Celebrating America 250

Honoring 250 years of discovery and innovation

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This year, we come together to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary — and our own legacy of persistently pursuing the next giant leap.

As a land-grant university, our mission has always been to serve all. We take pride in the many American heroes who began as Boilermakers.

And we look ahead to a year of special moments of celebration, from Purdue’s Day of Giving this spring to featured Presidential Lecture Series events and the treasured tradition of the annual Indy 500 — featuring our own All-American Marching Band.

Smiling man and woman wearing Purdue shirts sit in front of a large engine

Workwear crafted in the heartland for those who move America forward

We’ve teamed up with Indiana-based Berne Apparel on a limited-edition collection that celebrates patriotism and Purdue pride.

Purdue x Berne: two Indiana originals, one inspired collection

In honor of America’s 250th birthday, we collaborated with Berne Apparel on a clothing line built on our shared heartland heritage and commitment to practical excellence. This proudly crafted workwear honors Boilermaker heroes and all those whose grit and hard work continue to shape this country.

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Events

Be a part of our celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. You are invited to attend these festive events.

Purdue proudly celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States of America, the most crucial experiment in the history of human civilization. This university remains the first vista of intellectual competitions and a long-lasting bastion of individual freedoms. Boilermakers continue to live out the meanings of America the beautiful, America the exceptional, America the hopeful.

Mung Chiang

President, Purdue University

Top 10
Public University in the U.S.
Three Years Running
QS World University Rankings, 2026
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Public University for Free Speech FIRE, 2026
Top 10
MOST INNOVATIVE PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN THE U.S. EIGHT YEARS RUNNING U.S. News & World Report, 2026