// By Christina Egbert
Sitting at a table in the middle of the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms are 11-year-old Robbie and his grandma, Julie (Laue) Fuelberth (M’80). As they finish their dirt pudding—complete with gummy worms, of course—the two discuss the product idea Robbie pitched earlier that day for their Grandparents University major: Shark Tank Jr.
Together, they developed the idea of a light-up sensor to help prevent overheating in young football players. The sensor, designed to be worn like athletic tape, would be able to stay put during any practice or game.
Robbie offers a smile to Julie and says, “This has been one of the best times of my life.” Julie smiles back at him—a look filled with the kind of love that can only come from a grandparent—and it’s obvious she feels the same.
Nearby, 9-year-old Rosalie confidently shares with her grandmother, Melanie (Turley) Marshall (IE’85), that the tablecloths laid over the ballroom tables are too long.
“We learned about this in our major, Running a Restaurant,” she says. “I also learned how to properly set a table.”
As Rosalie details where pieces of silverware and table accessories should be placed, Melanie laughs and says, “I think you’re going to set the table this year for Thanksgiving.”
“Being back on campus and seeing everything through Robbie’s eyes—the emotions are kind of indescribable,” Julie says.
They are getting ready to walk in a processional to Elliott Hall of Music. There, Robbie will hear his name read and walk across the stage to graduate—the same way his grandma did in 1980.
“I feel like I’m even closer with her,” Robbie says. “Plus, I got to meet a lot of new friends and see what college could be like. I’ve never been around so many people who love their school so much, and that was awesome. I’m coming back for sure!”
Sitting at a table in the middle of the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms are 11-year-old Robbie and his grandma, Julie (Laue) Fuelberth (M’80). As they finish their dirt pudding—complete with gummy worms, of course—the two discuss the product idea Robbie pitched earlier that day for their Grandparents University major: Shark Tank Jr.
Together, they developed the idea of a light-up sensor to help prevent overheating in young football players. The sensor, designed to be worn like athletic tape, would be able to stay put during any practice or game.
Robbie offers a smile to Julie and says, “This has been one of the best times of my life.” Julie smiles back at him—a look filled with the kind of love that can only come from a grandparent—and it’s obvious she feels the same.
Nearby, 9-year-old Rosalie confidently shares with her grandmother, Melanie (Turley) Marshall (IE’85), that the tablecloths laid over the ballroom tables are too long.
“We learned about this in our major, Running a Restaurant,” she says. “I also learned how to properly set a table.”
As Rosalie details where pieces of silverware and table accessories should be placed, Melanie laughs and says, “I think you’re going to set the table this year for Thanksgiving.”
“Being back on campus and seeing everything through Robbie’s eyes—the emotions are kind of indescribable,” Julie says.
They are getting ready to walk in a processional to Elliott Hall of Music. There, Robbie will hear his name read and walk across the stage to graduate—the same way his grandma did in 1980.
“I feel like I’m even closer with her,” Robbie says. “Plus, I got to meet a lot of new friends and see what college could be like. I’ve never been around so many people who love their school so much, and that was awesome. I’m coming back for sure!”
These stories offer just a glimpse of the unforgettable memories that are created at Purdue’s Grandparents University (GPU), a two-day program that strengthens the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren, ages 7–14.
While sparking young students’ interest in higher education and offering relevant programming designed for Boilermakers and their families, GPU offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for participants to learn with—and from—each other.
“It is so obvious how hard everyone worked to make GPU a good time for us,” says David Kaufman, who attended with his 13-year-old grandson, Daniel. “From the enthusiasm to the details of the food preparation, you can tell that Purdue really cares about this event.”
David and Daniel took part in the Future Teachers major and were tasked with developing a dramatic script. Using artificial intelligence and iPad applications, the two were able to create a haunting visual story that stunned their classmates.
Participants choose from more than 30 majors spanning nearly every Purdue college, attend classes taught by Purdue faculty and Boilermaker experts, explore campus through exciting field trips, and even walk across the Elliott Hall of Music stage for a graduation ceremony.
“This is such a fun way to have a different kind of experience with your grandchildren,” says Denise (Zimmerman) Hilton (M’82), who enjoyed the Engineering in Space major with her husband, Mark (A’80), and grandson, Oliver. “We love Purdue, and we love going to football and basketball games with them. But GPU is a great way to introduce kids to the academic angle of the university.”
