Growing up in Monroeville, Indiana, a small-town near Fort Wayne, Noah Berning dreamed of attending Purdue University. His dream not only came true, but also brought him university-wide recognition for outstanding leadership: the 2024 France A. Córdova Leadership in Action Award.
The thing I appreciate about the College of Ag is that it’s made a 40,000-student campus feel like I never left home.” -Noah Berning
It wasn’t until his high school years that Berning recognized Purdue as an achievable goal. Fueled by determination to attend the university, he took steps to make himself a standout candidate. He immersed himself in the National FFA Organization and eventually rose to the position of Heritage High School’s FFA chapter president. He was later elected as state treasurer for Indiana FFA from 2019 to 2020. Initially declaring his major in agriculture systems management (ASM) in the Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering (ABE), Berning soon expanded his academic pursuits, double majoring in agricultural economics and minoring in farm management, food and agribusiness management and organizational leadership.
Berning’s academic excellence earned him consistent placement on the Dean’s List throughout his time at Purdue. Berning’s additional academic achievements include: Purdue Interfraternity Council Scholar of the Year (2023-2024); Purdue College of Agriculture Outstanding Senior (2023-2024); Purdue Agricultural & Biological Engineering Outstanding Senior (2023-2024), Junior (2022-2023), Sophomore (2021-2022) and Freshman (2020-2021); Purdue Agricultural Economics Top 5 Senior (2023-2024), Junior (2022-2023); Farmhouse Fraternity Dean’s List (2020-2023); National FFA Organization American FFA Degree Recipient (2020).
Noah Berning, a senior double majoring in ABE and agricultural economics, presenting his ABE Capstone project, AgGrowBOT Speed Control. However, Berning’s impact extends beyond the classroom.
In the 2020-2021 calendar year, Berning held the position of vice president of recruitment for the Purdue FarmHouse Fraternity, spearheading efforts that significantly expanded its membership and academic excellence, and director of facilities for the Purdue Grand Prix Foundation. Additionally, he was initiated into the Alpha Mu Honor Society, which recognizes students in ASM who exemplify qualities conducive to advancing the profession.
Berning served as a College of Agriculture ambassador, an ABE ambassador, FarmHouse chapter president and president of the Purdue Interfraternity Council. He also became a member of the Barbara Cook Mortar Board Honor Society, acknowledging his scholarship, service to the university community and outstanding leadership.
There’s this misconception that your “why” changes based on the position you assume – whether it’s to build your resume or meet different people to network. But, for me, Purdue has always been my dream school, so anything I could do to make an impact on the Purdue community has always been my why." -Noah Berning
Berning also served on the Agriculture Future of America student advisory team from 2022 to 2023 and held several other leadership positions and completed valuable internships, including an ongoing internship with John Deere.
Looking back at his journey as a Boilermaker, Berning emphasized the invaluable support he received from the College of Agriculture faculty and staff. “My support system made campus – a place that’s 40 times the size of my town – less overwhelming. They gave me the confidence I needed to apply for roles that support the student body,” Berning said.
Offering advice to incoming students, Berning underscores the importance of never succumbing to self-doubt. He urges students to embrace challenges with the question: why not? Recalling his early leadership experiences, Berning acknowledged his initial apprehensions stemming from being a first-generation college student.
"In my mind, the person who should be driving your ship is you. So, if you want something, always ask yourself why not?”
Following graduation, Berning will pursue a master’s degree in the ABE department. He will also continue his internship with John Deere through the summer.
Noah Berning standing outside of the Convergence Teaching Lab sponsored by John Deere. This summer, he will continue his ongoing internship with Deere & Company. 
