“Purdue shaped the trajectory of my life, and I see this new facility as a bold step toward redefining business education for the next generation. I wanted to be part of that evolution.

“As a student, Purdue taught me to work hard and stay endlessly curious — qualities that became the foundation for my career in private wealth. The combination of technical knowledge and people skills I gained prepared me not just for a job, but for long-term success and fulfillment. I’m someone who believes in growing constantly, and that mindset was sparked on Purdue’s campus.

“Beyond academics, Purdue gave me something even more meaningful: it’s where I met my wife, Becky, and built lifelong memories and friendships. That personal connection only deepens my gratitude for everything the university has given me.

“I hope this new facility becomes a hub for innovation, leadership, and collaboration — and that it inspires future students to lead with integrity and purpose. If my gift can help others reflect on their own journey and feel moved to give back, then I’m proud to have played a small role in something much bigger than myself.”

Michael David Vasta 

“I was very fortunate during my time at Purdue to have developed a number of meaningful relationships with both professors and administrators. During my junior and senior years I was president of the Industrial Management Student Council, which participated in faculty meetings and served as the student interface to the faculty. I had the opportunity to work very closely with Richard (Dick) Walbaum, who was the assistant dean of undergraduate administration and the person responsible for creating the student council. He was my first true business mentor, and it took me much later in my career to understand how much I had learned from him during this time. Dick was also a personal mentor to me as I tried to navigate the difficult family and financial issues resulting from my father's unexpected passing at the beginning of my junior year.

“I was also fortunate to work with Dean John S. Day, who was directly responsible for getting me a scholarship and a loan to attend the Northwestern Kellogg Graduate School of Management upon my graduation from Purdue. These relationships were truly life changing for me, and we hope our gift will in some small way help continue the business school's legacy of leadership development, mentoring and personal support to the undergraduate students of the future.”

Mark Leland Hildebrand

“My decision to support this facility project was inspired by a dear friend from the statehouse who held deep respect for Mitch Daniels — someone who meant a great deal to me. Beth and I have been fortunate to benefit from strong work ethics and quality educations, even if hers was from the Bloomington school! Giving back felt like the right thing to do.

“I hope this facility becomes a place that shapes not only smart business leaders, but also generous and service-minded individuals. The business world has enough greed; my hope is that Purdue graduates will stand out by how they serve others. Growing up in a single-parent household on welfare, I know what it means to overcome tough circumstances. I hope my story — and this gift — show others that where you come from doesn't limit where you can go.”

Nathan Windfield Gabhart

“In 1969, during my senior year at Purdue, I had the good fortune of speaking with Dean Emanuel "Em" Weiler of the business school. I had planned to pursue a PhD in marine chemistry, but Dean Weiler convinced me to take a different path. He introduced me to the Krannert MSIA program — designed for science and engineering majors — and challenged me to think differently about how to build a meaningful career.

“His message was clear: the future belongs to those who can integrate technical expertise with business acumen. I took his advice and enrolled in the 1971 MSIA class. Surrounded by talented students from across the country and a world-class faculty, I gained the skills to navigate both the technical and commercial sides of business.

“That education paid off immediately. After graduation, I joined General Electric, where I worked for Jack Welch — a PhD chemical engineer from University of Illinois who deeply understood the value of integrating business with technology. It was the perfect environment to apply what I had learned at Purdue. Jack later became renowned CEO and chairman of GE.

“Over the years, through leadership roles across multiple industries and now at CHZ Technologies, that integrated foundation has guided every decision.

“I’m proud to support the Daniels School because it’s returning to that same core principle. Today’s students face new challenges — AI, big data, global supply chains and leadership dynamics — but the same truth applies: business and technology must go hand-in-hand. The Chuck and Annette Ludwig Family contribution is about preparing the next generation of Boilermakers to lead — in any technical discipline and any market.”

Chuck Ludwig