Gold Lines

REUNION SCHEDULE

REUNION SCHEDULE

Gold Lines
Gold Line

REUNION SCHEDULE

Gold Line

See below for a complete schedule of conference events. All times are Eastern. Please note that this schedule is subject to change.

CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION


Target audience:

All are welcome to register, including faculty, staff, students, and those Purdue alumni who have self-reported as physician, pharmacist, nurse, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, speech language pathologist and audiologist, certified health educator, or veterinary medicine professional.

Accreditation, learning objectives, and disclosures are listed with each presentation.

Instructions for continuing education: 
Attend and participate in no more than two of the six presentations to receive up to 2.0 Contact Hours (.2 CEUs). Complete the Evaluation/Request for CE online survey. Certificates will be emailed within 30 days. Pharmacy credits will be uploaded to CPE Monitor with no certificate provided per ACPE expectations.

Questions regarding CE may be directed to pharmacy-cecr@purdue.edu.

Thursday, November 14
Dauch Alumni Center
403 West Wood Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907

6–8PM

Welcome Reception

Friday, November 15
Convergence Center
101 Foundry Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47906

Transportation will be provided between the Convergence Center and our two Entrepreneurial Alumni Reunion hotels.

8–9AM

Welcome Breakfast // Purdue Memorial Union (PMU), North and South Ballrooms 

9:15–10:15AM

Sessions 1, 2, and 3 // Stewart Center, Rooms 202, 206, and 218AB

  1. Sanjeev Narayanan and Kenitra Hendrix
    Antimicrobial Resistance in the Human-Animal Interface—Rise and Spread of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

     

    It is estimated that two-thirds of all human infectious diseases are caused by pathogens shared with animals, known as zoonotic diseases. Human-animal interactions are varied and include household pets, farm animals and products, encroachment into wildlife ecosystems, and petting zoos, among others. This session will provide a data-driven approach to study determinants, dynamics, and deterrence of antimicrobial resistance, and will explore basic principles of antimicrobial resistance, transfer of resistance between species, interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility tests, and best practices to reduce resistance, including prudent use of antimicrobials and modifications of behaviors and current practices. Prioritizing antimicrobial stewardship is time-critical to preserve antimicrobial capacity, efficacy, and effectiveness for all species.

Learning Objectives:
1. Define resistance. What are mechanisms of transfer of resistance amongst and between species? What are some human-animal contacts that cause most resistance transfer? What practices and behaviors will reduce transfer of resistance?
2. Evaluate the AST data sheet. How are breakpoints determined? What are some challenges in interpretation of breakpoints?

 

Faculty and Disclosure / Conflict of Interest Policy
To ensure compliance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, Purdue University requires that all individuals in a position to control the content of an educational activity disclose all financial relationships occurring within the past 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, reselling, or distributing health care products used by or on patients. All relevant conflicts of interest identified are thoroughly assessed by Purdue University to ensure fair balance, scientific rigor, and accepted patient care recommendations of the educational activity.

 

Faculty Disclosure:
Sanjeev Narayanan, BVSc, PhD – Professor, Department Head, Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine has nothing to disclose.
Kenitra Hendrix, DVM, PhD
– Clinical Associate Professor, Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine has nothing to disclose.

 

All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the start of the activity.
None of the planners, reviewers, and Purdue University College of Pharmacy staff have relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose unless listed below.

Physician Accreditation Statement – The Purdue University College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Purdue University College of Pharmacy designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

 

Pharmacists Accreditation Statement – Purdue University College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This is a knowledge-based, continuing education activity of Purdue University, an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Universal Activity Number (UAN): 0018-0000-24-027-L01-P

 

 

Nurses Accreditation Statement – Purdue University Continuing Nursing Education is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This activity has been approved for 1.0 contact hours.

 

Nurse Practitioners (AANP): This educational activity will be submitted to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® for approval of up to 1.0 contact hours of accredited education.

Physician Assistants (AAPA): This program is not yet approved for CME credit. Conference organizers plan to apply for 1.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits from the AAPA Review Panel. The total number of approved credits is yet to be determined.

 

Veterinary Medicine: American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB): Approved for RACE CE up to 2 CE hours by AAVSB.

Certified Health Educator (NCHEC):
Application for CHES® (entry-level) / MCHES® (advanced-level) Category I continuing education contact hours (CECH) has been made to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).

