Candyce and David Krumwiede are 1978 Purdue alums — she in the College of Education, he in the School of Management. By being engaged in University events and campus committees, the Krumwiedes exemplify the Boilermaker spirit in everything they touch. We sat down with them to find out why Purdue is so important to them and their family. Their responses characterize the loyal and dedicated spirit of the President’s Council.

What motivates you to stay involved at Purdue?
We are proud of our family history at Purdue, and we value the education we received at this great University as our degrees have opened many doors of opportunity for each of us. We are motivated to be a part of the University by serving on the College of Education Dean’s Advisory Council and the Krannert School Alumni Advisory Board. We appreciate the quality leadership of Dean George Hynd and Dean Rick Cosier as they guide these alumni groups.

What motivates you to support Purdue financially?
Over the past decade, Purdue has set a new standard of excellence for higher education programming and faculty. It is our desire to be a part of this winning program with our financial support, our time, and talents. We are not only motivated to financially support at the university level, but also in 1994 we endowed the Harold Clifton Jr. Memorial Scholarship through the Rush County Foundation to benefit a student who attends Purdue University in agricultural studies.

What is the fondest memory of your time at Purdue?
Two wonderful memories come to mind for us. The first memory is the fact that we were presidents of our Fraternity (Sigma Chi) and Sorority (Pi Beta Phi) simultaneously and dating each other. We both feel it was a great honor to serve the Greek system at Purdue and even today we are involved with our Greek connections. The grandest memory is graduation and all the pomp and circumstance that go with the commencement ceremony. It was a thrill and such a sense of true accomplishment.

What are the rewards of being involved with President’s Council and with the University community?
The best reward is the friendships we have made while being involved with President’s Council. We value our friendships with Purdue faculty members and new friends throughout the country. It just makes the world a little bit smaller. Staying involved with PC and the University community is very "mind expanding." Many times later in your career you can become very "self" focused. The connection to the Purdue community allows you to interact with a broad base of individuals from different fields, but with the "common link" that is your Purdue history.

What else would you like to share?
Last December, we were so excited to have our daughter, Laura, graduate from Purdue with a degree in child development. Laura is not only a fourth-generation graduate of Purdue on Candyce’s side of the family, but one of over 30 family members to attend Purdue during the last 85 years.

Coming home is all about the students.

For Jay Fehnel, BA '84, liberal arts, the best part of coming back to the Purdue campus is seeing students.

So when he was the special guest at the first Purdue Foundation Student Board (PFSB) function of the 2006-07 school year, he was in his element.

"Your enthusiasm and energy make us all feel a little younger, said Fehnel, speaking on behalf of fellow alumni. "Events are flat without students.

Fehnel, who lives in Chicago and serves as vice president of entertainment products for Tribune Media Services, spoke highly of his undergraduate years at Purdue and how they helped groom him to be a successful leader in the world of business. Fehnel feels so strongly about Purdue that he has "taken stock in it by being a member of both the President's Council and John Purdue Club, endowing a Purdue scholarship, and sitting on the Campaign for Purdue Chicago Steering Committee.

He spoke to the students in hopes that they, too, will remain Purdue leaders long after they complete their degrees.

"I encourage you to begin giving back to Purdue as soon as you leave campus, even if you're still paying off student loans, he said.

For alumni and donors like himself, seeing bright students like PFSB members re-affirms his faith in Purdue's future.

"You're making my alma mater a better place and I appreciate it.

Several years ago while watching a Boilermaker football game with her family, Angie Klink noticed that her son Ross's attention seemed to be focused elsewhere.

"I realized Purdue Pete fascinated him, she says. "As soon as we returned from the trip, I searched everywhere for a children's book about Pete.

Klink never found such a book.

Four years later, she decided to write one herself. In a week, she finished Purdue Pete Finds His Hammer.

Klink's skills as a writer aren't the only thing that made her the perfect person to write a book about Purdue's beloved mascot. She comes from a family with strong Purdue ties. Her father and two brothers received engineering degrees from Purdue, and her sister received her associate's degree in nursing from the University.

