EiR spring break participants with members of the Poudre Fire Authority.
University Residences strives to build relationships that transcend the academic experience. With programs such as the Executive in Residence (EiR) Learning Community, students are provided with an exclusive chance to get hands-on experience with Purdue alumni who are at the top of their industries. Outside of regularly scheduled EiR events, this learning community provides a unique opportunity to travel and experience the power of networking and togetherness.
EiR normally hosts executives and successful alumni on campus, where they interact with students in a variety of residential and academic settings. The spring break trip provides students from across University Residences with the opportunity to visit executives where they live. This year was the third time EiR has offered a spring break trip.
Over spring break from March 15-23, Purdue alumna, Teresa Roche, welcomed students in Fort Collins, Colorado. As chief human resources officer of the Colorado city, Roche exposed students to the workings of the city, entrepreneurs and aspects of community. The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery was the first visit that residents experienced. This immersive and interactive museum forged connections between science, history and more while students explored their own connections and friendships.
“I love my community, and I love my colleagues,” Roche says. “To have my love circle of Purdue intersect with my love circle of Fort Collins and being a public servant was such a gift.”
Exercise completed by EiR spring break trip participants.
Students were invited to experience a Fort Collins City panel and to chat with the Poudre Fire Authority.
“Your takeaway from this will be each other. Be the best friend, family member, neighbor and community member you can be,” says Jeni Arndt, mayor of Fort Collins and Purdue alumna.
Though the trip followed a packed schedule of community-focused activities, spontaneity had its moment to shine. After meeting with the city panel and getting to know the fire chief, students were invited to take an impromptu detour to the local fire station, where they slid down poles and got a hands-on look at the inner workings of the firetrucks.
During the trip, students lived together and made meals for one another. Each night, they prepared meals for 10 or more people, teaching one another their favorite dishes. When one would specialize in a protein, another student would rise to the challenge of preparing a side dish. These meals were more than food - they were the blend of culture, teamwork and shared learning. Relationships grew over recipes shared and friendship foundations were built through the art of cooking.
“The breaking of bread together is important, and what we typically miss in a modern world is the service of cooking for someone else,” says Bryan Austin, associate director of Residential Academic Initiatives (RAI). “As a college student you often cook for one, maybe for a big event you could cook for four. When you cook for ten to fifteen, things get complicated. It’s a great exercise in teamwork as well as service to go to the grocery store and to prepare a meal.”
The Innosphere and Warehouse also opened their arms for students to tour. Innosphere is a professional training and coaching center dedicated to accelerating the success of science and technology-based startups. Beth and Peter Bostwick, serial business entrepreneurs and authors, hosted students and provided valuable insights. The tours emphasized the commercialization of technology, and empowering students to capitalize on the technologies and products that they may work on.
After an adventure to the Colorado State University Powerhouse, the group drove to Colorado Springs to take in the sights and have dinner with faculty.
Mark Ward, director of the Data Mine, reflected on the experience. “The interdisciplinary nature of this expedition is meant to be appreciated, enjoyed and learned from.”
The rest of the trip was filled with visits to Lockheed Martin to learn about the aerospace industry, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum to appreciate the excellence and grit of athletes, Roxborough Park to enjoy the beauty of the natural world in balance with the professional world and dinner with Bridget Epp, Purdue alumna, marketer, mentor and coach.
The Bostwicks, Epp and Roche are all long-time supporters of EiR and have contributed significantly to the organization. After the incredible trip, many left with lifelong friendships, insights about their future careers and thoughts on how to contribute to their communities.
Students involved in the trip produced the video below to recap their experiences.
EiR is a nationally acclaimed program that is continually developing and growing to create and sustain meaningful experiences. EiR was recognized with a 2024-25 NASPA Excellence Award, presented by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. EiR received a bronze award in the Contracted Services, Housing, Residence Life and related category.
For students ready to take the next step in their academic and professional career, visit the EiR website to learn more and apply. Build connections, build your community and send an email with further inquiries about this stand-out program to eir@purdue.edu.