  1. Kara Duncan Weatherman
    Theranostics: Harnessing the Power of Radioactivity to Diagnose and Treat Disease

    Theranostics is a field that combines diagnostics and therapeutics to improve disease diagnosis, treatment, and management. It utilizes various radiopharmaceuticals to target specific disease states, enabling personalized treatment approaches. Health care professionals are taking on expanding roles in this field, adapting to its evolving landscape. Purdue University has implemented several initiatives to maintain its prominence in the theranostics space, emphasizing research and education.

Learning Objectives:
1. Define theranostics and discuss its role in disease diagnosis, treatment, and management.
2. Recognize the various theranostic rediopharmaceuticals that are currently available for a variety of different disease states.
3. Identify the expanding roles for health care professionals in the theranostics space.
4. Discuss various Purdue initiatives to maintain prominence in the theranostics space.

 

Faculty and Disclosure / Conflict of Interest Policy
To ensure compliance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, Purdue University requires that all individuals in a position to control the content of an educational activity disclose all financial relationships occurring within the past 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, reselling, or distributing health care products used by or on patients. All relevant conflicts of interest identified are thoroughly assessed by Purdue University to ensure fair balance, scientific rigor, and accepted patient care recommendations of the educational activity.

 

Faculty Disclosure:
Kara Duncan Weatherman, PharmD
– Clinical Professor, Purdue University, College of Pharmacy discloses she is a consultant with Sofie and Johnson & Johnson.

 

All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the start of the activity.
None of the planners, reviewers, and Purdue University College of Pharmacy staff have relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose unless listed below.

 

Physician Accreditation Statement – The Purdue University College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Purdue University College of Pharmacy designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Pharmacists Accreditation Statement
– Purdue University College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This is a knowledge-based, continuing education activity of Purdue University, an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Universal Activity Number (UAN): 0018-0000-24-028-L01-P



Nurses Accreditation Statement – Purdue University Continuing Nursing Education is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This activity has been approved for 1.0 contact hours.

 

Nurse Practitioners (AANP): This educational activity will be submitted to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® for approval of up to 1.0 contact hours of accredited education.

Physician Assistants (AAPA): This program is not yet approved for CME credit. Conference organizers plan to apply for 1.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits from the AAPA Review Panel. The total number of approved credits is yet to be determined.

 

Veterinary Medicine: American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB): Approved for RACE CE up to 2 CE hours by AAVSB.

  1. Kyle Hultgren
    The Current State of AI in Clinical Care


Artificial intelligence (AI) has rocketed into our consciousness as quickly as any technology before, but this rapid adoption rate has left a lot of confusion in its wake. How are we using AI tools in health care today? How are our patients? This session will explore the current state of AI in health care, its promise for the future, and will highlight the pitfalls, challenges, and ethical considerations of using AI in clinical care.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the current state of AI in health care.
2. Compare and contrast the use of AI today and in the future for health care.
3. Assess the pitfalls, challenges, and ethical considerations for using AI in clinical care.

 

Faculty and Disclosure / Conflict of Interest Policy
To ensure compliance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, Purdue University requires that all individuals in a position to control the content of an educational activity disclose all financial relationships occurring within the past 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, reselling, or distributing health care products used by or on patients. All relevant conflicts of interest identified are thoroughly assessed by Purdue University to ensure fair balance, scientific rigor, and accepted patient care recommendations of the educational activity.

 

Faculty Disclosure:
Kyle Hultgren, PharmD
– Clinical Assistant Professor, Purdue University, College of Pharmacy has nothing to disclose.

 

All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the start of the activity.
None of the planners, reviewers, and Purdue University College of Pharmacy staff have relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose unless listed below.

Physician Accreditation Statement – The Purdue University College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Purdue University College of Pharmacy designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

 

Pharmacists Accreditation Statement – Purdue University College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This is a knowledge-based, continuing education activity of Purdue University, an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Universal Activity Number (UAN): 0018-0000-24-029-L04-P

 


Nurses Accreditation Statement – Purdue University Continuing Nursing Education is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This activity has been approved for 1.0 contact hours.

 

Nurse Practitioners (AANP): This educational activity will be submitted to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® for approval of up to 1.0 contact hours of accredited education.

Physician Assistants (AAPA): This program is not yet approved for CME credit. Conference organizers plan to apply for 1.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits from the AAPA Review Panel. The total number of approved credits is yet to be determined.

 

Veterinary Medicine: American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB): Approved for RACE CE up to 2 CE hours by AAVSB.

Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists: This session is eligible for ASHA CEUs.

 

Certified Health Educator (NCHEC): Application for CHES® (entry-level) / MCHES® (advanced-level) Category I continuing education contact hours (CECH) has been made to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).

10:15–10:30AM

Break // Refreshments in Stewart Center, Room 218CD

10:30–11:30AM

Sessions 4, 5, and 6 // Stewart Center, Rooms 202, 206, and 218AB

  1. Laura Murray-Kolb
    Food as Medicine: Integrating Nutrition Into Our Health Care System

 

Evidence indicates that nutrition plays an integral role in human growth and development, maintenance of good physical/mental health, and prevention and treatment of infectious, acute, and chronic diseases. And yet, more than 2,400 years after Hippocrates famously said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” we are still falling short when it comes to harnessing the power of food for health. In the United States, over 1 million annual deaths are due to diet-related diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and globally, a poor-quality diet has been recognized as the leading cause of mortality, accounting for one in five deaths. However, there is a glaring lack of focus on nutrition in our health care system. This talk will focus on nutrition for optimal health and highlight the recent Food as Medicine initiative, which aims to integrate nutrition programs and interventions into the health care system.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the current evidence regarding nutrition’s role in common diseases.

2. Provide an understanding of how Food is Medicine is currently being operationalized.

3. Provide the current scope of Food is Medicine and ideas for expanding the scope in the future.

 

Faculty and Disclosure / Conflict of Interest Policy
To ensure compliance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, Purdue University requires that all individuals in a position to control the content of an educational activity disclose all financial relationships occurring within the past 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, reselling, or distributing health care products used by or on patients. All relevant conflicts of interest identified are thoroughly assessed by Purdue University to ensure fair balance, scientific rigor, and accepted patient care recommendations of the educational activity.

 

Faculty Disclosure:
Laura Murray-Kolb, PhD
– Professor and Department Head, Purdue University, Department of Nutrition Science has nothing to disclose.

 

All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the start of the activity.
None of the planners, reviewers, and Purdue University College of Pharmacy staff have relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose unless listed below.

 

Physician Accreditation Statement – The Purdue University College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Purdue University College of Pharmacy designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

 

Pharmacists Accreditation Statement – Purdue University College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This is a knowledge-based, continuing education activity of Purdue University, an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Universal Activity Number (UAN): 0018-0000-24-030-L01-P

 

 

Nurses Accreditation Statement – Purdue University Continuing Nursing Education is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This activity has been approved for 1.0 contact hours.

 

Nurse Practitioner (AANP): This educational activity will be submitted to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® for approval of up to 1.0 contact hours of accredited education.

 

Physician Assistant (AAPA): This program is not yet approved for CME credit. Conference organizers plan to apply for 1.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits from the AAPA Review Panel. The total number of approved credits is yet to be determined.

 

Veterinary Medicine: American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB): Approved for RACE CE up to 2 CE hours by AAVSB.

Certified Health Educator (NCHEC):
Application for CHES® (entry-level) / MCHES® (advanced-level) Category I continuing education contact hours (CECH) has been made to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).

  1. Libby Richards
    Opportunities for Physical Activity Promotion Across Health Disciplines

 

Physical activity (PA) is a cost-effective and nonpharmacological approach to prevent and manage chronic disease, including obesity. Health professionals across disciplines play a crucial role in promoting PA among diverse populations. To effectively tackle the obesity and inactivity epidemic, it is vital to fully leverage all available PA promotion strategies. This presentation will review U.S. surveillance data on obesity and inactivity; a background on the role of PA in health promotion and disease prevention; and evidence-based examples of PA promotion across health disciplines.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the Exercise is Medicine Approach.
2. Describe the National Physical Activity Guidelines.

 

Faculty and Disclosure / Conflict of Interest Policy
To ensure compliance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, Purdue University requires that all individuals in a position to control the content of an educational activity disclose all financial relationships occurring within the past 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, reselling, or distributing health care products used by or on patients. All relevant conflicts of interest identified are thoroughly assessed by Purdue University to ensure fair balance, scientific rigor, and accepted patient care recommendations of the educational activity.

 

Faculty Disclosure:
Libby Richards, PhD, RN
– Professor, Purdue University, School of Nursing has nothing to disclose.

 

All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the start of the activity.
None of the planners, reviewers, and Purdue University College of Pharmacy staff have relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose unless listed below.

