This is a great thread to read and follow along (aside from the tragic stories of course).
I'm 50, twice divorced. 1 child- she is 20 and studying pre-med at East Carolina currently. I grew up in West Lala. Harrison HS grad. Purdue grad '98. My dad worked at Purdue, as did my uncle, great uncle (he was a Dean), and a few aunts. Many family members graduated from Purdue as well (myself, brother in law, sister, cousins, etc). One of the unusual things about my fathers job that I tell people... He was the Asst VP for Student Services at Schleman Hall for 10+ years- one of his duties was to lead the graduates from the armory, around the fountain and into the Music Hall. He was ALSO one of the people on stage that you shook hands with when you got your diploma. So if you graduated Purdue from 1990s- early 2000s... you likely shook my dads hand on that stage. haha...
The day I graduated- my sister and 2 of my close cousins were also graduating. We all got to hug my dad on stage that day. It was a really cool moment.
As a kid my uncle was the equipment manager for Purdue Sports, mainly football. Growing up I got to see all the players, help him in the locker room, be on the sideline for a few games (back when Woodson played). For bball games, we used his tickets and sat where the players parents sat. I never followed pro sports (and still don't)- following Purdue sports was the best thing in the world to me- given the access I had growing up. It was very unique and special.
I've resided in the DC suburbs for over 20yrs now- I get back to Purdue for sporting events when I can. Going to the IU bball game in a couple weeks!
BTFU
