West Lafayette, October 29, 2016: Purdue launched an international engagement campaign as part of Ever True: The Campaign for Purdue University during an event in India.
Addressing alumni and friends of the university at a reception at the Leela Palace Hotel in Bangalore, Purdue President Mitch Daniels recognized the support of TVS Motor Co. for contributions of more than $1 million, including funding that established the Indian Emerging Scholar Fund. Venu Srinivasan, a 1977 Purdue management graduate, is chairman and managing director of the company. Daniels also cited Purdue’s commitment to affordability and world-class education and invited attendees to help make an impact by engaging with the university.
“Venu and other successful alumni are helping us keep a rigorous college education within the financial reach of all students,” Daniels said. “Through our international engagement campaign, we will celebrate the generous philanthropy of our alumni and friends, invest in our students and faculty and foster the breathtaking contributions our graduates extend to all corners of the globe.”
The International Engagement Campaign seeks to raise $40 million by June 30, 2019, when the overarching campaign concludes during the university’s 150th anniversary year. The seven-year Ever True campaign began its silent phase on July 1, 2012, and was publicly announced on Oct. 9, 2015, with a goal of $2.019 billion and the priorities “Place Students First,” “Build on Our Strengths” and “Champion Research and Innovation.”
“Being an international student at a U.S. university, away from your home country for the first time, is challenging,” said Ashish Vikram, a 1989 Purdue computer science graduate who participated in Purdue’s day of giving from Bangalore by making a donation to Purdue’s International Programs. “My Purdue education helped me realize my potential, and I wanted to support the programs that help international students succeed.”
International alumni and friends have already donated $28 million toward the campaign goal, including:
* $1,000 from Lukia Chen, an international student from China. Chen donated prize money from a business school competition she had won to support an organization for students interested in forensic accounting.
* Inacio and Andrea Moriguchi – from Japan and Brazil, respectively – supported Purdue Bands and Orchestras by contributing to the Dauch Scholarship Challenge, which provides a one-to-one match to donors who fund a scholarship endowment for non-Indiana undergraduate or professional students.
* $100,000 from Charlie Shin, a 1999 Purdue industrial design graduate from South Korea. Shin supported a conference room in the Krach Leadership Center.
* $275,000 from Kuwaiti Abdullah Marafi – who graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and in 2008 with a master’s degree in industrial engineering – and his wife, Laila. The couple supported an area in the newly renovated Grissom Hall to expand the research capabilities of the School of Industrial Engineering.
The number of gifts from international donors during this year’s Purdue Day of Giving increased by 60 percent over last year, with donors from 44 countries participating, up from 37 last year. Dollars raised through the International Engagement Campaign go to any area that a donor wishes, including academic programs, scholarships or student organizations.
This year, 9,303 international students attend the university from 127 countries. Purdue ranks third in international student enrollment among U.S. public institutions, and has been named the top destination for international students majoring in STEM disciplines. The university also has ongoing strategic partnerships around the world, recently accepting an invitation from Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos to assist in creating a master plan for sustainable development of the nation’s Orinoquía region.
“With alumni networks and ambassadors in more than 60 countries, Purdue is proud to be a global university,” said Cheryl Altinkemer, associate vice president for international advancement. “No matter where their lives take them, our international alumni will always be an important part of the Purdue family. This campaign offers alumni opportunities to stay engaged with our university and to give back through their time, talent and treasure.”
In addition to donating to the campaign, international alumni are encouraged to update their information with Purdue, stay connected with the university on social media, and share about their experience as a Boilermaker with prospective students and their families.
Daniels is visiting India and Taiwan with Suresh Garimella, Purdue executive vice president for research and partnerships and Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering; Mary Dennis, vice president for international outreach and engagement at the Purdue Alumni Association; and Altinkemer.
Contact: Lisa Tally, executive director for philanthropic communications, University Development Office, [email protected], 765-494-2181
Sources: Mitch Daniels, [email protected]
Ashish Vikram, [email protected]
Cheryl Altinkemer, 765-494-8218, [email protected]
Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)
