Campus Feature Old Pump Originally used by farmers during the 1860's, the Old Pump, now located at the southeast corner of Stone Hall, is a campus landmark. According to tradition, the pump was used by early Purdue students as a campus meeting place. The hours for Purdue's women to be in the ladies residence halls were very early in the evening, but the co-eds were allowed to go out after hours for water from the pump, which was located…
Campus Feature Purdue Student Union Topiary The Topiary formed out of Little Leaf Boxwood (Buxus microphylla) is a popular background for photographs during graduation and alumni events. Centered in front of the Memorial Union, the topiary functions as a welcome sign to students and visitors.
Campus Feature Repose The life-size clay structure, “Repose” was created by ceramic artist Nina Hole. It was modeled to look like a church in the Danish artist’s hometown, where she was later buried. Repose means a state of rest or tranquility, and this design was Hole’s last as she died in February 2016. Hole is known for her outdoor firing technique, which allowed her to transform raw clay into a finished piece entirely on site. She created similar…
Campus Feature Rush Crossing Rush Crossing, located in Centennial Mall between Stanley Coulter Hall and Wetherill Hall, is a 52' long replica of the old Purdue railroad tracks. The railroad ran near the area prior to 1953. Alumni Jim and Janet Rush provided the leadership gift for the tracks, part of a Purdue tradition started by Purdue Student Government and alumni leaders in 2006. When students first arrive at Purdue, they "cross the tracks" to the south, symbolizing their…
Campus Feature Sculpture honoring Purdue female leaders Linda Hurd Ewing, Sandra Kay Monroe and Betty Mitchell Nelson The 7-foot-3-inch-tall abstract sculpture by Arizona artist Mark Anthony Wallis honors Linda Hurd Ewing, former associate dean of students; Sandra Kay Monroe, director of university undergraduate advising; and Betty Mitchell Nelson, dean of students emerita. The sculpture was made possible by a gift from Purdue alumna Marylu McEwen, who worked in the Office of the Dean of Women from 1970 to 1974 as a graduate intern and later as a full-time counselor. More Information
Campus Feature Silver Bow Deborah Butterfield gave the title Silver Bow to the horse that stands in the front of Pao Hall on the Purdue University campus in West Lafayette, IN. As a perennial greeter of students, faculty and staff as they enter the Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Visual and Performing Arts, the horse stands as a sign of the dynamic and vital arts community within the university. Silver Bow was dedicated on April 17, 2010. For…
Campus Feature Spirit Arch The Spirit Arch is the symbol of our passage to a new millennium. This addition to our campus is the result of a joint effort between the Class of 2000 Senior Class Gift and the Visual Arts Committee.
Campus Feature Steel Teaching Sculpture This unique art piece donated to Purdue by the American Institute of steel construction doubles as a teaching instrument for the Department of Civil Engineering. As the title of the art piece implies, Steel Teaching Sculpture demonstrates the basic properties of various steel connections. The sculpture is used to illustrate concepts discussed in class lectures and is also used in class laboratory sessions to provide students with a “hands on” example of steel construction.
Campus Feature Sycamore Arch The Sycamore Arch created by Ken Thompson is made from limestone and stainless steel; two strong and secure materials which will endure throughout history. These materials represent the strength Purdue University offers students as they travel their educational path.
Campus Feature The Entomologist Created by artist Susie Chisholm of Savannah, Ga., the sculpture of three individuals observing a tiger swallowtail butterfly represents one of the primary missions of a land grant university - providing education to the general public through the Extension service. The sculpture includes small details, such as insects, to encourage onlookers to explore it for hidden surprises. It’s meant to be an interactive display and touching is encouraged. More information on Purdue Agriculture News…