Klink's father, L. Jackson Lipp, attended Purdue when he was in his 30s. Before attending Purdue, Lipp was the other kind of boilermaker — he helped work on boilers on the railroad. Knowing the diesel engine would end his trade, he decided to get an electrical engineering degree from Purdue. He later went on to work for Purdue's physical facilities department as a utilities engineer.

"The boilermaker statue outside Ross-Ade stadium really reminds me of both sides of my father, Klink says. "He worked hard as a boilermaker to support his family, and he worked hard to attend Purdue while supporting a wife and three children. He worked at night and went to classes during the day. He graduated in four years, too.

I don't know how he did it. The Lafayette Journal and Courier recently published an article by Klink regarding her reflections on the statue's special meaning to her.

Klink's strong feelings about Purdue compelled her to begin supporting the University early, in whatever small way she could. Only two years after graduating, she began making annual gifts to the College of Liberal Arts, from which she graduated in 1981.

When Klink's brother, Dennis Lipp, died in an accident in 2002, Klink created a scholarship fund through Purdue Musical Organizations in his memory. Dennis had been a member of Glee Club while a student — something that meant a lot to their whole family.

"He was our star, Klink says, recalling how exciting it was to see her brother perform, at Purdue and elsewhere. "Dad couldn't carry a tune. He was so proud of Dennis, who had a wonderful voice. He would sing the Lord's Prayer at family gatherings, and all of the aunts would cry.

Today, Klink and her husband, Steve, who attended Purdue as well, give mainly to the John Purdue Club. Their gifts include monetary donations—and some unconventional gifts-in-kind. "We own a drugstore in town, and we supply over-the-counter medicinal supplies for all of the athletes, she explains. "That can mean sending over anything from a hundred ChapSticks to antiseptic ointment— whatever they need.

Besides the fun of being involved in John Purdue Club and President's Council events, Klink says, she feels good about supporting the University that has played such a major role in her life and the lives of her family.

"It's a circle, she says. "You can support Purdue in different ways—whatever you do, you're helping give the University a strong name. Whether it's winning the Big Ten Championship or getting to the No. 1 ranking in management, it's more recognition for Purdue. That helps Purdue get more people involved—and it all builds on itself.

When Jerry and Rosie Semler met as Purdue students more than 45 years ago and later married, the couple also began a lifelong relationship with Purdue University.

Jerry, BS '58, industrial economics, and Rosie, BA '59, social sciences, joined the John Purdue Club shortly after graduating. The affiliation evolved into membership in the President's Council, which Jerry chaired in 1985-86, and an unwavering commitment to all things Purdue.

Along the way, six of the Semlers' seven children became Boilermakers, too. And the first of 26 grandchildren is continuing the tradition.

"We're very proud that our oldest grandson is a freshman at Purdue, Jerry said. "We have even more reasons to visit.

That kind of loyalty is also a hallmark of Jerry's professional career. He started with American United Life Insurance (now OneAmerica) as a management trainee in 1959 and rose through the ranks to become president, chief executive officer, and eventually chairman of the board —a post he retained after stepping down from his other leadership positions in 2004.

Both equally dedicated to Purdue sports, the couple established the Jerry and Rosie Semler Athletic Scholarship in 2005. However, Purdue athletics isn't their only source of school pride —the University's impact on the Indiana economy also has them cheering.

"Our visibility is higher than it has ever been, Jerry said. "Purdue is well positioned to be a lead change agent in economic development.

For Michele L. Thomas (BS '93, management), giving back is a family tradition. While growing up in Columbus, Indiana, Thomas witnessed regular acts of charity by her parents, whose generosity set a standard that she continues to follow.

"In a rural community, philanthropy isn't about getting your name on a building, Thomas said. "It's about the farmer down the road getting cancer and everyone pitching in to make sure his hay gets baled and his cows get milked. That's one of the purest forms of giving — the simple act of people helping people. I saw that example in my parents every day.