These stories offer just a glimpse of the unforgettable memories that are created at Purdue’s Grandparents University (GPU), a two-day program that strengthens the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren, ages 7–14.
While sparking young students’ interest in higher education and offering relevant programming designed for Boilermakers and their families, GPU offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for participants to learn with—and from—each other.
“It is so obvious how hard everyone worked to make GPU a good time for us,” says David Kaufman, who attended with his 13-year-old grandson, Daniel. “From the enthusiasm to the details of the food preparation, you can tell that Purdue really cares about this event.”
David and Daniel took part in the Future Teachers major and were tasked with developing a dramatic script. Using artificial intelligence and iPad applications, the two were able to create a haunting visual story that stunned their classmates.
Participants choose from more than 30 majors spanning nearly every Purdue college, attend classes taught by Purdue faculty and Boilermaker experts, explore campus through exciting field trips, and even walk across the Elliott Hall of Music stage for a graduation ceremony.
“This is such a fun way to have a different kind of experience with your grandchildren,” says Denise (Zimmerman) Hilton (M’82), who enjoyed the Engineering in Space major with her husband, Mark (A’80), and grandson, Oliver. “We love Purdue, and we love going to football and basketball games with them. But GPU is a great way to introduce kids to the academic angle of the university.”
Martha (Bittner) Ringenberg (HHS’73) and Mark Ringenberg (A’74) have been bringing their grandchildren to GPU since 2018.
“We started out with our oldest two, and each of the littler ones couldn’t wait for their turn to join us,” Martha says.
And that anticipation is part of what makes GPU so special.
“It’s such an exciting day when we finally receive the email saying that registration is opening soon!” Martha says. “The excitement builds during the car ride to campus, and it continues as we experience a new major together every year.”
Mark says that the time the family spends together is especially meaningful.
“As a grandparent, being able to watch the ways they’ve grown and are now able to work as a team is truly rewarding.”
The unique blend of fun and learning is what made Grandparents University so popular nationwide. First established in 2001 at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the program quickly became a success and spread to other universities, including Michigan State, Oklahoma State, and Kansas State.
Purdue Conferences and the Purdue Alumni Association partnered on GPU events in 2018 and 2019. When the program was revitalized in 2023 by the Purdue for Life Foundation—which was created in 2020 by uniting the Purdue Alumni Association and the University Development Office—it returned with exciting new majors, field trips, and opportunities for participants to enjoy campus.
There was room for 300 participants in 2023, and the event sold out in eight hours. In 2024, two sessions were offered, with room for 500 participants each week.
“We had wanted to come in 2023, but it sold out so quickly!” Denise says. “So for 2024, we signed up as soon as registration opened. We knew GPU would be great for Oliver, who is naturally so curious—it was the perfect way to introduce him to new concepts at a level he can understand. GPU allows kids to explore and see what interests them, and now we’re hoping to bring our grandson from New Hampshire for 2025!”
Traveling long distances is nothing new for GPU participants. In 2024, 13-year-old Blake Hofmeister flew from Connecticut to meet his grandfather, Robert Parrin (ME’72), in Indianapolis.
Even though he was dressed head to toe in apparel from the University of Michigan (his father’s alma mater), Blake enjoyed feeling like he was immersed in the culture of Purdue.
“We stayed in Frieda Parker Hall, and we got to stay up until the middle of the night working on our Shark Tank Jr. presentation,” he says. “Well, maybe not the middle of the night—but later than my mom has my bedtime!”
Working on a presentation well into the night certainly does sound like the culture of a college campus.
The unique blend of fun and learning is what made Grandparents University so popular nationwide. First established in 2001 at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the program quickly became a success and spread to other universities, including Michigan State, Oklahoma State, and Kansas State.
Purdue Conferences and the Purdue Alumni Association partnered on GPU events in 2018 and 2019. When the program was revitalized in 2023 by the Purdue for Life Foundation—which was created in 2020 by uniting the Purdue Alumni Association and the University Development Office—it returned with exciting new majors, field trips, and opportunities for participants to enjoy campus.
There was room for 300 participants in 2023, and the event sold out in eight hours. In 2024, two sessions were offered, with room for 500 participants each week.
