Honoring Barry Delks' Legacy

A retirement celebration for Barry Delks was held on January 31, honoring his career dedicated to student services. In recognition of his contributions, the university has established an endowment in his name to support future student initiatives.

Delks earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics in 1982 and a Master of Science in Education Administration in 1984.

Delks joined the Department of Animal Sciences on January 10, 2000, serving as the Coordinator of Career Services and Alumni Relations. In this role, he was instrumental in connecting students with career opportunities and fostering alumni relationships. Since Fall 2005, he also served as a lecturer in the department, where his passion for mentorship  influenced countless lives.

The newly established endowment in Delks’ name aims to continue his legacy by funding programs and resources that enhance student experiences within the Department of Animal Sciences. His legacy will continue through the endowment bearing his name, ensuring that future generations of students benefit from his dedication to education, mentorship and student development. 

 

Barry Delks Animal Science Fund Endowment

 

The retirement celebration that was held in his honor allowed family, friends, faculty, staff, students and alumni to gather to express their gratitude and share memories of Delks’ career. 

Photos from the event can be found below:
a man
people talking
people talking
people talking
a group of people
a cake
a group of people
a group of people
two men standing
two people smiling
people talking
a man talking
a group of people
a man talking
a group of people
a group of people
a man talking
a group of people hugging
a man sitting in a chair
a man talking
a group of people
people clapping
a group of people
two men smiling

Featured Stories

Dr. Ted Cable holds a raccoon in his younger years; Cable visits the Taj Mahal in India while working at Kansas State; Cable holds his book Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage for a Better World.
Meet Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Ted Cable

Dr. Ted Cable, Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources’ 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award...

Read More
High-clearance agricultural sprayer in a field with electrical transmission tower and lines in background
Indiana farmland values hold steady amid regional shifts

Indiana farmland prices remained relatively stable in 2026, according to the latest Purdue...

Read More
Ben carter points to something on a computer to group of three students in a lab classroom, all in white coats. There are chemicals and biological research tools on the lab bench in the foreground.
Biochemistry prepares young undergraduates for graduate school and biotech careers with new molecular genetics course

In a new molecular genetics course, freshman and sophomore biochemistry majors emulate graduate...

Read More
Sherri Reinsch, research associate and hellbender husbandry coordinator gently handles a hellbender in the lab. (Purdue University photo/John Underwood)
Minecraft Meets the Hellbender

The eastern hellbender salamander will never win a wildlife beauty pageant. It’s believed...

Read More
Ozan Citfci stands in Food Science Building.
Food engineering innovator joins Purdue Agriculture

Purdue University’s College of Agriculture is thrilled to welcome Ozan Ciftci, a renowned...

Read More
Ryan Folk in a greenhouse.
Plant evolutionary biologist joins Purdue Agriculture

Ryan Folk, an emerging leader in the world of plant evolutionary biology, has joined...

Read More