Purdues

Purdues is an informal term used to describe people affiliated with Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. It encompasses students, alumni, faculty, staff, and other associates. The word is not an official demonym, but it is sometimes used to refer to the Purdue community as a whole. The university’s athletic teams are known as the Boilermakers, a nickname that reflects the institution’s engineering heritage and industrial regional roots.

Purdues trace their identity to Purdue University’s founding in 1869 as a public land‑grant university. Classes began in 1874, and the institution gradually expanded its programs and research capabilities. Today Purdue offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across science, engineering, agriculture, business, humanities, and health sciences. Purdues participate in diverse academic disciplines and engage in research, innovation, and professional development.

The culture of Purdues is characterized by an emphasis on inquiry, collaboration, and practical problem solving. On campus, student life includes residence halls, clubs, organizations, and opportunities for research and hands‑on learning. The Boilermaker tradition extends into athletics and campus events, contributing to a shared sense of identity among students and alumni. The Purdues network—spanning alumni chapters and professional communities—maintains connections across industries worldwide.

Notable Purdues are individuals who have contributed to advances in technology, science, education, government, and business through their work at Purdue or as alumni and affiliates. While the term Purdues functions as a general descriptor rather than a formal subgroup, it reflects the broader Purdue community and its ongoing impact in various sectors.