Putting Love and Kindness into the world

Emily Recker professional headshot

Name: Emily Recker

Hometown: Jasper, IN

Major: Agricultural Economics

Why did you come to Purdue: I came to Purdue not only to be pushed outside of my comfort zone, but to find my home away from home. The first time I toured campus, I immediately loved how large Purdue was while still feeling so personal, especially within the College of Ag and the ag econ department. If I could go back in time, I would choose Purdue again and again!

Recker standing in front of brick wall with ag phrase

Favorite Purdue tradition: Moonlight Pancake Breakfast!

Top three influences at Purdue:

  1. Andy Oppy
  2. Tori Gotwald
  3. Dr. Christine Wilson
Top five memories of your time at Purdue: 
  1. Studying abroad in Italy!
  2. Life at Glenwood!
  3. Purdue Cooperative Council exec meetings with some of my favorite people!
  4. Ice skating and exploring a new city during AFA!
  5. Working women’s basketball games!
Places you have been as a Purdue student: 
  • Rome
  • Kansas City for AFA
  • Adriatic Sea
  • Dinner at Westwood
  • On the field/court for so many sporting events

Recker holding Purdue flag with friends while on study abroad Recker with friends in front of AFA banner

Favorite club/organization: Purdue Cooperatives

Favorite student-led event: Ag Week

Favorite Purdue event: Grand Prix

Favorite place on campus: Parrish Library in Krannert

Favorite thing about CoA: The tight-knit community and supportive culture

Favorite class: Golf!!

Favorite professor: Dr. Moss

Class you are excited to take your senior year: AGR 490 and research with Dr. Kuethe

Recker standing with friends and Mung Chiang 

Three biggest accomplishments at Purdue: 

  1. Being elected PCC President
  2. Being chosen for Mortar Board
  3. Getting my dream internships at FCMA and Halderman!

Something about you that is not listed on your resume: I love agriculture so much, but my true passion is serving others. I am so excited to find a career that combines these things!

Future plans: Work in the ag real estate, appraisal or finance realm!

Advice for underclassmen: College is exciting, and it’s so easy to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. People always say to “be a sponge,” and I agree: learn as much as you can, meet people, try new things. But also make sure you carve out time for yourself, your friends and your family. Those are the people who will support you when you’re struggling and celebrate you when you’re thriving, and it’s much harder to push through without them. Put some love and kindness into the world, and it has a way of coming back to you in the best ways.

The biggest takeaway from Purdue: My biggest takeaway from Purdue is that leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about people. Every meaningful experience I’ve had here has reminded me that serving others, showing up for your community and leaning on the people who love you are what truly move you forward. The College of Ag also taught me that relationships are the foundation of everything. This industry is incredibly connected, and the doors you walk through almost always open because of the people who believed in you, challenged you or stood beside you. In this way, Purdue showed me that if you invest in others and build genuine connections, you’ll have everything you need to chase your dreams.