Given her upbringing, it should come as no surprise that Thomas was eager to contribute to The Campaign for Purdue and join the President's Council Advisory Committee.

"It was an honor to be asked, she said. "One of the great things about the President's Council is the opportunity to support Purdue in a way that's meaningful to you. I like having the flexibility to give to an area about which I'm passionate.

Thomas's passion is the Purdue Opportunity Awards Program, which provides assistance to at least one student from each of Indiana's 92 counties who might otherwise not be able to attend Purdue due to financial and/or family circumstances.

"I'm a first-generation college student myself, and the program has a very deep and significant meaning to me, Thomas said. "My parents made a lot of sacrifices for me to attend Purdue, and I want others to have the same opportunity.

In fact, Thomas is in the business of creating opportunity through giving. As vice president and client advisor for New York-based JPMorgan's Indianapolis office, she provides investment management consulting to many of Indiana's foundations, endowments, and not-for-profit organizations. While Thomas's client list is confidential, it's safe to assume that her advice has helped advance the mission of countless philanthropic endeavors.

She brings that same expertise to the President's Council Advisory Committee, which is using her unique talents to build membership among younger alumni.

"Many people feel that joining the President's Council is something to do when they get older, she said. "We want them to know that they can start establishing a relationship with the University and building a habit of giving now.

As you might expect, though, Thomas is more focused on what the organization has given to her.

"I have a lot of respect for the leadership of the President's Council, and the voice it has in shaping the University's future, she said. "It's very meaningful to be a part of the planning for the next generation of significant donors to Purdue.

Giving back to Purdue University, a place where he "lived his glory days," means a lot to Andrew Kelley, BS '95, industrial engineering. Being a member of the President's Council has made his ability to give back to Purdue even more gratifying.

According to Kelley, his involvement in Purdue athletics was instrumental in his decision to become a President's Council member. As an undergraduate, Kelley was a three-year letterman on the Purdue golf team. He served as team captain in his senior year.

"When I think about the time I spent at Purdue, the best days of my life, what I remember most is my athletics involvement."

Kelley and Lynne, his wife of six years, also show their Purdue loyalty by giving to the John Purdue Club, holding season tickets, and cheering the Boilermakers to victory. Kelley serves on the alumni board for the Theta Chi fraternity and enjoys returning to campus whenever possible.

If it is not a sporting event or a fraternity engagement that brings him back to campus, it is often a work-related appointment. As a commercial sales manager for Carrier Corporation (HVAC), located in Indianapolis, Kelley is proud to list Purdue University among his customers.

The sense of family at Purdue, especially within Purdue athletics, also helps keep Kelley connected to the University. He noted that he has been quite pleased with the current administration's agenda.

"I really give a lot of credit to President Jischke and what he's done at Purdue," Kelley said. "Just being a part of that, and belonging to the President's Council, gives me a sense of pride. It's an honor to participate in the University's dynamic success and growth."

When Dale and Suzi (Betty Sue) Gallagher returned to the United States after living abroad for almost 10 years, one of their first objectives was to reconnect with their alma mater. As two of the President's Council's first members, Dale (BS '69, industrial engineering) and Suzi (BS '70, liberal arts) had always been tremendous supporters of Purdue University.

"What we have accomplished professionally and personally is thanks to the educations we received from Purdue University," said Dale, who retired from PepsiCo Inc., Frito-Lay Europe after 30 years.

The Gallaghers, who currently reside in Chevy Chase, Maryland, have been impressed by the vision, ambition, and energy expressed by Purdue President Martin C. Jischke and the Board of Trustees in the University's strategic planning.

Inspired to see what they could contribute through their personal and financial involvement, Dale became a member of the Engineering Dean's Advisory Council, and Suzi became a Dean's Advisory Committee member for the College of Education. An invitation to join The Campaign for Purdue Steering Committee soon followed.

"Dr. Jischke and the strategic plan are getting Purdue back to where it belongs, in the forefront of academic excellence, and perhaps even ahead of where it has been historically," Dale said. "It is exciting to be around the energy he is generating through the campaign's objectives and the success it is obviously enjoying."