“We had wanted to come in 2023, but it sold out so quickly!” Denise says. “So for 2024, we signed up as soon as registration opened. We knew GPU would be great for Oliver, who is naturally so curious—it was the perfect way to introduce him to new concepts at a level he can understand. GPU allows kids to explore and see what interests them, and now we’re hoping to bring our grandson from New Hampshire for 2025!”
Traveling long distances is nothing new for GPU participants. In 2024, 13-year-old Blake Hofmeister flew from Connecticut to meet his grandfather, Robert Parrin (ME’72), in Indianapolis.
Even though he was dressed head to toe in apparel from the University of Michigan (his father’s alma mater), Blake enjoyed feeling like he was immersed in the culture of Purdue.
“We stayed in Frieda Parker Hall, and we got to stay up until the middle of the night working on our Shark Tank Jr. presentation,” he says. “Well, maybe not the middle of the night—but later than my mom has my bedtime!”
Working on a presentation well into the night certainly does sound like the culture of a college campus.
Moments of connection and collaboration are at the heart of Grandparents University. Of course, these memorable experiences would not be possible without the energetic Boilermaker experts who guide participants every step of the way. And at Purdue, there’s no shortage of world-class experts ready to inspire and engage.
“GPU is definitely one of the highlights of my summer,” says Beth Laffoon (A’19, CERT EDU’24), an instructional technologist and lab coordinator with the Purdue veterinary nursing program.
Advancing Animal Health is facilitated by the College of Veterinary Medicine and has been one of GPU’s most popular majors since the event’s return in 2023. Participants discover the day-to-day activities of veterinarians and veterinary nurses by working directly with live animals, studying X-rays, and even examining the microorganisms that live inside of a cow.
Over the two days, Laffoon and her team teach their students how to practice physical exam techniques on a dog, show them blood cells under a microscope, and guide them as they reach inside of the stomach of a cow.
“The grandparents are often just as enthusiastic and eager to learn as their grandkids are,” Laffoon says. “I enjoy watching their faces light up when they get to pet a cow for the very first time or look into a microscope to see what exactly is inside of a rumen. It’s a relatively small group as well, so it’s fun getting to know the participants individually and even seeing some familiar faces year after year.”
Moments of connection and collaboration are at the heart of Grandparents University. Of course, these memorable experiences would not be possible without the energetic Boilermaker experts who guide participants every step of the way. And at Purdue, there’s no shortage of world-class experts ready to inspire and engage.
“GPU is definitely one of the highlights of my summer,” says Beth Laffoon (A’19, CERT EDU’24), an instructional technologist and lab coordinator with the Purdue veterinary nursing program.
Advancing Animal Health is facilitated by the College of Veterinary Medicine and has been one of GPU’s most popular majors since the event’s return in 2023. Participants discover the day-to-day activities of veterinarians and veterinary nurses by working directly with live animals, studying X-rays, and even examining the microorganisms that live inside of a cow.
Over the two days, Laffoon and her team teach their students how to practice physical exam techniques on a dog, show them blood cells under a microscope, and guide them as they reach inside of the stomach of a cow.
“The grandparents are often just as enthusiastic and eager to learn as their grandkids are,” Laffoon says. “I enjoy watching their faces light up when they get to pet a cow for the very first time or look into a microscope to see what exactly is inside of a rumen. It’s a relatively small group as well, so it’s fun getting to know the participants individually and even seeing some familiar faces year after year.”
Ron Reger (MS S’78), the engineering manager at the Birck Nanotechnology Center, has led All the Small Things since 2023. The major takes participants to the Discovery Park District at Purdue, where they explore nanoscale science and engineering.
“GPU allows us to meet so many grandparents and get the grandchildren excited about a possible career in STEM,” Reger says. "We love showing off fun and interesting science demonstrations that illustrate the importance of microscale and nanoscale devices, processes, and facilities.”
Reger’s students spend their two days learning about materials and technologies that are changing the world—even though they can’t see them.
“This type of technology is fundamental to a vast variety of everyday products, services, and systems, and we want to get these kids excited about the frontiers they could work with every day,” he says.
Ron Reger (MS S’78), the engineering manager at the Birck Nanotechnology Center, has led All the Small Things since 2023. The major takes participants to the Discovery Park District at Purdue, where they explore nanoscale science and engineering.
“GPU allows us to meet so many grandparents and get the grandchildren excited about a possible career in STEM,” Reger says. "We love showing off fun and interesting science demonstrations that illustrate the importance of microscale and nanoscale devices, processes, and facilities.”
