Thank you for supporting student well-being at Purdue. The Walk Alongside a Boilermaker initiative provides alumni an avenue to offer words of encouragement to Purdue students who may be struggling with a variety of issues from academic concerns to homesickness. By completing this form in full, your note of encouragement would be offered to students in addition to various on-campus resources that can support their success.
All submissions gathered will be reviewed and provided to students throughout the academic year to promote well-being. While you may never know the specific student you impact with your message, please know that we greatly value your willingness to support our students. Below are a couple example other alumni have shared:
“Hi there, I just wanted to take a moment to remind you that you’re not alone on this journey. College can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times - and that’s completely normal. When I was at Purdue, I had days when I questioned myself or felt like I wasn’t keeping up. Looking back now as an alum, I can promise you that those tough moments don’t define you... they shape you. You are stronger and more capable than you may realize right now. Remember that every step, even the hard ones, are moving you forward. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, lean on friends, or take a break when you need it. Purdue has an incredible community that wants to see you succeed, and you deserve to be here. One day, you’ll look back and be proud of how you kept moving, even when it wasn’t easy.”
Abby Lillpop, Purdue University - 2004-2008
Agricultural Communications
“Dear Student, Things might be tough right now, or things might not be how you thought they would be. Just know that your Boilermaker family has universally encountered similar feelings and we are here to support you. Don't be shy - reach out and use friends, family, or school connections to express how you're feeling. Just keep going if you believe in what you're doing. Important note, it is also OK to quit if you think something is just plain wrong! But don't quit just because it's hard. Persevere. Whatever you're going through, just know that struggles lead straight to the best lessons. Boiler up!”
Tyler Feret, Purdue University - 2004-2006