Purdue at 150: A Visual History of Student Life (The Founders Series)

Purdue at 150: A Visual History of Student Life (The Founders Series)

Purdue at 150: A Visual History of Student Life by David M. Hovde, Adriana Harmeyer, Neal Harmeyer, and Sammie L. Morris tells Purdue’s story through rare images, artifacts, and words. Authors culled decades of student papers, from scrapbooks, yearbooks, letters, and newspapers to historical photographs and memorabilia preserved in the Purdue University Libraries Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections. Many of the images and artifacts included have never been published, presenting a unique history of the land-grant university from the student perspective. Purdue at 150 is organized by decade, presenting a scrapbook-like experience of viewing over 400 rare photographs, documents, and artifacts alongside critical contextual information. Each chapter provides a decadal historical sketch of Purdue University, offering insight into the institution’s unique culture while incorporating campus responses to major national events such as world wars and the Great Depression. Spotlight sections highlight Purdue firsts, including the first graduates of programs, the growth and development of the international student population at Purdue, the creation of significant student organizations, and the foundations of both old and new campus traditions. This curated journey through the personal experiences, spaces, and events of Purdue’s history not only celebrates major accomplishments and acknowledges the contributions Purdue has made to society, but it also explores some of the challenges and tragedies that shaped Indiana’s land-grant university. As a result, Purdue at 150 connects the identity and character of the University of 1869 to the University of 2019 and beyond, as told through the stories of its students. Running throughout this journey is the enduring vision of the land-grant institution and its impact on society, as seen through the material culture of Boilermakers from around the world. “While faculty, staff, and alumni are essential to the history of any university, it’s the students who ultimately give Purdue purpose. This visual history, assembled by expert archivists, tells the stories of students through artifacts and images that would have seemed ordinary to them, but decades later, shape how we remember Purdue during key moments in American history.” (Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr., President: Purdue University) "Purdue at 150 showcases numerous artifacts from Purdue’s history, demonstrating the authors’ meticulous work and creating a fascinating read. As a student, I am intrigued not only by how different student life was many years ago, but also by the origins of many of the traditions we still uphold today. I expect many of my fellow students will be inspired by this book, as it reminds us that Purdue’s countless impactful alumni were once students just like us. No matter the decade or background, we are united by the fact that Purdue has helped to unlock our potential. For that, we should be Ever Grateful." (Daniel Romary, Student Trustee, 2017-2019: Purdue University) David M. Hovde is professor emeritus of library science. Hovde retired from Purdue University in 2017 after serving in various capacities in the Purdue University Libraries since 1989. Most recently he was the research and instruction librarian in the Purdue University Libraries Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center. Adriana Harmeyer is the archivist for University history in the Purdue University Libraries Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center. Neal Harmeyer is an archivist in the Purdue University Libraries Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center. Sammie L. Morris is professor and director in the Purdue University Libraries Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center.