This week, the spotlight shines bright on Purdue University, an institution that’s redefining the fabric of higher education. As we celebrate the trailblazers making a difference, our ‘Thumbs Up’ series highlights the exceptional achievements of individuals who are rewriting the rules and pushing boundaries. From innovative research to community-driven initiatives, Purdue University is abuzz with activity that’s inspiring a new generation of thinkers and doers. In this week’s edition, we’re thrilled to put the spotlight on the Boilermakers who are making a lasting impact, and we can’t wait to share their remarkable stories with you.
Recognizing Excellence in Operations

Purdue University is proud to recognize its outstanding operations and maintenance team members, who go above and beyond to ensure the university runs smoothly. This week’s ‘Thumbs Up’ recipients are Kevin Post and Nolan Klutzke, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their work.

Kevin Post: A Hero in Maintenance
Kevin Post, a maintenance worker, was recently working on a boiler when he noticed that a water heater exhaust flue had an incorrect slope. Because the flue slope direction was incorrect, it could lead to a possible buildup of carbon monoxide gas inside the building. Based on his find, Kevin took immediate action to correct the issue, demonstrating attention to detail and commitment to safety.
This is a great example of the service provided by Administrative Operations personnel, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the university runs efficiently and safely.

Nolan Klutzke: IT Expertise at Its Finest
Nolan Klutzke, a Purdue IT expert, has been providing exceptional technical support to resolve an app installation issue. Erin Sarafin, from Ground Recharge Operations, praised Nolan’s help, saying, “I have had a notebook that has not been working as efficiently as it should, and now everything is running and working the way it should!”
Nolan’s IT expertise has had a significant impact on daily operations, as he has been instrumental in resolving technical issues and keeping the university’s systems running smoothly.
IT Champions: Making a Difference
Purdue University’s IT department is also being recognized for its exceptional work in migrating to a new high-availability environment. This week’s ‘Thumbs Up’ recipients are Joe Wingate and Scott Stembaugh, who have been instrumental in this project.
Migrating to Success
Joe Wingate and Scott Stembaugh, both from Purdue IT, have been working on a WordPress site migration project. They developed processes to accelerate migrations and fixed incompatibility issues across multiple site databases, which involved correcting errors on hundreds of tables.
This has been a significant achievement, as it will enable the university to quickly migrate sites to the new environment without delay, improving overall efficiency and productivity.
Grateful for IT Support
Tim Kite, from Purdue IT, expressed his gratitude for Joe and Scott’s help, saying, “All of us in Web Services are grateful for the help that Joe and Scott have been giving us on the WordPress site migration project.”
This is just one example of the impact that Purdue IT personnel have on daily operations, as they work to keep the university’s systems running smoothly and efficiently.
Marketing and Student Life: A Team Effort
In the world of marketing and student life, teamwork makes the dream work, and this week’s “Thumbs Up” recipients are prime examples of dedication, hard work, and a positive attitude.
Matthew Vader: Going Above and Beyond
Matthew Vader, a key team member in Student Life Marketing, has been going above and beyond to prepare the annual Perspectives publication. Despite juggling multiple writing responsibilities, he has remained flexible and has been buckling up to get the work done.
His hard work has been a pivotal part of the team’s success during a busy season, and his continual jokes help make Purdue an engaging place to work.
Andi Hedrick: Stepping Up with a Smile
Andi Hedrick, another Student Life Marketing team member, has been providing steady help and support during hectic times. Her positive attitude and welcoming environment have boosted morale, making her a valuable asset to the team.
Interdepartmental Collaboration and Support
Interdepartmental collaboration is essential for success, and this week’s “Thumbs Up” recipients are shining examples of how teamwork can lead to outstanding results.
Charlotte Owings: A Patient Resource and Guide
Charlotte Owings, a colleague from the College of Agriculture, has been an invaluable resource and guide for a new scholarship coordinator. Her patience and guidance have been instrumental in helping the new team member learn the ropes.
Her willingness to lend a helping hand has made a significant impact on the department, and her dedication to supporting her colleagues is truly appreciated.
Stephanie Winder, Kristina Pelfree, and Jill Moss: Guiding Lights in Their Departments
Stephanie Winder, Kristina Pelfree, and Jill Moss, all from the Department of Public Health, have been providing guidance, support, and patience to their colleagues. Their kindness and support have made a tangible impact on their respective departments, and their dedication to teamwork is truly commendable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this week’s “Thumbs Up” recipients at Purdue University have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Through their remarkable achievements, these individuals have showcased the university’s dedication to fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and social responsibility. From groundbreaking research initiatives to outstanding teaching practices, these “Thumbs Up” recipients have set a high standard for excellence, inspiring their peers and the broader academic community to strive for similar heights.
The significance of this recognition extends beyond the individual achievements, as it highlights the university’s collective efforts to drive positive change and improve the human experience. By celebrating these successes, Purdue University reinforces its mission to advance knowledge, promote intellectual curiosity, and address pressing global challenges. As we look to the future, it is imperative that we continue to support and empower individuals who embody the spirit of innovation, inclusivity, and service to others.
As we acknowledge the outstanding contributions of this week’s “Thumbs Up” recipients, we are reminded that the pursuit of excellence is a continuous process. It requires persistence, resilience, and a relentless passion for making a difference. Let us draw inspiration from their examples, and let their achievements serve as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path forward for a brighter, more sustainable future.