1

Multigeneration Boilermaker Looks Back at His Purdue Experience  

Dawson Odle 

Hometown: Linden, IN. 

Major & Concentration: Agricultural Business, with a concentration in Business Management 

Minors or Certificates: Minor in Global Ag and Food Systems, with a certificate in Collaborative Leadership 

Why did you come to Purdue: I came to Purdue for 2 reasons. I am the 30th member of my family to attend Purdue, with my great grandfather graduating with a degree in Agriculture in 1928. Since then my 28 relatives have attended Purdue throughout the past century, and I mark the 30th. I also valued education and basketball in my college, and Purdue was the perfect fit. 

Favorite Purdue tradition: Shaking your shoe/keys at kickoff 

2

Top three influences at Purdue 

  1. Sigma Chi Fraternity – relationships with brothers and alumni such as Tom Morales and Marc Carlson 
  2. I have had an amazing advisor, who has made many potential headaches in college disappear 
  3. Studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland 

Top five memories of your time at Purdue 

  1. Beating #3 Michigan State at home on father’s weekend 
  2. Opening up Triple X 
  3. College Mentors 
  4. Studying abroad in Dublin Ireland 
  5. Easter Mass at the Vatican 

Places you have been as a Purdue student:  I traveled to Dublin, Vienna, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Berlin, Warsaw, Madrid, London, and The Vatican 

Favorite club/organization: College Mentors 

Favorite Student-led event/initiative: I started a Food Drive on campus that went through the Greek system. 

Favorite Social Activity: Tailgating 

Favorite place to study: HSSE Library 

Favorite thing about CoA: How everyone is so willing to help each other 

Favorite thing about your major: I get to be in the college of Agriculture 

Favorite class: AGEC 450 

Favorite professor: Dr. Mintert 

Three biggest accomplishments 

  1. Eagle Scout 
  2. FFA American Degree Recipient 
  3. Doing a comedy show at Purdue  

Where do you want to end up: I would love to work abroad for a while 

Advice for underclassman: Be involved during your time at Purdue, and try to take every opportunity that presents itself to you, because you never know where it will take you. 

Biggest takeaway from Purdue: The biggest thing I have taken away from Purdue, is a sense of Pride of being a Boilermaker. I see the work and effort it takes to go to Purdue, and it makes me proud of what I’ve done, and excited to see what I’ve yet to accomplish.