Connecting with Kevin - Ed. 8

Welcome to the 8th edition of Connecting with Kevin!

First and foremost, I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who reached out after the last newsletter. Your support means the world to me, and it's fantastic to see our community grow with almost 70 new subscribers joining us!

This week, let's delve into something more delightful and uplifting. While many of you know of my unwavering support for 美国普渡大学 , not everyone knows the full story behind it. In this edition of Connecting with Kevin, I'd like to share the roots of my connection to Purdue and how it became such an integral part of my life.

Ever Grateful, Ever True

Purdue has been a constant presence throughout my life. From my earliest memories of attending football and basketball games to the deeper understanding I gained as I grew older, the significance of this institution has only become more profound.

To trace the origins of my Purdue legacy, I need only look to the memoirs of my paternal grandfather, Dr. Charles Hicks. In 1946, while serving as an Instructor of Mathematics at Syracuse University, he embarked on a journey to obtain his PhD. His desire to work with Dr. Irving Burr, a prominent figure in Quality Control, led him to express interest in Purdue University.

I'll let him recount the story:

"When I decided to seek employment, Professor Kibbey, head of the math department at Syracuse, graciously recommended me to several institutions. I expressed a keen interest in Purdue, hoping to collaborate with Dr. Burr."

Despite initially being offered positions at Purdue's satellite campuses, he held out for the chance to work directly with Dr. Burr. That opportunity presented itself when Dr. Burr called with an offer, fulfilling my grandfather's hopes and prayers.

In his memoirs, he recalls praying for three specific things: a salary of at least $5,000 per year, an assistant professorship, and a teaching load favoring instruction over research. Miraculously, the offer letter he received encompassed all three requests. Thus, with my three-year-old father in tow, he relocated our family to West Lafayette, Indiana.

While my grandfather's career took him to various universities across the country, Purdue remained his true academic home. He eventually became the inaugural head of the Education Department at Purdue, leaving a lasting legacy through his teachings, publicizations, and volunteer contributions.

The Purdue connection runs deep in my family. All three of my grandfather's sons are Purdue alumni, as is my maternal grandfather, who earned his Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering after returning from World War II. Even my daughter proudly carries on the tradition as a Purdue graduate, her lineage intertwined with the university's history.

Growing up in Lafayette, attending football and basketball games was a cherished pastime. I fondly recall squeezing into seats alongside my father in Ross-Ade Stadium and Mackey Arena, soaking in the excitement of the "Old Oaken Bucket" games and witnessing memorable moments on the field and court.

While my early years were defined by sporting rivalries, I've come to realize that Purdue's appeal extends far beyond athletics. It's about the shared experiences and camaraderie forged among Boilermakers, whether on campus, across the globe, or at tailgates on crisp autumn Saturdays.

Beyond its athletic prowess, Purdue's academic achievements and commitment to affordability resonate deeply with me. From its renowned Aeronautical Engineering program to its steadfast freeze on tuition for over a decade, Purdue continues to excel in shaping future leaders and innovators.

My pride in Purdue transcends wins and losses on the scoreboard. Even during moments of disappointment, like last year's unexpected defeat in March Madness, I proudly flew the Purdue flag the very next week, a symbol of my unwavering allegiance no matter the outcome.

In the past several years, we've seen scandal after scandal involving other schools. Purdue certainly isn't perfect, but losing a game played by kids is not something that will hold me back from showing my colors. I believe people know that about me.

Shout out to all the Boilermakers reading this. BTFU!

-Kevin