Purdue Agriculture hosts Boiler Gold Rush

For one afternoon, Purdue's College of Agriculture provides carnival atmosphere for new students

Since its beginning in 1993, Boiler Gold Rush has grown into one of the largest student orientation events of its kind in the United States. Just how big?

Well, there are over 500 student leaders who work year round just preparing for the week-long event.

Thousands of first-year freshman and transfer students arrive on campus a week ahead of classes to become better acquainted with Purdue and meet hundreds of their peers before classes begin. New students learn their way around campus, learn of campus traditions and get information about different resources available to students.

And in the case of Purdue Agriculture, Boiler Gold Rush students get to take part in a carnival right on the front lawn of the Agriculture Administration Building.

“In the College of Agriculture we choose to host a ‘BGR Welcome Carnival’ for all the new students, and we have done this for the past four years," said Marcos Fernandez, associate dean and director of academic programs for the College of Agriculture. "We want our new students to know that they are enthusiastically welcomed by their Purdue Ag Family, and that the new academic year can be as equally exciting and promising.”

"Tackling any of our Purdue Agriculture curricula will be rigorous, especially as the students progress in their studies," Fernandez added. "With this event, the Annual BGR Welcome Carnival, it is simply our unique way to say “Hello, we are so glad you are here… Welcome to the Purdue Ag Family… it is going to be an exciting year!”