 

Physician Accreditation Statement – The Purdue University College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Purdue University College of Pharmacy designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

 

Pharmacists Accreditation Statement – Purdue University College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This is a knowledge-based, continuing education activity of Purdue University, an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Universal Activity Number (UAN): 0018-0000-24-031-L99-P

 

Nurses Accreditation Statement – Purdue University Continuing Nursing Education is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This activity has been approved for 1.0 contact hours.

 

Nurse Practitioners (AANP): This educational activity will be submitted to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® for approval of up to 1.0 contact hours of accredited education.

Physician Assistants (AAPA): This program is not yet approved for CME credit. Conference organizers plan to apply for 1.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits from the AAPA Review Panel. The total number of approved credits is yet to be determined.

Certified Health Educator (NCHEC):
Application for CHES® (entry-level) / MCHES® (advanced-level) Category I continuing education contact hours (CECH) has been made to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).

  1. Holly Wood
    Community Health Enhancement and Learning (HEAL): Utilizing Academic-Community Partnerships to Strengthen Public Health and Achieve Health Equity

 

Health outcomes are influenced by more than clinical care. Estimates indicate that as much as 80% of human health is related to social drivers of health, which include things like housing, nutrition and food security, transportation, environmental health, education, and more. To improve health outcomes, we must meet people where they are to provide wholistic health outreach. In this session, we will discuss how to enhance community partnerships to strengthen community health infrastructure for better health outcomes for all people.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe the importance of engaging community partner organizations and individuals.

2. Describe the impact qualitative data can have on population health.

3. Discuss examples for immediate implementation.

 

Faculty and Disclosure / Conflict of Interest Policy
To ensure compliance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, Purdue University requires that all individuals in a position to control the content of an educational activity disclose all financial relationships occurring within the past 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, reselling, or distributing health care products used by or on patients. All relevant conflicts of interest identified are thoroughly assessed by Purdue University to ensure fair balance, scientific rigor, and accepted patient care recommendations of the educational activity.

 

Faculty Disclosure:
Holly Wood – Senior Director, Purdue University, Health Equity Initiatives has nothing to disclose.

 

All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the start of the activity.
None of the planners, reviewers, and Purdue University College of Pharmacy staff have relevant financials relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose unless listed below.

 

Physician Accreditation Statement – The Purdue University College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Purdue University College of Pharmacy designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

 

Pharmacists Accreditation Statement – Purdue University College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This is a knowledge-based, continuing education activity of Purdue University, an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Universal Activity Number (UAN): 0018-0000-24-032-L01-P

 

 

Nurses Accreditation Statement – Purdue University Continuing Nursing Education is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This activity has been approved for 1.0 contact hours.

 

Nurse Practitioner (AANP): This educational activity will be submitted to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® for approval of up to 1.0 contact hours of accredited education.

Physician Assistants (AAPA): This program is not yet approved for CME credit. Conference organizers plan to apply for 1.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits from the AAPA Review Panel. The total number of approved credits is yet to be determined.

 

Veterinary Medicine: American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB): Approved for RACE CE up to 2 CE hours by AAVSB.

 

Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists: This session is eligible for ASHA CEUs.

 

Certified Health Educator (NCHEC): Application for CHES® (entry-level) / MCHES® (advanced-level) Category I continuing education contact hours (CECH) has been made to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).

11:30AM–Noon

Break

Noon–1:30PM

Lunch // PMU, North Ballroom
Speaker: Mung Chiang, Purdue University President

1:45–2:45PM

Faculty Networking Session // PMU, South Ballroom

2:45–3PM

Break

3–4:15PM

Student Networking Session // PMU, South Ballroom

4:30–6PM

Networking Reception // PMU, North Ballroom
Welcome RemarksKei Hui, First Lady, Purdue University
Sponsored by Purdue Alumni Medical Network

Purdue Memorial Union
101 Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906 | North Ballroom
Saturday, November 16
Purdue Memorial Union
101 Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906 | South Ballroom
Ross-Ade Stadium
John R. Wooden Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47906

Two hours before kickoff

Reunion Tailgate // Lambert Lawn

 

TBD

Optional Add-on Activity: Purdue vs. Penn State Football Game
Purchase tickets online in our One Health Alumni Reunion block


Target audience:

All are welcome to register, including faculty, staff, students, and those Purdue alumni who have self-reported as physician, pharmacist, nurse, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, speech language pathologist and audiologist, certified health educator, or veterinary medicine professional.

