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Joe Mack

An affinity for design and creativity runs in Joe Mack’s family: both of his parents are artists, while four of his five brothers have established careers as designers. While he acquired his family’s talent and desire for artistic expression, Mack also had an equally strong interest in computers.

Mack lists Gary Bertoline as an early influence during his time at Purdue and cites the college as instrumental in allowing him to hone his technical skills and his confidence. Both have been key in his success in a rapidly changing and competitive industry.

David Blackmore

David Blackmore wasted no time in his climb to success. He began his career in construction at the age of 17, where he worked summers for the J.L. Wilson Co. as a bridge contractor, laborer and estimator. He not only gained experience, but also earned money to help pay for his Purdue education.

James Stephens

James Stephens’s work has been front page news over the past year. As regional deployment manager for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), he has coordinated the launch of more than 150 Advanced Image Technology Body Scanners at 31 airports across the country since late 2009.

Thomas Shelby

After one year of accounting at another university, Thomas Shelby knew it wasn’t for him. He did some investigating at Purdue and met with a counselor who walked him through several options. Because of

Bradford Lang

Lang chose Purdue because of its top-notch aviation program, and he continued to be impressed because of its challenging curriculum and supportive faculty. He fondly remembers operating United Airlines DC-8 and American Airlines 727 simulators, which prepared him for the life of a pilot. Lang is especially appreciative of the support of Professor Charles Holleman, who he says always believed in him.

Alex Coleman

Purdue’s College of Technology degree afforded Coleman the opportunity to learn how to apply all of the elements of critical thinking (math, science and business) into solving business and technology problems for Verizon and its customers. This ability has allowed Coleman to compete effectively for managerial and executive level positions throughout his 26-year career.

Cory Shively

Cory attributes his success to lessons learned while growing up — from his father,“it’s not worth doing, if you aren’t going to do it right,” and from his mother,“include human kindness in every- thing you do in life.” He also includes his partners’ contributions and his wife’s support in the quotient of success.

Donzel Leggett

“Success is a relative term. I refer to it as progress. The top four reasons for my progress are an extremely supportive family, some fantastic mentors/advocates, aspirations to be the best and most balanced in all phases of my life, and being a values- and principles-based leader,” Donzel says.

Joanne Adams Griffith

Her father’s entrepreneurial spirit along with her own interest in business and human behavior led JoAnne to a career in the field of human resources. She chose Purdue based on the University’s reputation and the School’s supervision program, which seemed to offer her the best mix of business and behavioral sciences classes based on her interests.

Charles Crosby

Charles' desire for flight began while working long hours in the fields of his family’s Indiana farm and watching the planes overhead.“Growing up on a farm, I learned early on the value of hard work and dedication,” he said. “I also knew there had to be another way to make a living.” His desire for flight intensified in eighth-grade when a relative who owned a small plane took him on his first flight. “I must say that's all it took. That day, I made my career choice, and despite many obstacles, I did not waver.”

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