Over four days in July, the Purdue for Life Foundation hosted a total of 1,000 grandparents and grandchildren in West Lafayette for Grandparents University.
A two-day program designed to strengthen connections between grandparents, their grandchildren, and Purdue, Grandparents University (GPU) allows participants to choose a “major” to study, enjoy hands-on learning activities led by Purdue faculty and staff, and experience their own commencement ceremony at Elliott Hall of Music.
This year, there were 32 majors available to participants—each one highlighting a different field of study offered by the university. Some of the activities included building a rocket, exploring a forest, interacting with therapy dogs, designing a room, cooking inside a Purdue kitchen, flying a drone, creating hot sauce, and even reaching inside a cow’s stomach.
While the majors are considered the main event of Grandparents University, the program also includes field trips, a Boilermaker Block Party, and the opportunity to stay overnight in one of Purdue’s residence halls. Check out our photo gallery for highlights from 2025!
Planning for next year’s event is already underway. Grandparents University 2026 will take place July 16–17 and July 23–24 in West Lafayette. Be among the first to learn updates by adding your information to our “Be in the Know” list at the bottom of the website.
—Christina Egbert
