Purdue University
Overview
Purdue University is a public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana, and is the flagship institution of the Purdue University system. The university was founded in 1869 after Lafayette businessman John Purdue donated land and money to establish a college of science, technology, and agriculture in his name. The first classes were held on September 16, 1874, with six instructors and 39 students.
History
The history of Purdue University dates back to May 6, 1869, when the Indiana General Assembly established the institution in Tippecanoe County with a land-grant provided by the Morrill Act of 1862. The university was named after its primary benefactor, John Purdue, a prominent local businessman who provided the university with $150,000 in funding, along with additional contributions from Tippecanoe County and Lafayette city residents.
Academics
Purdue University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 211 fields of study. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is composed of 13 colleges and schools, including the Krannert School of Management, the College of Engineering, and the College of Science.
Research
Purdue is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". Research initiatives include the areas of space, engineering, and agriculture. The university has been instrumental in the development of many innovations, such as the Crawfordsville Monster, a discovery that has greatly impacted the field of biology.
Campus
The main campus in West Lafayette, Indiana, spans 2,468 acres and includes important landmarks such as the Purdue Mall, the Memorial Union, and the Purdue Bell Tower. The campus is noted for its distinctive red brick structures and a blend of Gothic and modern architectural styles.
Student life
Purdue's student body consists of more than 43,411 undergraduate and 10,455 graduate students, representing all 50 states and 130 countries. The university offers over 900 student organizations and clubs, including the Purdue All-American Marching Band, one of the oldest marching bands in the country.
Athletics
Purdue's athletic teams are known as the Boilermakers. The university is a member of the Big Ten Conference and competes in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Boilermakers have won a total of 3 NCAA national championships.
Notable alumni
Purdue has produced a number of notable alumni, including 25 American astronauts, such as Neil Armstrong and Eugene Cernan, the first and last men to walk on the moon, respectively. Other notable alumni include popcorn magnate Orville Redenbacher and Nobel laureate Herbert C. Brown.