Purdue’s ASM Club helps students forge connections beyond the classroom

For many students, campus clubs open the door to connections. The Agricultural Systems Management Club stands out as a place where students not only find community but also build a legacy—one that has been a part of the Boilermaker community for more than 50 years. Concerned about the club decreasing in size and impact, student leaders have committed to its revitalization. 

Corey Schmidt, an agricultural systems management (ASM) graduate student, Drew Monnin, a junior in agricultural systems management with a concentration in agricultural security, and Trevor Alberring, a junior in agricultural systems management and agricultural business, are all leaders on the ASM Club board this year. They are working together to rebuild the ASM Club, focusing on providing community and connection for all agriculture majors. The leaders are seeking to build what they were in search of when they came to Purdue.

"I’m from Cicero, Indiana, and coming to Purdue was a big adjustment for me,” Monnin said. “I knew early on it was important for me, both personally and professionally, to find community, especially within my field. I have found that through the ASM Club. That is what we are trying to foster and build for others—a place to connect, learn and grow.”

Founded in 1968, the Purdue ASM Club’s main purpose is to bridge classroom learning with real-world application by providing members with experiences such as industry tours and networking events. With around 20 to 30 active members, its renewed leadership has increased club activity, emphasizing professional networking and practical exposure. Industry connections through ASM are directly leading to internships for members, and the club is collaborating with other agricultural organizations to further enhance these opportunities.

"Our focus is on how we can take what students have learned in the classroom and show its real-world applications. Our goal is to increase the networking within our major and the people within the club, within the school, college and alumni," Schmidt said.

Recently, the club toured the ADM grain elevator in Logansport. The leadership team believes opportunities like these tours are vital for the success of the club because they not only connect members with current students but also expand members’ industry networks and their understanding of available opportunities.

The club is open to all students. "We are looking to connect like-minded individuals. It’s not specific to ASM students. We encourage any students interested in the topics we cover to come and check it out," Monnin said.

For Alberring, he has experienced deeper connections with students he may have shared classes with but never had the opportunity to know through ASM. "I know several of my club members were in my classes, but there is rarely the opportunity to connect in class. The club has helped us network and get to know each other on a more personal level," Alberring said.

Expanding horizons and community were Schmidt's focus as he took over the presidency last year. "Our club has been in a rebuilding mode, and it has been great for me personally to help build something beneficial for other students. I have learned skills from this club that will serve me for years to come, both personally and professionally," Schmidt said.

"Kudos to Corey and the other officers who came before us to get this started back up again. The ASM club helps expand your horizons and makes sure you are aware of every possibility in the field," said Monnin.

The club’s service efforts to the community utilizing skills they have learned in the classroom is something that the club’s faculty sponsor, William Field, professor of agricultural and biological engineering, takes pride in. "For many years, the club offered a winterization service for community members with lawn mowers. Club members would sharpen and balance the blades, change the oil and air filter, and gap the spark plug. Each year they would service over 50 mowers,” Field said. “This past year the club members helped winterize the home of a local couple facing disability issues. What was planned as a two-hour clean-up turned into a four-hour adventure when club members realized how much the couple appreciated their efforts. Our hope is that service will continue to remain a core function of the club."

The club has also worked to broaden its connections with other clubs. Last year, they held combined events with both the agronomy and dairy clubs. "What we have found is that many students in ag majors have passions that often overlap, and there is a lot of synergy. Imagine what could happen if we combine, learn and grow together," Schmidt said.

As Purdue continues to grow and evolve, the ASM Club is as well—rooted in tradition yet always looking ahead. For students searching for their place, organizations like the ASM Club can offer more than just extracurricular activities.

"I would encourage all students to jump in, find your place and look for people who can help you grow. Make the most of your time here at Purdue and lean into the opportunities that are available. Purdue is big, but you can find your place. The club offerings available within the College of Agriculture are a great place to start. You won’t regret it," Alberring said.

Find the ASM Club on Instagram and learn how to get involved.