Accreditation, learning objectives, and disclosures are listed with each presentation.

Instructions for continuing education: 
Attend and participate in no more than two of the six presentations to receive up to 2.0 Contact Hours (.2 CEUs). Complete the Evaluation/Request for CE online survey. Certificates will be emailed within 30 days. Pharmacy credits will be uploaded to CPE Monitor with no certificate provided per ACPE expectations.

Questions regarding CE may be directed to pharmacy-cecr@purdue.edu.

Keagan’s story

I’m walking with Grandparents University tour group near the steps of Hovde Hall. It’s a Thursday morning in July, and the only students around are between the ages of 7 and 14. I catch a snippet of a conversation between a grandmother and her grandson as she details the pranks she pulled with her friends around this area.

I smile because just a few months ago I was doing the same thing.

Grandparents University (GPU) is a two-day event where grandparents and their grandchildren embrace Purdue and all it has to offer.

Participants choose a specific major to study and attend a class taught by Boilermaker experts. The majors aren’t exactly like the ones we have here at Purdue, but they do get to do cool activities like creating hot sauce, designing monsters, flying drones, and cooking in a Purdue kitchen. It’s a great opportunity to see wisdom and curiosity combined in the classroom, as grandparents and their grandchildren collaborate on these projects. They’re equally willing to learn from the instructors —and from each other—while creating lasting memories.

They might not know it yet, but this Purdue experience at such a young age will help with their college decision in a few years.

My mother started working at Purdue when she was pregnant with me, so I’ve been familiar with the university my whole life. Many of my childhood memories are associated with different parts of campus, and these memories played a big part in my decision to attend Purdue. I was going to a place that I knew—a place I already considered a home away from home. In the same way, when these children make their college decisions, they will already have built connections with Purdue through Grandparents University.

It will also help they already have a Purdue degree!

At the end of GPU, the kids graduate just like regular students by walking across the stage of Elliott Hall of Music. They even have their own caps to decorate and keep—which is great because robe rentals would be a nightmare.

I had been to nine commencement ceremonies before my own in May, so I’m well-versed in Purdue graduations. Nevertheless, it was still fun to watch this one.

These children had learned so much more than what was taught in their major. They learned more about their grandparents and strengthened their connection with them. They learned about the university and what’s in store for them when they (hopefully) become Boilermakers. And at the Block Party, they befriended students they had never met before and hung out on Memorial Mall—just like regular college students.

It was almost exactly what I experienced throughout my college career. Yes, I got my degree and now  have a job as was intended on this life path. But I also made lifelong friendships and went outside my comfort zone in ways that helped me grow as an individual.

Purdue shaped me and continues to shape me. I credit a lot of my growth as a person and a professional to my college career here, and a lot of what I know to the professors and instructors I had throughout my education.

Through Grandparents University, you have the opportunity to provide the same transformative experience for future Boilermakers. You can be the Purdue instructor that inspires a path that lasts a lifetime.

Patsy J. Mellott

BS College of Health and Human Sciences, 1969
Fishers, IN

Patsy earned a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition in business from Purdue in 1969, in addition to an MBA in food marketing from Michigan State University in 1970. She retired from Kraft Foods in 2006 after 36 years in corporate food marketing and marketing communications management.

A community volunteer, Patsy serves on the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana Advisory Board and the Purdue College of Health and Human Sciences Dean’s Leadership Council, in addition to the President’s Council Advisory Board. She is a former member of the Health and Human Sciences Alumni Board. Patsy held several offices from 2006 through 2013, including president and treasurer. She serves her community’s Discover Indianapolis Club in Fishers, holding several leadership roles for over 10 years.

Patsy has received several honors, including the Purdue University Nutrition Science Department Hall of Fame recipient in 2009 and the Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award in 2016. She also received the college’s Gold and Black Award in 2016, an honor reserved for donors who have moved the college forward by committing exceptional financial resources.

In addition to endowing two scholarships, the Patsy J. Mellott Scholarship and Patsy J. Mellott HHS Scholarship, she established the Patsy J. Mellott Teaching Innovation Award in the College of Health and Human Sciences in 2013. In 2015, she endowed the Patsy J. Mellott Women’s Tennis Coach Performance Award. She is a lead donor in the Christine M. Ladisch Faculty Leadership Award and the Purdue Women’s Network Virginia C. Meredith Scholarship for the College of Health and Human Sciences.