This Is Purdue

Latest Episodes:

The Making of the Indy 500: Meet the Boilermakers Behind the Scenes of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ May 23, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to three Boilermakers who work behind the scenes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to execute “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” — the Indianapolis 500.

Listen as David Letherman (BS management ’15), senior manager of event personnel; Meredith Walker (BS management, marketing ’11), senior manager of VIP and talent experience; and Louis Kissinger (BS chemical engineering ’17), senior manager of events and administration, share how the problem-solving skills they learned during their time at Purdue prepared them to host hundreds of thousands of people at the iconic IMS.

Plus, you’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories on the infectious buzz surrounding the month of May in Indianapolis, can’t-miss Indy 500 events and the best spots to watch the race. They also look ahead to the future and discuss why Indy 500 attendance numbers are rising with new partnerships and explain more about the events intended to attract new audiences and enhance existing fans’ experience.

The IMS hosts more than 200 events each year, and David, Meredith and Louis have dedicated their careers to making sure every guest — race fan or not — has an unforgettable experience at this legendary venue.

Don’t miss this episode as these three Boilermakers go in-depth on what it takes — and how it feels — to pull off the largest single-day sporting event in the world.

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Astronaut Panel from the Total Solar Eclipse Event at IMS, Presented by Purdue University May 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to five members of Purdue’s Cradle of Astronauts: Sirisha Bandla (BS aeronautical and astronautical engineering ’11), Drew Feustel (BS solid earth sciences ’89, MS geophysics ’91), Beth Moses (BS aeronautical and astronautical engineering ’92, MS aeronautics and astronautics ’94), Mark Polansky (BS aeronautical and astronautical engineering ’78, MS aeronautics and astronautics ’78) and Audrey Powers (BS aeronautical and astronautical engineering ’99).

These five Purdue astronauts came together for the first time at the live “This Is Purdue” podcast panel during the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Event, presented by Purdue University.

Listen as this panel of astronauts, which includes Boilermakers with both NASA and commercial spaceflight backgrounds at Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin and Barrios Technology, share what they found most surprising about their personal experiences in space, the specialness behind viewing a total solar eclipse with more than 50,000 people at the iconic IMS and their perspectives on where the future of spaceflight is heading.

Plus, you’ll hear how the journeys and legacies of past Boilermaker astronauts brought them to Purdue, how their passion for space exploration deepened as students and what it means to them to inspire the next generation to take the leap into space as future members of Purdue’s Cradle of Astronauts.

Check out this memorable episode — it’s only on “This Is Purdue,” the official Purdue University podcast!

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Kokomo Winery Owner Erik Miller on His Entrepreneurship Journey and How He Honors His Boilermaker Roots in Sonoma County Apr 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Erik Miller, owner and winemaker of Kokomo Winery and Breaking Bread Winery.

Listen as Erik (BS organizational leadership ’99) shares the journey of working his way up from a wine harvest intern to conceptualizing and later founding his own winery in Healdsburg, California, in the heart of Sonoma County.

Erik’s entrepreneurial spirit has helped make Kokomo Winery an award-winning winery in California, where becoming a household name is increasingly difficult. He dives into the story behind the name, which highlights his appreciation for his Indiana roots and instills a warm, Midwestern atmosphere inside the winery. And he encourages all Midwesterners, especially Boilermakers, to come say hi if they ever find themselves near Kokomo Winery!

You’ll also learn more about the winemaking process as Erik delves into his latest entrepreneurial endeavor, Breaking Bread Winery, a line of natural wines best enjoyed with a meal. Plus, he discusses his collaboration with the Purdue for Life Foundation to create special edition Boilermaker wines — which sell out every year.

Erik recently returned to campus for the 2023 Purdue Entrepreneurial Alumni Reunion, which celebrated the legacy of Boilermaker entrepreneurs, and you’ll hear how his experiences at Purdue equipped him to exhibit the entrepreneurial mindset that the university is working to cultivate through its new Purdue Innovates initiative.