Reger’s students spend their two days learning about materials and technologies that are changing the world—even though they can’t see them.
“This type of technology is fundamental to a vast variety of everyday products, services, and systems, and we want to get these kids excited about the frontiers they could work with every day,” he says.
Grandparents University offers majors from colleges, schools, and organizations across campus—including Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies.
Sarah Huber is the director of the Knowledge Lab, the Libraries’ makerspace. She and her team joined GPU in 2024 and gave participants the chance to create their own monsters “in compliance with American Society of Monster Engineering standards.”
“I’ll be honest,” Huber says, “I originally thought GPU students would need something simple, but we ended up covering topics we teach our college students. The ideas and execution from these students were incredible, and their enthusiasm and joy were contagious. But what I most enjoyed was seeing the dynamic between grandparents and their grandchildren—it was heartwarming.”
Grandparents University offers majors from colleges, schools, and organizations across campus—including Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies.
Sarah Huber is the director of the Knowledge Lab, the Libraries’ makerspace. She and her team joined GPU in 2024 and gave participants the chance to create their own monsters “in compliance with American Society of Monster Engineering standards.”
“I’ll be honest,” Huber says, “I originally thought GPU students would need something simple, but we ended up covering topics we teach our college students. The ideas and execution from these students were incredible, and their enthusiasm and joy were contagious. But what I most enjoyed was seeing the dynamic between grandparents and their grandchildren—it was heartwarming.”
The overwhelmingly positive experiences shared by instructors have sparked growing enthusiasm among other faculty and staff members, leading even more instructors to sign up to participate in 2025.
When Assistant Professor of Human-Animal Interaction Leanne Nieforth (PhD V’22) was in elementary school, she and her sister would go over to their grandparents’ house for a few days each summer for “Grammy Camp.”
“I have such wonderful memories of all of the fun places we went and activities I was able to do with them,” she says. “I just know they would have loved Grandparents University, so I am excited to be part of it this year.”
Also joining for the first time in 2025 is Ashley Bellet, an assistant professor of costume design for the Department of Theatre. Like Nieforth, her relationships with family members inspired her to participate in GPU.
“On my dresser, I have a crystal box that holds rhinestone brooches from all of the women in my grandmother’s family, each of them with notes attached,” she says. “I still have an old cotton apron that my grandmother made when she was a teenager. When I graduated from college, I chose to commemorate it with a small gold and onyx pinky ring, just like the one my mother wore.”
After participants in Bellet’s class learn some of the foundations of sewing, they will get to transform meaningful fabric into a pillow to take home.
“I think it’s important to realize the stories that objects carry with them,” she says. “I hope that by initiating conversations like this—and connecting them with craft—these families will perhaps want to invest in more conversations and activities like this together in the future.”
The overwhelmingly positive experiences shared by instructors have sparked growing enthusiasm among other faculty and staff members, leading even more instructors to sign up to participate in 2025.
When Assistant Professor of Human-Animal Interaction Leanne Nieforth (PhD V’22) was in elementary school, she and her sister would go over to their grandparents’ house for a few days each summer for “Grammy Camp.”
“I have such wonderful memories of all of the fun places we went and activities I was able to do with them,” she says. “I just know they would have loved Grandparents University, so I am excited to be part of it this year.”
Also joining for the first time in 2025 is Ashley Bellet, an assistant professor of costume design for the Department of Theatre. Like Nieforth, her relationships with family members inspired her to participate in GPU.
“On my dresser, I have a crystal box that holds rhinestone brooches from all of the women in my grandmother’s family, each of them with notes attached,” she says. “I still have an old cotton apron that my grandmother made when she was a teenager. When I graduated from college, I chose to commemorate it with a small gold and onyx pinky ring, just like the one my mother wore.”
After participants in Bellet’s class learn some of the foundations of sewing, they will get to transform meaningful fabric into a pillow to take home.
“I think it’s important to realize the stories that objects carry with them,” she says. “I hope that by initiating conversations like this—and connecting them with craft—these families will perhaps want to invest in more conversations and activities like this together in the future.”
Due to overwhelming popularity, all available spots in both sessions for Grandparents University 2025 have been filled!
Be among the first to receive information about the 2026 sessions by completing the form at the bottom of the GPU webpage at purdueforlife.org/gpu.
Built with Shorthand