Think back to your days at Purdue. We all have fond memories of special times and special people from that time in our lives. Academics, campus clubs and organizations, internships, a favorite professor or class, study abroad, sporting events, community service … all of these make up the “student experience.”

Students have always been at the heart of the College of Agriculture. A point of pride within Purdue Agriculture is the relationships formed between the students and faculty. When the college’s student ambassadors were asked to name their favorite professors, almost all of the responses included something about a professor who went out of his or her way to help the student. The students know that their professors genuinely want each student to succeed in education and in life.

Another example of the helpful atmosphere at Purdue came from a family visiting campus with their prospective Boilermaker. They commented that the students, faculty and staff were warm and welcoming. For example, they said, a student who saw them looking at a campus map stopped to make sure they were headed in the right direction. The personal touches and thoughtfulness of others is a trademark of Purdue, especially of Purdue Agriculture.

That commitment to students also extends to ag alumni and friends, as demonstrated by the Steve and Sandra Hageman Center for Student Achievement and Leadership. This new student resource on the main floor of the Ag Administration Building is the home of advisement and leadership programs and the Office of academic programs offices. It provides about 1,500 square feet of space for students and student organizations, according to Dale Whittaker, associate dean of agriculture and director of academic programs.

Offices have been converted into study and meeting spaces, as well as private conference rooms where students can meet with potential employers or with tutors. One feature is a student lounge, which is open for extended hours.

“The space is for students to use as they need to, whether it be to relax between classes or to prepare for an exam,” Whittaker says. “The goal is to have as much student activity as possible. We want students to hold meetings and have a place to call their own.”

Another example of commitment to student success is the Wayne and Helen Townsend Fund for Outstanding Student Communicators and the Wayne and Helen Townsend Writing Excellence Fund. Those funds support oration and writing contests and programs aimed at improving students’ writing and communication skills. (See story on Page 10 about the annual Townsend Debate.)

But the need for student support always exists. Did you know that the average May 2007 Purdue graduate walked across the Elliott Hall stage owing $21,636 in loans and other debts? By increasing the number of scholarships and other aid available, we not only increase the quality of the student body, but also alleviate some financial concerns for students. One initiative in place is the Presidential and Trustees Scholarship Challenge, through which $5 million is available to match gifts that establish endowed scholarships that meet the program qualifications for Presidential and Trustees Scholarships.

For incoming, first-year students, the access to resources on campus is wide open. Scholarships and other assistance are vital to the success of these scholars once they arrive on campus. Through the university’s Access and Success campaign, the focus is on attracting good students from Indiana and all over the country to Purdue and making sure they succeed in their college careers.

Because of the generosity of alumni and friends, students, faculty and staff, the possibilities are infinite for our Purdue Agriculture students. To learn more about Access and Success or the Presidential and Trustees Scholarship Challenge, contact the Agricultural Development Office at (800) 718-0094 or agdevelopment@purdue.edu.