Don’t miss the story of this Boilermaker who used his persistence and innovation to turn his passion for winemaking into his own successful business more than 2,000 miles away from his hometown roots.

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PGA Tour Player Adam Schenk Reflects on Purdue Golf Career, Playing Professionally and His First Invite to the Masters Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to PGA Tour golfer Adam Schenk.

Adam is a Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business alum and former first-team All-Big Ten Purdue men’s golfer, who has spent nearly a decade dedicated to his full-time career on the golf course. During this time, he secured his PGA Tour card and rapidly ascended the leaderboard, often competing alongside some of the world's top-ranked golfers. The 2023 season took him to new heights pursuing his first PGA Tour win and, in 2024, he continues that chase while preparing to play his first Masters.

Listen as he takes us back to his time playing for the Purdue men’s golf team, recounting his first collegiate tournament and what it felt like winning for a team, not just himself. Frequently returning to the Purdue golf courses, he loves mentoring and playing with current Boilermaker golfers, while practicing his own swing and preparing for major tournaments like the U.S. Open.

With his golden retriever, Bunker, at his side during practice, Adam discusses how he prepares to play with pro golf legends like Rory McIlroy on some of the most famous courses across the country. Adam says he loves seeing plenty of spectators in Purdue clothing and often hears a distant “Boiler Up!” from the bustling crowds at PGA tournaments.

Plus, Adam reflects on his unique friendship with his mentor, Purdue men’s golf coach Rob Bradley, who joins the podcast to discuss this duo’s journey from Purdue to the PGA Tour.

You don’t want to miss this conversation with a Boilermaker who is taking giant leaps in the world of professional golf.

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Cummins Chair and CEO Jennifer Rumsey on Her Boilermaker Journey and Leading a 105-Year-Old Company Toward a Greener Future Mar 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and CEO of Cummins Inc.

Jennifer discusses her experience as a Purdue mechanical engineering student and how that led her to four internships with Cummins during her Boilermaker journey. Her story is unique because not many people can say they interned for a company and later served in the most senior role — CEO — of that same company.

Hear her share the importance of leading a 105-year-old company into the future and the long-lasting legacy she hopes to leave at Cummins. This includes Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy to go further, faster to reduce the greenhouse gas and air quality impacts of its products.

You’ll also hear her biggest lessons and advice for fellow women in STEM and why she believes inclusivity and representation are necessary for shaping our society for the better. Plus, Jennifer shares what it means to see her own two daughters follow in her footsteps and pursue degrees in mechanical engineering at Purdue.

Don’t miss Jennifer’s incredible story of how she climbed the ladder from intern to CEO and the role Purdue has played in her life.

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March Madness: Carolyn Peck, Stephanie White and Ukari Figgs Reflect on the 25th Anniversary of Purdue Winning the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to former head coach Carolyn Peck and co-captains Stephanie White and Ukari Figgs as they reflect on the Purdue women’s basketball team’s 1999 NCAA National Championship.

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of this legendary win and listen as Coach Peck, Stephanie and Ukari share more about this historic season and the real story behind what happened when they arrived in San Jose for the Final Four of March Madness.

From starting the season beating No. 1-ranked Tennessee and selling out Mackey Arena for the first time ever to finally hoisting the championship trophy and cutting down the net after beating Duke in that championship game, you’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories from these three women who experienced it all. And you certainly don’t want to miss Ukari’s story about taking a mechanical engineering exam during the Final Four.

Plus, Stephanie, head coach of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun, and Ukari, a mechanical engineer at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, discuss balancing Purdue’s academics while fighting for a national championship. They also share how Purdue helped set them up for success within the WNBA and, later, their careers outside of playing professional basketball.

The friendship, commitment, determination and, of course, Boilermaker spirit that led this legendary women’s team to a national championship will forever be celebrated in the Purdue community.

Relive all the heart-wrenching, jaw-dropping and emotional moments in this special episode of “This Is Purdue.”

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Purdue for Life’s Matt Folk on the Boilermaker Spirit and Community Feb 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Matt Folk, president and CEO of the Purdue for Life Foundation.

