges — one representative from each of the 13 academic units in the College of Engineering and five staff members in Purdue for Life — will review nominations. Raman will approve the final selection of honorees.

Class of 2024 honorees will be announced in July 2024.

For more information about the award and to submit a nomination, visit the award website.