Congratulations, SPRING 2024 Graduates!

Erin Anderson

B.S., Agricultural Communication

First Destination: Anchor/Reporter for Indiana and Ohio, Brownfield Ag News, LEARFIELD

“Not only am I proud of what I have accomplished during my time at Purdue, but I also feel prepared for what is to come. I am thankful for the opportunity to grow in my department, major, and college, all of which have challenged me to be the best individual I can be. Every experience in the College of Agriculture and at the university level has allowed me to gain friendships and real-world knowledge that I will take with me for years to come.”

Alekhya Ankaraju

B.S., Agricultural Communication

“I was able to try new things and expand my repertoire of skills at Purdue. Now I can navigate my way around a lab and synthesize why research is important to everyone. Although my time here was not without its challenges, I fought to persevere and consider new approaches to ultimately succeed. I’m excited to take all the things I’ve learned about science communication, my own working process, and the world’s mechanisms and actually apply this knowledge to improving systems. The future is a chance to prove myself and become who I’ve always wanted to be.”

Grace Fry

B.S., Agricultural Communication

“During my time at Purdue, I was able to gain confidence in my skills. I was able to take on many opportunities that pushed me to do my best. Those opportunities also helped me make many connections. Knowing what I learned during my time at Purdue, I know that I will be able to go out into the world and be confident in who I am and what I can do with the skills I have gained.”

 

Aubrie Ginther

B.S., Agricultural Communication

“Reflecting on my time at Purdue, I am most proud of the ways that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, both personally and professionally, by attending events and joining organizations on campus. I am most excited to grow as an individual and to positively contribute to the agriculture industry through my career.”

 

Amber Hart

B.S., Agricultural Communication

"I made many great connections throughout my time here and found what I am truly passionate about. I want to help people who may not have had a background in agriculture to better understand it and its importance. I would like to be a part of growing agricultural practices and finding more environmentally sustainable solutions for farmers. I am very proud to be a part of this industry and to continue in the field my family has been a part of for generations."

  

Melanie Hasler

B.S., Agricultural Communication

"With an education from Purdue University, I have attained the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the conditions under which agriculturalists perform. With my degree in Agricultural Communication, I will be able to represent farmers, ranchers, and livestock producers from all corners of the United States to help bridge the farm-to-plate communication gap that is crucial to feeding the world!"

 

Kendall Johnson

B.S., Agricultural Communication

“Throughout my career at Purdue, I have found my love for AgCom. I began as a nutrition student and transferred into the program. Once I began classes I knew it was my place. I was a 10-year 4-H’er and always wanted to do something in agriculture, but also valued working with people, so finding this major was perfect for me. I am excited to see where life takes me and the career I end up choosing. I am confident the Ag Com program has equipped me with the skills and confidence I need to succeed in life.”

 

Ellery Newhouse

B.S., Agricultural Communication

“I am looking forward to using my new skills to succeed in my future career. I am excited about finding a career where I can let my personality shine through and can use my knowledge to make a difference! My time at Purdue has been filled with many memories of accomplishments and times of growth. Purdue has taught me how to persevere through difficult times. I am proud of the self-driven mindset that has come with being a student here at Purdue.”

 

EllaMae Reiff

B.S., Agricultural Communication

First Destination: Assistant Communications Manager, Good Steward Consulting, Albert Lea, Minnesota

“Through self-challenge and the village of professors, mentors, and loved ones behind me, I’m most proud of challenging myself beyond my comfort zone to take on rigorous academic opportunities at Purdue. I will graduate with not one, but two, bachelor of science degrees from the College of Agriculture, and an Entrepreneurship Certificate in just three years. My confidence now stems from rising to meet goals I set for myself. This newfound confidence will serve me well no matter which path I take in life. Boiler up!”

  

Jon Wright

B.S., Agricultural Communication

Lecturer, Purdue Brian Lamb School of Communication; Project Manager, Wabash Heartland Innovation Network (WHIN)

“Looking ahead, I’m interested to see how Purdue’s campus transforms over the next 25 years and how the landscape of Greater Lafayette changes. I’m also excited to see how my son grows and learns about the world around him over the next 10-15 years. Continuing to find new personal, professional, and educational opportunities will always be something I look forward to.”

 

Katie Yeend

B.S., Agricultural Communication

First Destination: Mid-America College of Funeral Science, Jeffersonville, Indiana; Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Shelbyville, Indiana

“I was very proud of my time at Purdue. I pushed myself out of comfort zone and became a successful student with a strong work ethic. I also found some of my forever friends. One thing that makes me excited about my future is the uncertainty. I am excited to get started in a brand-new career and see where it takes me.”

