Being a Boilermaker
December 1, 2016
By Emma Alexander,
Honors Communications Intern
With the end of the semester upon us, it is easy to get caught up in classes, grades, and GPAs. We are often so overcome that we forget to reflect on where we are and why we are here. Each and every one of us chose Purdue University as our home for different reasons. However, many of those reasons are one in the same. We are boilermakers, through and through, and it’s important to remember what that means and why we should be proud. Being a Boilermaker is about much more than your cumulative GPA or the grade you made on your last midterm.
To be a Boilermaker is to be a motivated, ambitious individual with a very bright future. It is to be a proud member of a prestigious, world-renowned institution. Though we are many, as Boilermakers, we are more than just a number in the crowd. We are fortunate to be cared for and valued by our university, and we progress through our college careers knowing that a great many people are supporting us, wishing for our success.
As a Boilermaker you never alone. You have an expansive and diverse family dispersed across the entire globe rooting for you. Your fellow Boilermakers (past and present) know the great many opportunities this education and experience will bring you, and those opportunities extend far beyond the days you physically reside in West Lafayette.
To prove my point, I reached out to Boilermakers in various stages of their academic careers to see what “Being a Boilermaker” means to them. Although their word choice may differ, the same love and spirit shines through in each of their quotes. You can see for yourself below…
“Being a Boilermaker is the pride you feel when you see a Purdue shirt or flag anywhere in the world and know you’re with another member of the Boilermaker family.”
-Allison Murray (PhD. student in mechanical engineering)
“Being a Boilermaker is about passion, excellence, and pride. I am continually inspired by students, faculty members, and alumni who dedicate themselves to the shared success of the Boilermaker family not just through personal accomplishments, but with leadership and mentorship as well.”
-Anne Rodino (PharmD Candidate 2017)
“Being a Boilermaker means that the world and all of its resources are open to you as you grow in your education and challenge your personal values. Purdue gives you world class opportunities to research, lead, innovate, and explore anything that captivates your interest.”
-Barbara McAnulty (Second year undergraduate engineering student)
“Being a Boilermaker means meeting people every day that are passionate about something they are involved with. It means waking up early Saturday morning to the sound of the Boilermaker Special making its way through campus. Being a Boilermaker means staying up all night studying in Hicks Underground library, and then walking home to the sound of the bell tower ringing. It means wearing your Purdue gear in a completely different state and hearing “Boiler Up!” from across the room.”
-Helena Lysandrou (Third year undergraduate pre-med student)
No matter your background or situation in life, the term “Boilermaker” likely holds some significant value for you, and no matter what your personal definition may be, it is undeniably something to be proud of. Keep that in mind as you traverse these last few weeks of the semester, and know we are Ever Grateful, Ever True!
What does “Being a Boilermaker” mean to you? Share a quote or picture with us on Facebook or Twitter and you could be featured here too!
Contact: Lindsay Perrault, Honors College communications manager,
(765) 427-1923, lindsayperrault@purdue.edu