Discover Purdue University’s Top 5 Must-Read Stories That Are Shaping Campus Life

As we gear up for Purdue’s Day of Giving on April 30, Trevor Peters shares the latest Boilermaker happenings in this week’s “Purdue News Now.” This edition highlights recognitions for President Mung Chiang and two faculty members, along with an exciting look at “The Greatest Spectacle in College Racing.”

In case you missed it, here are some noteworthy updates:

Chief Executive magazine announced on April 7 that Dave Ricks, chair and CEO of Eli Lilly and Company, is the 2025 Chief Executive of the Year. Ricks has been a key figure since becoming CEO in 2017 and an honorary Purdue alumnus, holding a BS from Purdue and an MBA from Indiana University. He joined the Purdue Board of Trustees earlier this year and is praised for his leadership in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in cancer therapies.

In exciting research news, Purdue scientists are exploring a new therapy for small-cell lung cancer. Elizabeth Tran, a biochemistry professor, and Bennett Elzey, an associate research professor, recently published their findings in the journal iScience. They discovered that a drug called Supinoxin may be more effective when used alongside other treatments. This discovery could pave the way for more effective cancer therapies, showcasing Purdue’s commitment to groundbreaking research.

Purdue’s School of Mechanical Engineering has come a long way since its founding in 1882 with just one student. Today, it’s the largest mechanical engineering school in the U.S. with over 4,000 students. According to U.S. News & World Report, both undergraduate and graduate programs are ranked seventh in the nation. This growth reflects not only a strong curriculum but also dedicated faculty and students making significant contributions in fields like robotics and sustainability.

Perry Paschou, a professor and interim head of biological sciences at Purdue, sheds light on Alzheimer’s disease in a recent video. She discusses why women are more susceptible to developing the disease, often due to longer lifespans and biological factors. Paschou’s research focuses on understanding these intricacies, aiming to improve treatments and raise awareness of this growing health issue.

Meanwhile, Dayle and Claire Alexander, two senior propulsion engineers, were ecstatic as they watched Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket achieve orbit on January 16. This milestone in the commercial space race highlighted the work and innovation at Purdue, where engineering expertise is helping to push the boundaries of space exploration.

Purdue University stands out as a leader in research and education. With over 107,000 students across various campuses, it offers a diverse educational experience. Notably, Purdue has maintained its commitment to affordability, freezing tuition rates for 14 consecutive years. As part of its growth, initiatives like the Mitch Daniels School of Business and urban expansion programs are designed to keep pushing for excellence.

For more insights from Purdue experts on relevant topics, visit the AP Newsroom or check out the Purdue News YouTube channel.

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