While we have financially supported various Purdue schools and activities, our two principal gifts have been to the School of Mechanical Engineering: one to the ongoing M.E. Preeminence Campaign, whose success is imperative for the school's future; and another to endow a graduate fellowship in mechanical engineering.

Our fellowship is for graduate students involved in studies and research related to manufacturing. It enables outstanding students to participate in the M.E. graduate program and should help strengthen Purdue's research and recruitment of world-class faculty. Whenever we meet with these impressive Cordier Fellows and learn about their achievements, it really makes a difference to Gail and me.

Although the Purdue President's Council has grown from a tiny group to more than 13,000 individual members during our 27 years of membership, it still means "home and "Purdue family to us. It has created opportunities to interact with three of Purdue's presidents and their staffs and faculties and has led to enduring friendships with many other members, a truly superb group of Boilermakers.

We cherish the company of those President's Council friends when we attend council-sponsored trips, golf outings, and cruises. We also appreciate the many opportunities to mingle with large numbers of fellow members at the famous pregame brunches, the "backbone events" of the Council's scheduled offerings. Whatever the venue, it is tremendously rewarding to associate with President's Council members, Purdue's most enthusiastic, generous, and supportive alumni and friends.

We give an annual gift to Purdue Musical Organizations (PMO) for helping the exceptional and enthusiastic students that comprise PMO to enjoy many unique travel and performance opportunities. As a member of the Varsity Glee Club in the late 1980s and early 1990s, I was privileged to have had the opportunity to travel with the President's Council and to perform for Purdue alumni and friends near and far. As a freshman at one of these functions, I remember wondering at the time what it was about Purdue that inspired these loyal friends and alumni to make a lifelong commitment to Purdue and to give so generously of their time and resources. Looking back, I realize my own PMO experiences are primarily what have inspired me to make a lifelong commitment to Purdue. In fact, my Varsity Glee Club experiences did not end when I graduated; one of Christina's and my first dates while students together at Valparaiso School of Law was a Purdue Varsity Glee Club concert. Many glee clubbers sang at our wedding, as well.

In addition to involvement with PMO, our involvement with President's Council gives us the opportunity to interact and share with others who continue to be inspired by all of the great and exciting things happening at Purdue today. We enjoy being with alumni of all ages and sharing the "when I was at Purdue . . . stories.

One of the best things about being involved in President's Council is that we can take part in all of the old Purdue traditions as well as stay involved with and informed about all of the exciting changes taking place at Purdue!

Some of our more significant contributions have been made to the Krannert School of Management and to the School of Consumer and Family Sciences, which are the schools that helped make us successful in our business careers. It is our hope that they will continue to develop tomorrow's strong leaders. We also have sponsored a Beering scholarship and contributed to numerous other scholarship funds. We know from visiting with the recipients it has made a difference in their lives. In some cases, without scholarships they would not be attending college. Their stories have made a difference in our lives, as well.

Our membership in President's Council keeps us in touch with the University. President's Council brings together the best Purdue has to offer in celebrating its past, its present, and its future. The President's Council is the glue that holds us close to the University.

Through President's Council, we feel we have an educational and interesting inside view of what is happening at Purdue. Having a close association with Purdue's administration, staff, and coaches gives us the feeling of being part of the family. We share the challenges and the ups and downs in a close, personal way. We also enjoy having a chance to be with other Purdue alumni and friends of Purdue who share a common interest in Purdue's development and preeminence.

To me the President's Council is the tent pole around which so many of my Purdue friends gather. The University is a community of over 60,000 students, faculty, and staff on campus, and it's easy for an alumnus returning to campus to get lost. The President's Council provides an opportunity to be part of a family of people who care about Purdue. The fact that they are members says that they share an objective to give back to the University that has provided so much to us. As participants in President's Council events, we've made countless new and lasting friendships that we treasure...people who love Purdue just as much as we do.