Purdue ASABE Midwest Rally sparks leadership growth and industry connections
Purdue’s American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) student chapter energized the campus this year by hosting its first Midwest Regional Rally in 15 years. The event drew more than 90 students from seven universities. Students took part in hands-on activities, built lasting networks, and embraced leadership roles that laid the foundation for academic success and future careers in agricultural and biological engineering.
Shawn Ehlers, associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering and ASABE Purdue Chapter adviser, highlighted the event's outcomes. "Planning the Midwest Rally gave our students direct networking with peers from other universities, insight into graduate opportunities at Purdue, exposure to local industries and access to academic, research and career pathways," Ehlers said.
Adrian Schouten, a senior in agricultural engineering and 2026 Midwest Rally coordinator, and Alyssa Sutherlin, a junior in biological engineering, ASABE vice president and 2026 Midwest Rally coordinator, both gained valuable planning experience from organizing the event, developing skills that extend well beyond the classroom. seized the opportunity to showcase Purdue’s nationally ranked program. "The Midwest ASABE rally is a three-day event attracting students across the Midwest, focusing on club interactions, industry tours and professional development," Schouten said. "We were excited to highlight what makes Purdue ABE unique."
Sutherlin and Schouten attended last year’s rally in Wisconsin and then joined Purdue’s planning team. “ASABE led me to choose biological engineering. The Midwest Rally helped me develop industry connections and exposed me to new opportunities,” Sutherlin said.
The rally’s three-day schedule included engagement with national ASABE leaders including the keynote speaker at the Friday night banquet, ASABE President-Elect Travis Tsunemori, Manager of Product Compliance at Kubota Tractor Corporation. Participants took tours at Terra Drive Systems, Primient, Valero Energy and the Wabash River Enhancement Corporation. "Attendees gained meaningful industry exposure, which many praised, validating our planning team’s work to ensure valuable experiences and connections," Schouten said.
Schouten and Sutherlin agree that gaining actionable advice from peers and industry leaders made the rally impactful. “Conversations about different projects and internships led to new contacts and better industry awareness. The rally directly expanded my professional network across the Midwest,” said Schouten.
Ehlers credits the society for key outcomes in his own professional development and connections. “My involvement with ASABE helped shape my career and academic path. As the Purdue chapter advisor, I focus on enabling similar growth and career opportunities for our students.”
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