Transfer Student quickly finds home at Purdue 

Emma Walberg's Headshot

Name: Emma Walberg

Hometown: Belvidere, Illinois

Major: Agribusiness (Agricultural Marketing concentration)

Why did you come to Purdue: I chose Purdue University for its exceptional agricultural program and welcoming community. When I toured Purdue’s campus during my senior year of high school, I immediately fell in love with the campus. The community and atmosphere made Purdue’s campus feel like home to me.

Favorite Purdue tradition: Grand Prix Week

Walberg with friends in front of silo Walberg with certificate

Top three influences at Purdue:

  1. My advisor LeeAnn Williams
  2. Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority
  3. My professors: Dr. Malone
Top five memories of your time at Purdue: 
  1. Going to Washington, D.C. with Sigma Alpha
  2. Tailgating at football games with my family and friends
  3. Joining the Purdue Ag Envoys team
  4. Playing intramural sports
  5. Watching volleyball and basketball games in Mackey Arena

Five places you have been as a Purdue student: 

  1. Washington, D.C. - for the Alpha Gamma Rho and Sigma Alpha Leadership Seminar
  2. University of Illinois - for the Purdue vs. Illini football game with my cousin and grandparents
  3. Chicago, IL – for St. Patrick’s Day with some of my friends
  4. Anderson, IN – for Sigma Alpha formal
  5. Peru, IN – for AGEC 331 field experience with my sales coach

Favorite club/organization: Sigma Alpha

Favorite student-led event/initiative: Purdue Ag Week

Favorite Purdue event: Moonlight Pancake Breakfast

Favorite place to study: Krannert

Favorite thing about CoA: The support and close-knit community within the College of Ag. When I transferred to Purdue as a junior, I didn’t know many people, but thanks to my advisor, LeeAnn Williams, and fellow students, I quickly felt welcome and supported.

Favorite class: AGEC 498 - Agribusiness Entrepreneurship

Favorite professor: Dr. Malone

Class you are excited to take your senior year: AGEC 430

Walberg with friends Walberg with friend at basketball game

Three biggest accomplishments at Purdue: 

  1. Being named one of the Top Five Outstanding Juniors
  2. Making the Dean’s List and Semester Honors every semester
  3. Being asked to work as a research assistant and, hopefully, getting a peer-reviewed journal article published by the time I graduate.

Something about you that is not listed on your resume: 

  • Served as the 2024 Miss Boone County Fair Queen
  • BUBBL’R Campus Ambassador

Future plans: I have not accepted a full-time position yet, but I hope to begin my career in the agricultural industry in a role that allows me to grow into a management position and eventually lead a team. I am also passionate about entrepreneurship and have a long-term goal of owning my own business someday.

Advice for underclassmen: Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and get involved. Transferring to Purdue as a junior, I knew it would be a challenge to find my place. By saying “yes” to new opportunities and putting myself out there, I found a community within the College of Ag, made lifelong friendships, and had experiences I never imagined. Whether it’s joining a club or trying something new, those small steps can lead to some of your best college memories.

The biggest takeaway from Purdue: Although my time at Purdue was relatively short, with only two years on campus, it has been incredibly meaningful. I’ve had the privilege of learning from dedicated professors and forming lifelong friendships. The opportunities I have been given and the support I received far exceeded my expectations. From academic achievements to leadership roles and research experience, Purdue has helped me to grow both personally and professionally.