Bob (ME’73) and Mary (HHS’74) Feldmaiers’ tenure on the Purdue Student Union Board (PSUB) shaped their Boilermaker experience. Now, by creating a scholarship at the university, they hope others will enjoy the same opportunities they did.

Through PSUB, Bob and Mary established close college friendships, honed their leadership skills, and—perhaps most memorably—first met in the Purdue Memorial Union basement, painting signs for an event.

“We each had a friend with us, and the paintbrushes were so bad that the two girls were painting with their fingers,” Bob says with a laugh. “Needless to say, I was not impressed—it wasn’t love at first sight.”

While the two didn’t officially begin dating until Bob’s senior year, their connection through PSUB laid the foundation for a memorable life together. They remained active in PSUB throughout their time at Purdue—both serving on the executive board—and their appreciation for those experiences inspired them to create a scholarship for PSUB students facing financial challenges.

Bob and Mary understand the demands students often face when balancing their studies, part-time work, and extracurricular activities. They hope their support will ease the burden for those who might otherwise have to choose between financial stability and high-impact leadership opportunities that can help shape a young person’s future.

“We don’t want students to miss out on the personal and professional growth that comes from being involved in PSUB,” Bob says.

“We’ve been very lucky,” Mary says. “And we hope others who have had similar experiences will consider doing what they can to support the next generation.”//

—President’s Council staff