Been There – Purdue University
Haven’t posted about the new Campus Collection mugs in a while, so it is time to fix that. Starbucks Been There Purdue University mug was released back in 2022 for the public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Established in 1869, it is one of the leading institutions of higher education in the country. Purdue is known for its strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, although it offers a wide range of programs across various fields.
The university is home to a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff from around the world, fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. With over 40,000 students enrolled, Purdue offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through its various colleges and schools, including the College of Engineering, College of Science, Krannert School of Management, College of Liberal Arts, and more.
In addition to its academic excellence, Purdue has a strong athletic program known as the Purdue Boilermakers. The university competes in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, with its basketball and football teams drawing a large and passionate fan base.
Here are some symbols of the University that I was able to identify on the mug. By the way, the design of the mug is done using the official colors of Purdue, “Old gold and Black”. These were adopted in 1887, the first year of Purdue football.
The Big Bass Drum stands as an iconic symbol of Purdue University’s Boilermakers and their spirited athletic events. Weighing over 500 pounds and measuring at an impressive 10 feet in diameter, the drum is hard to miss as it rolls onto the field. Carried by the “World’s Largest Drum Crew,” the Big Bass Drum delivers thunderous beats that reverberate throughout the stadium, igniting the crowd’s energy and rallying support for the team. You can see the drum pushed in the cart by the drum crew on the front of the mug.
In 1997, former head coach Joe Tiller’s wife, Arnette, devised the phrase “Boiler Up” with the aim of infusing more excitement into football games at Ross-Ade Stadium. Little did she know that this catchy slogan would quickly gain traction and become an enduring part of Purdue’s spirit. In fact, “Boiler Up” has even found its way into the unofficial incorporation of the Purdue fight song, “Hail Purdue.”
Originally known as “The Main Building”, the University Hall is the only building remaining from the original six-building campus. It was built between 1871 and 1877 and hosts the department of history and classrooms used by the School of Liberal Arts at the moment.
Purdue Grand Prix is a highly anticipated annual go-kart racing event held at Purdue University. Founded in 1958, it has become one of the oldest and most prestigious collegiate go-kart races in the United States. A primary function of the event is to raise money for scholarships for Purdue students.
The Purdue Exponent is an independent student newspaper that is being published twice per week, on Mondays and Thursdays. The Exponent’s first edition was published on December 15, 1889.
The Boilermaker Special is the official mascot of the University that resembles a Victorian-era railroad locomotive and is built on a truck chassis. It was presented in September 1940 and has been used to announce campus events ever since.
Purdue Pete has served as the official mascot of the Boilermakers since 1940. It is worth noting, that Pete is only the athletic mascot of the university, and not the official mascot which Boilermaker Special is.
The Old Oaken Bucket is a cherished and historic trophy that symbolizes the intense football rivalry between Purdue University and Indiana University. It has a very interesting tradition: in the annual Purdue-Indiana football game, the victorious team earns the privilege of adding a bronze chain link engraved with a “P” or “I” to the cherished trophy. This symbol of triumph remains in their possession until the next eagerly anticipated match-up between the two fierce rivals.
