Ever Grateful, Ever True: Embracing Experiences that Transform You
Name: Olivia Reynolds
Hometown: Bluffton, IN
Major & concentration: Agribusiness, Accounting & Finance (Commodity Marketing)
Minors or certificates: College of Agriculture Dean’s Scholars Certificate
Why did you come to Purdue: As a 10-year 4-Her, I was very familiar with the extension outreach efforts of Purdue University. In middle school, I had the opportunity to attend 4-H Round-Up as well as FFA competitions and conventions on campus. Through these experiences, I began to fall in love with the campus and the endless doors of opportunity that Purdue has to offer. Ultimately, I chose Purdue for its world-renowned reputation in the agriculture industry and the Big Ten atmosphere.
Favorite Purdue tradition: The “World’s Largest Drum” and listening to the All-American Marching Band at athletic events
Top three influences at Purdue:
- Advising Staff: Andy Oppy & LeeAnn Williams
- Club Advisors: Dr. Christine Wilson & Liz Byers
- Professors & Mentors: Dr. Akridge, Dr. Foster, & Dr. Mintert
- Spending the night outside of Mackey Arena in February of 2023 with my friends to get a Paint Crew golden ticket
- Loud basketball games in Mackey Arena and sitting in the lower bowl
- Sledding down Slayter Hill with friends after classes were canceled for two days freshman year
- Serving pancakes at the Moonlight Pancake Breakfast until 1 am with Ag Council
- Rushing the field after upsetting No. 3 Michigan State in football in 2021
Places you have been as a Purdue student:
- Doster Leadership Conference in Indianapolis
- AFA Leaders Conferences in Kansas City, Missouri
- Meeting with agricultural policymakers in Washington D.C.
- Southern Agriculture Industry Tour in North Carolina
- Studied away at the Lincoln Leadership Institute in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
- Internships in Bloomington, Illinois; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Quincy, Illinois
- Studied abroad in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Favorite club/organization: Purdue Agricultural Council
Favorite student-led event/initiative: Purdue Ag Week
Favorite Purdue event: Purdue Music Organization’s Annual Christmas Show and the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Union
Favorite social activity: Late-night ice cream runs with friends
Favorite place to study: 3rd Floor of Rawls
Favorite place on campus: Purdue Horticulture Gardens
Favorite thing about CoA: The College of Agriculture takes the big Purdue campus and makes it feel like a tight-knit family. I really appreciate the small class sizes where students can foster relationships with their professors and classmates on a personal level.
Favorite thing about your major: I really appreciate the versatility that the Agribusiness major provides. The classes required for the major help students enter the workforce prepared to be successful in their early careers and for endless opportunities down the road.
Favorite class: AGEC 321
Favorite professor: Dr. Lee Schweitzer
Coolest project: My Ag Econ honors undergraduate research project, where I was able to use data from my family’s farming operation and develop a portfolio of grain marketing strategies to implement annually.
Three biggest accomplishments:
- Being selected for Mortar Board Senior Honor Society
- Selected to represent the Ag Econ Department as an Outstanding Student
- Serving as President of the Purdue Agricultural Council and representing undergraduate students in the College of Ag
Things on your resume not listed above: For the past three years, I have worked on the wheat research team out at A.C.R.E., which has allowed me to diversify my skillset and gain hands-on agronomy experience. I am a member of Sigma Alpha, was a Rising Professionals Host in 2023, and was a founding member of the Boilermaker Markets Club for students interested in learning more about commodity marketing! I have also had the opportunity to proudly represent the Ag Econ Department as an Envoy for three years!
Accepted employment: I have accepted a full-time position in public accounting at Honegger, Ringger & Co., where I will have the opportunity to work with agri-businesses and farmers to develop tax planning strategies.
Career goal: Upon graduating from Purdue, I plan to sit for all four sections of the CPA exam and obtain my Clicense. Throughout my career, I am excited to have the opportunity to work with farmers and commercial clients to develop personalized strategies to help them make profitable financial decisions for their operations. I also plan to continue to be involved in my family’s six-generation row crop farming operation.
Advice for underclassmen: During your time at Purdue, doors of opportunity will be opened, and it is up to you to say “yes.” Whether it is a student organization or an opportunity to study abroad, be willing to step outside your comfort zone and try something new! Your greatest personal and professional growth will come from these experiences, but you have to be willing to take the first step. Before you know it, you will be reflecting on your time at Purdue and will smile as you realize just how much you have grown.
Biggest takeaway from Purdue: During your time at Purdue, take time to invest in the lives of those around you. College life is busy, but take time to get to know your classmates, individuals in student organizations, and professors. Before you know it, many of these individuals will become lifelong friends and mentors.
On a campus of over 40,000 students, you daily have the opportunity to pour into the lives of others and make a positive impact, even if that is just a simple smile as you pass on the sidewalk. “Let your light shine” Matthew 5:16.