Not Pictured

Sydney Altman

Mya Herrema

Sarah Fuhrman

B.S., Agricultural Education

“The greatest joy in my life has always been my interaction with animals, especially the newest members of the herd. I am pumped and eager to get out into the education world and share my enthusiasm with young ag students. I think the future of ag and ag education is unlimited and I am excited to be a part of it as a Purdue graduate.”

 

Abbey Knowlton

B.S., Agricultural Education

“The opportunities I had to participate in additional events, such as attending FFA National Convention, are among my proudest moments at Purdue. These experiences allowed me to meet other educators, learn more about agriculture, and develop a deeper understanding of agricultural education. The skills I learned from these events have greatly impacted me and my knowledge of agriculture.  I am excited to continue to promote agriculture in my everyday life, as well as find my place and purpose in agricultural education!”

 

Kylee Pennington

B.S., Agricultural Education

“Something I did at Purdue that made me proud was I served in a youth ministry called Young Life. I enjoyed telling the youth around greater Lafayette about the goodness of the Lord! I am excited to see where the Lord takes me. I plan to move to Wyoming and work out West, whether that is teaching agriculture or doing something else.”

 

Bree Sides

B.S., Agricultural Education

“I was proud to be an ASEC Ambassador and an officer for IAAE-Purdue. Both opportunities allowed me to grow and develop professionally and to prepare me for my future career. I am most excited to be able to teach people about the agriculture industry and how important it is in our lives. I am excited to be able to work with students and discover misunderstandings and misconceptions within the agriculture industry.”

 

Brooke Sides

B.S., Agricultural Education

First Destination: Agriculture Teacher, South Decatur Junior/Senior High School, Greensburg, Indiana

“Lots of things make me excited for the future.  I am excited to continue sharing my love for agriculture and my passion for education with my future students.  Working with young agriculturalists makes me excited for the innovation and growth the agricultural industry, and our world has to look forward to.  I am excited to see my students grow, develop skills, and chase their dreams.  Lastly, I am excited to build strong relationships with my students and help them become successful and hard-working human beings.”

 

Joseph Tuttle

B.S., Agricultural Education

“My proudest moment at Purdue is just making it to my final semester and becoming a student teacher. College is difficult and I am proud that I have made it this far. I am excited to graduate and start my career. I have made it through four years of college that have prepared me to be an educator. I want to use and share the knowledge I have gained during that time.”

 

Peter Volk

B.S., Agricultural Education

“My time at Purdue has led me to be more prepared to teach agriculture to future students. It was not just through the classes that I learned, but also all the other opportunities outside the classroom.  These opportunities have had such an impact on the way I teach my classes and how I talk about the industry as a whole.”

Sara Weaver

B.S., Agricultural Education

“At Purdue, I was given many opportunities to grow as an educator in preparation of being an agricultural educator and FFA advisor. The skills and lessons I learned through IAAE-Purdue, IAAE Mentors, and Purdue Grand Prix have set me up for success. As I become an educator, I will use these skills to help grow the next generation of agriculturalists.”

 

Ally Webster

B.S., Agricultural Education

“I am excited to begin teaching grades 7 through 12 in all areas of agriculture. Agriculture has always been a key part of my life, and now I get to give back by educating future agriculturists about a wonderful industry. I am excited to see students grow into the people they want to be and assist them in laying that foundation.”

 

Emma Wilson

B.S., Agricultural Education

First Destination: Communications and Membership Director, Indiana Beef Cattle Association, Indianapolis

“Purdue will always be my home away from home. I grew to become a better leader, communicator, educator, and friend. Across all the organizations I was a part of, my sisters of Sigma Alpha continue to have the biggest impact on me. The lifetime friendships and relationships that shaped me at Purdue surprise me in new ways every day. I am so thrilled about my future personally and professionally, and I have this place to thank for it.”

 

Favour C. Ojike

M.S., Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication

First Destination: Doctoral program, Purdue ASEC

“My academic, professional, leadership, and social experiences at Purdue prepare me greatly for the future. The challenging and rewarding journey has been a continuous process of learning, unlearning, and relearning. I am excited to conduct more relevant social science research that will contribute to the body of knowledge on youth development and agricultural extension in general. Beyond research, I am excited about the potential to fulfill the demands of future collaborative agricultural programs.” ultural extension and the eagerness to apply all my learnings and experiences to the future greatly excite me.”