Founded in 1869 as a land-grant public university, Purdue University is one of the most elite aeronautical/astronautical and aviation institutions in the country. Sometimes called the Cradle of Astronauts, the school has educated twenty-two American astronauts.

Purdue was the first school to offer credit for aviation courses and build its own airport. Amelia Earhart was a staff adviser for careers for women until her disappearance in 1937. The school has maintained an extensive library of Earhart materials for research into her ill-fated flight.

The Purdue main campus features several historical landmarks. University Hall, the only remaining building from the school's original six structures, houses the department of history. John Purdue is buried in the Memorial Mall, directly across from the University Hall. The Black Cultural Center was founded in 1964 to support the school's black collegiate. The center is now a campus and community center promoting black heritage and outreach.

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