Purdue Kicks Off Fall Festivities with Tailgate, Campus Events and Volleyball Opener

Lead: Families and students gathered at Purdue Mall for the College of Science Family Day Tailgate, while Boilermakers traveled to Houston for a season-opening volleyball match and campus organizations hosted engagement events today in West Lafayette.

Nut Graf: As the fall semester settles in, Purdue University aimed to strengthen community bonds and student engagement by combining athletic competitions, family-friendly programming and academic gatherings on September 13, 2025. The mix of events underscored the university’s commitment to campus life, experiential learning and Boilermaker spirit.

Family Day Tailgate Unites Campus Community

The College of Science Family Day Tailgate drew dozens of families, faculty and staff to the South Lawn for food, games and Boilermaker-themed activities from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The free event offered an informal setting for first-year students to connect with peers and for parents to meet faculty, reinforcing Purdue’s focus on student success and well-being.

Boilermakers Open Season on the Road

Purdue’s women’s volleyball team traveled to Houston, Texas, for a non-conference match at the University of Houston’s Fertitta Center. The away contest marked the start of their early-season schedule and provided valuable experience ahead of Big Ten play.

Campus Engagement: Game Days and Academic Showcases

  • Game Days at the Dauch Alumni Center: From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Purdue hosted interactive career and networking sessions at the Dick & Sandy Dauch Alumni Center, featuring alumni panels and resume workshops for real-world readiness.
  • PSUB Swan Boats: The Purdue Student Union Board launched its Swan Boats rides along the downtown canal, offering students a historic river tour to celebrate community engagement at midday.

Together, these activities illustrate Purdue University’s vibrant campus atmosphere on September 13, balancing academic enrichment, family involvement and athletic competition to kick off the new semester.