In this new “Boilermaker Bites” series, Matt joins podcast host Kate Young at 8Eleven Modern Bistro in the Purdue Memorial Union. Over a delicious meal of pasta with grilled scallops, Matt digs into Purdue for Life’s goal of helping everyone who is part of the Purdue community stay connected, get involved and give back.

Matt explains that by bringing together the Purdue Alumni Association, President’s Council and John Purdue Club, Purdue for Life provides opportunities for Boilermaker family, friends and fans to engage with Purdue and with one another.

He also shares stories from his time as a Boilermaker student in the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering to owning his own company to now leading Purdue for Life. The foundation’s initiatives include the annual, ever-growing Purdue Day of Giving, the incredibly popular Grandparents University and the President’s Council yearly trip to Naples, Florida.

From frozen tuition to the establishment of new campus buildings to creating life-changing scholarships and more, the funds raised by Purdue for Life help keep the Purdue community we love thriving.

As a Boilermaker himself, Matt knows how deep the Purdue spirit runs — and that it doesn’t end after graduation. It lasts a lifetime.

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Ford Motor Co. HR Director Rochelle Dorn-Hayes on the Importance of Bringing Your Whole Self to Work Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Rochelle Dorn-Hayes, human resources director at Ford Motor Co.

Tune in as Rochelle shares more about her time at Purdue, where she earned her MBA from the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business. She carries with her the lessons learned from her beloved mentor, Dr. Cornell A. Bell, and the importance of providing guidance to the next generation of Boilermakers through her involvement in the Business Opportunity Program (BOP).

Rochelle also dives into her 25-plus-year career at Ford, including her work creating an award-winning diversity, equity and inclusion training program and her transition from finance to human resources.

You don’t want to miss Rochelle’s helpful insights, such as seeking out mentors and utilizing the buddy system when it comes to networking and exploring new career opportunities.

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All Hail to 100 Episodes Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

In this special 100th episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re celebrating and reflecting on our past episodes, which highlight Boilermakers who, through research, innovation and determination, have persistently pursued their next giant leap.

Over the last three years, our podcast team has featured more than 160 Boilermaker guests, produced over 50 hours of audio and created over 200 video clips. We’re celebrating these incredible milestones by answering questions from our loyal “This Is Purdue” fans.

Tune in to hear behind-the-scenes stories of our listeners’ favorite episodes, from athletics to engineering to space discoveries. You’ll also hear a few burning questions for several of our previous guests.

Join us for this look behind the microphone as we reflect on our stories with NASA engineers, two legendary men’s basketball head coaches, a 9/11 heroine, a mechanical engineering alumna who made IndyCar history and more.

Plus, several of our “This Is Purdue” team members step up to the mic themselves as they share what it takes to bring these incredible Boilermaker stories to life on the podcast.

Ever grateful, ever true. All hail “This Is Purdue”!

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A New Dean for a New Era: Getting To Know Purdue’s Daniels School of Business Dean Jim Bullard Jan 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jim Bullard, the Dr. Samuel R. Allen Dean of the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business.

Listen as Dean Bullard discusses his career journey from his time navigating obstacles like the Great Recession and COVID-19 pandemic as president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis to accepting his new role with the Daniels School of Business — an opportunity he calls “irresistible.”

Dean Bullard shares his excitement for the future and how he plans to use his robust real-world business and economics experience to innovate the Daniels School of Business.

“We want to really reimagine the Daniels School of Business … to make DSB parallel with the engineering prowess of Purdue University,” Dean Bullard says.

Plus, as technology continues to intersect with the business world, Dean Bullard explains the position Purdue is in to become a leader in STEM-based business and the importance of business and STEM working together.

Also, we get to know Dean Bullard on a more personal level as he discusses his enthusiasm to be part of a Big Ten university, what he likes to do in his free time in West Lafayette and his favorite movie. (Hint: This blockbuster movie features another “This Is Purdue” podcast guest and proud Purdue alum.)

Celebrate this new era of the Daniels School of Business by getting to know its new dean on “This Is Purdue.”

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