As many of you know, Tyler Trent has been in the news for a number of weeks. Tyler, a sophomore in computer and information technology, recently left Purdue because of his failing health. Tyler has been willing to share his story about his battle with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, and he reached a national audience through coverage of the Purdue football team and their victory over The Ohio State University.
Tyler attended the game, and we visited during the first half. With Purdue in the lead, I found him to be in remarkably good spirits. He predicted a Boilermaker victory — and he was right, even though the odds were against a win over Ohio State.
In my role as dean of the Polytechnic, one of the most important and enjoyable tasks that I have is in representing the faculty and the college through the awarding of degrees to our graduating students. I had the opportunity to meet Tyler and his family in their Carmel, Indiana, home a few weeks ago to present his Associate of Science degree in Computer and Information Technology. It was a memorable moment for me. I was able to spend some time with him, a remarkable young man and now an alumnus of our college. I also met Tyler’s parents, brothers, grandparents and other relatives and friends who were in attendance for the awarding of Tyler’s degree.
In life we never know what challenges and opportunities will present themselves. Tyler’s story has touched many people at Purdue as well as others around the world. I am fortunate in having had the opportunity to meet Tyler and his family. I urge you to take a few moments to reflect on Tyler’s story and keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Tyler is an alumnus of Purdue University and the Polytechnic — and that is something that is forever.
Additional information:
- Purdue Boilermakers rally support behind one of their own, super-fan Tyler Trent (ESPN / College GameDay)
- Purdue super-fan Tyler Trent told Scott Van Pelt about his wild weekend (USA TODAY)
- Tyler Trent receives degree from Polytechnic Institute (Purdue Exponent)
- Outpouring of support comforts Purdue student Tyler Trent during cancer fight (Lafayette Journal & Courier)
- #TylerStrong inspiration goes national after Purdue upset of Ohio State (WTHR)
- Thanks to Tyler Trent, we were all Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday night (Forbes)
Additional information (added January 2, 2019):
- 'A really genuine human being': Purdue's Tyler Trent dies after battling bone cancer (Indy Star)
- Tyler Trent’s spirit and cancer fight will be remembered (ESPN)
- The Tyler Trent Cancer Research Endowment
- Doyel: Tyler Trent made a difference (Indy Star)
- 7 quotes from Purdue superfan Tyler Trent that inspired us (Indy Star)
- 'His life may have been short, but his legacy will be forever': Sports world reacts to Tyler Trent's death (Indy Star)
-
Scott Van Pelt on Tyler Trent: 'He made a mark and legacy that's going to outlive us all' (Indy Star)
Additional information (added March 28, 2019):
ESPN's feature about Purdue student Tyler Trent
Top: Tyler Trent (center) with his family; Bottom: Tyler Trent's Associate of Science diploma
