“There is nothing more crucial in this country today than encouraging young people to think critically, analyze data objectively, and distinguish fact from fiction,” Kevin Kahn (MS S’73, PhD S’76) says. “Anything we can do to help improve the next generation’s ability to objectively evaluate information is vital to our future.”
Kevin and his wife, Suzanne (HHS’74), have put this belief into action through their ongoing support of Purdue’s Department of Computer Science. Several years ago, the couple established the Kevin C. and Suzanne L. Kahn Professorships in Computer Science to support faculty. They’ve also contributed to the College of Science Dean’s Innovation Fund and most recently named the Kevin and Suzanne Kahn Sustainable Green Roof and Patio in the new Hall of Data Science and AI.
“We’ve always supported the university’s efforts to create more educational opportunities for computer science students, and we wanted to contribute to the new data sciences facility,” Kevin says. “We think the space will be a pleasant place for students and faculty to meet and collaborate.”
Kevin and Suzanne met as students at Purdue. Kevin was giving a tour of the computer center to a group that included one of Suzanne’s friends. That friend later introduced the two, and they soon discovered they lived in the same dorm.
After graduating, Kevin held numerous positions at Intel. One of those roles included serving as an executive sponsor, which brought him back to West Lafayette to recruit students, give guest lectures, and meet with faculty conducting Intel-funded research. Kevin also volunteered his time on the Department of Computer Science advisory board and served on the Dean’s Leadership Council.
Like her husband, Suzanne has used data to make decisions, worked with people to find solutions, and relied on critical thinking throughout her career. Her professional journey—from nutrition and public health to management and infrastructure—is a great example of how a Purdue education prepares students to tackle real-world challenges.
Now retired, the Kahns spend summers in Portland, Oregon—where they are enthusiastic supporters of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival—and winters golfing in Southern California. They also enjoy traveling—whether to far-off destinations like Antarctica and Egypt or to West Lafayette to cheer on the Boilermakers at a Purdue football game. //
—Nicolle DeWitt
