Discovering Myths and Traditions of Purdue University

By: Emily Ladd

Here at Purdue University there is always something to do. Whether it’s eating or studying in the union or going to one of the many places on Chauncey, you and your friends will never be bored. There are many unique and beautiful structures and myths about Purdue’s campus that no other school shares. The distinctive things about Purdue make this university appealing to many students all over the world each year and by graduating as a Boilermaker, you

set yourself apart from other students.set yourself apart from other students.

Bell TowerThe bell tower is one of the most well known structures at Purdue. There are many myths passed around by students that only the brave will test. It is said if you

walk under the tower during your time here as a student your time here as a student you will not graduate in four years. Another myth is that if you kiss your significant other under the tower while the bell is ringing you will be destined to get married. This tower has been the subject tower has been the subject of many myths both good and bad; it is up to you to find out how accurate they

are.

Crossing the Tracks

Since Purdue’s main logo is the Boilermaker train it is right to have railroad tracks on campus. It’s a tradition to

jump over the tracks as an in-coming freshman during Boiler Gold Rush and also after graduation as a senior. As a graduation as a senior. As a freshman students cross the tracks from the North showing a lifelong relationship with Purdue. After graduation se-niors cross from the South to represent stepping into the

world with the accomplishment of a Purdue degree. The sym-bolism of these tracks is a tra-dition from Purdue Alumni and is a great way to start and finish time here at Purdue.

Making your Footprint

The moment one sends in their acceptance letter to Purdue they are one step closer to changing the world and achieving their

dreams. Although Purdue is most known for engineering there are many programs equally as re-warding. Whatever your major, warding. Whatever your major, your education here will make a positive impact. Students who chose Purdue do not chose Purdue to get by in life, they

chose Purdue to become success-ful and exceed in whatever

dreams they may have. Taking it one step at a time is the best way to do well not only in school, but

in all experiences in life.

Although the Lion Fountain is a very distinctive and well known donation to Purdue’s campus, it is also known for being associated with rumors of its own. It is said that at midnight if a virgin drinks

from the fountain, the lion will from the fountain, the lion will roar. Apart from the rumors this fountain is a great addi-tion to the campus and has a great location on the corner of Stanley Coulter Hall for stu-dents to drink from whether it is a hot day or students are looking for somewhere to fill up their water bottle.

Amelia Earhart, being an alumni at Purdue Univer-sity, is a big part of not only history in general, but his-tory of Purdue as well. In honor of her and her dis-coveries Purdue University has named a residence hall in her name with a statue of her at the entrance of the dining court located inside the residence hall. The statue represents all she has accomplished and shows Purdue’s pride for shows Purdue’s pride for her amazing work and pro-viding her with a great edu-

cation.

Engineering Fountain

The engineering fountain is the center of all the engineer-ing buildings on Purdue University’s campus and is not only a beautiful structure to sit and relax by on a hot day, but is also one of two fountains that participating fountains that participating students use for what is called a “fountain run”. The fountain run is a Purdue tra-dition where students run through one fountain and run to the next fountain running through it as well. Without this fountain one of the most well-known traditions would

be lost.

Loeb Fountain

The Loeb Fountain is not only the second fountain students use to participate in fountain runs, but is also a beautiful fountain on its own. This fountain is subject to many students not only running through, but resting and through, but resting and studying between classes as well. The buildings and other structures at Purdue Univer-sity are all beautiful and have interesting ties to them whether it is student traditions or myths, the campus and student life of Purdue are a sight for anyone to get

hooked on.