Elsner's support aimed at updated instruction, scholarships

The first course on microprocessors in the College of Technology was offered during Jim Elsner’s senior year. Now microprocessors are everywhere.

Just as the curriculum responded to the needs of industry in 1976, Elsner wants to make sure the College of Technology continues to offer the most up-to-date instruction to keep students prepared for a changing workplace. That’s one reason he and his wife, Debbie, support the College of Technology through charitable contributions.

“It’s important to give back to the University,” Elsner said. “Students still need to pay tuition, but it’s important that the alumni give back. In my program, electrical engineering technology (EET), for example, they need to have the best and latest equipment so they can be ready for the work environment.”

Elsner earned his bachelor’s degree in EET in 1977. After spending 28 years at CTS Microelectronics, he went to work for Butler America Inc., which is located in Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette. He is the division vice president for engineering. The company recruits heavily from Purdue’s colleges of Technology and Engineering to fill its open jobs at the West Lafayette office and elsewhere. As an alumnus, Elsner has firsthand knowledge about the benefits of a Purdue degree.

“My education at Purdue was instrumental in my early success,” Elsner said. “The broad education combined with the engineering skill sets of solving problems have been useful in my business world.”

Butler America has collaborated with Purdue to ensure that the software package it uses is part of the curriculum. This agreement also helps make Purdue students more attractive to Butler America and other firms.

The Elsners also support an endowed scholarship fund in the College of Technology created in honor of Dennis Depew, the former dean of the College of Technology.

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Find out how support like Jim Elsner’s can affect the life of a current student. Read how computer graphics technology student Karthik Sukumar’s financial assistance has helped him focus on academic and research successes.