(WEST LAFAYETTE) – Themed “Giant Leaps @ Home,” Purdue University’s 2020 Homecoming celebration will take place virtually this year, Nov. 9-14.
In keeping with the Protect Purdue Plan, the university’s comprehensive strategy to keep campus safe by limiting the spread of COVID-19, this year’s Homecoming will forgo in-person gatherings. Instead, it offer the Purdue family around the globe an array of virtual programming that celebrates the university’s storied history and the traditions, memories, and spirit that bind us together.
“With this opportunity to bring Homecoming directly into people’s homes, we realized that this is a whole new way of including people who might not otherwise have been able to attend,” said Matt Folk, vice president for university advancement and alumni engagement and president and CEO of the Purdue for Life Foundation. “We believe we’re setting the precedent this year, with some really exciting and creative programming, to be able to include Purdue’s more than 575,000 alums in virtual ways in years to come.”
Through Giant Leaps @ Home, alumni will hear the latest from university leadership and the colleges, get information on campuswide happenings, and be entertained by beloved singer and pianist Bruce Barker. Highlights of the planned events and special programming include:
- Purdue Center for Cancer Research Virtual 5K.
- Class of 1970 reunion event.
- Student performances.
- Fun activities for the whole family, including Goosechase, an interactive competition featuring at-home activities and trivia.
- Virtual tours.
- Daily livestreams of university updates.
Homecoming week concludes on Nov. 14 with the Purdue football game against visiting Northwestern University (game time to be announced) and the presentation of the Homecoming Pillars of Excellency awards recognizing students who exemplify education and scholarship, service and leadership, and research and innovation. Most events will be free of cost — and some include the chance to compete for prizes (video celebrates Purdue).
“Purdue spirit and pride have never been stronger,” Folk said. “With the onset of the pandemic, we’ve come together in a remarkable way to support the Protect Purdue Plan, and we look forward to celebrating all that is Purdue during Homecoming week.”
Planning for Homecoming week is still underway. For updates on virtual event offerings, visit the Homecoming website. The Homecoming website will serve as the portal for accessing all Homecoming online activities.
About Purdue University
Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 5 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://purdue.edu/.
Information by Kelsey Bush, kdbush@prf.org