Studying always required an additional book for Paul Oreffice (ChE’49, HDR ChE’76). In front of him, a chemical engineering textbook would lie open on one side and a translation dictionary on the other.
After his family moved to Ecuador to escape direct threats from Italy’s Benito Mussolini, Oreffice arrived at Purdue knowing fewer than 50 words of English.
He would eventually become fluent in five languages and lead the Dow Chemical Company as president and CEO from 1978 to 1987 and as chairman from 1986 to 1992.
“My dad lived the American dream,” says Paul’s son, Andy Oreffice (M’83). “He was passionate about this country and the opportunities it provides.”
After graduating from Purdue, Oreffice served in the U.S. Army for two years. He joined Dow Chemical in 1953 and rose through the ranks due to his understanding of global economies, his tenacity, and his entrepreneurial spirit.
“Even with all of his important jobs, my dad always made time for me and my sister,” Andy says. “We shared a passion for sports—especially Purdue Athletics and Purdue basketball.”
In fact, Oreffice loved Purdue sports so much he once spent weeks trying to figure out how to attend a home football game—at the invitation of President Mung Chiang—in the middle of a day of cross-country travel. He was 96 years old.
“I think it took a couple of weeks for him to realize that the entire day would be too much,” Andy laughs.
Oreffice was committed to philanthropy, with major priorities including Parkinson’s disease and cancer research. He also helped transform the tennis courts in his town of Midland, Michigan, from dirt courts on Main Street into a thriving complex.
However, Oreffice instructed that his foundation be liquidated after his death, with the largest percentage designated for Purdue.
Later this year, thanks to a $2.5 million gift, the east entrance of Mackey Arena will be named in his honor. “When this opportunity presented itself, I knew it was the type of thing my dad would’ve loved,” Andy says. “He just never would’ve done it for himself.
“I think one of the reasons my dad loved Purdue basketball so much was because of how Coach Keady and Coach Painter have built the program—it’s counter to so much of what’s going on in Division I. He loved the commitment our players show and the way they represent their university. Working hard and not taking the easy way out were principles he devoted his life to, and that’s why this Mackey Arena gift is the perfect way to honor my dad.”
—Christina Egbert
