Your Campus. Your Community. Your Year.

August 24, 2026

Dear Students,

Welcome to a new academic year at Purdue Fort Wayne! Whether you are returning to continue your journey or experiencing your first day as a Mastodon, we are excited to have you here.

You are beginning the year at a remarkable moment for our university. Trace has welcomed its first residents, giving students a dynamic new place to live and build community. The Surack-Sweetwater Music Industry Center is opening its doors and creating extraordinary opportunities for music education, innovation, collaboration, and performance. We have expanded our dining options with Crave on the Waterfield Campus, and newly renovated spaces in the Richard T. Doermer School of Business will enhance teaching and learning.

These new and improved spaces represent much more than the continued growth of our campus. They are investments in you, your education, your experiences, and your future.

This fall, we are welcoming students from communities throughout Indiana, across the country, and around the world. Each of you brings different experiences, ideas, cultures, and perspectives that make classroom conversations richer and our university stronger.

By choosing Purdue Fort Wayne, you are also becoming part of the larger Fort Wayne community. While you are here, I encourage you to explore the city, attend community events, support local businesses, volunteer, pursue internships, and discover everything northeast Indiana has to offer. Your presence and participation contribute to the energy, diversity, and economic vitality of our region.

Many of our newest students began their Purdue Fort Wayne experience during Mastodon Stampede. Over the past several days, students moved into their new homes, attended a pep rally, took over Walmart for a quick shopping trip, met with their colleges, toured downtown Fort Wayne, and cheered on the Dons at a women’s soccer game. These activities provided an exciting introduction to campus life and what it means to belong to the Herd.

That excitement continues this week with Campus Kickoff. A full schedule of events will help you meet other students, learn your way around campus, connect with student organizations, and begin building your Purdue Fort Wayne community.

I encourage you to participate. Attend an event. Introduce yourself to someone new. Explore an area of campus you have not visited. Cheer on the Dons, experience a performance, join a student organization, or simply spend time getting to know the people around you. Some of the most meaningful parts of your university experience will begin with one conversation, one invitation, or one decision to try something new.

Most importantly, remember that you belong here. Purdue Fort Wayne is your university, and there are faculty and staff members across campus who are committed to helping you succeed. Ask questions, seek support when you need it, and take advantage of the many academic resources, student services, and opportunities available to you. You are not expected to navigate this journey alone.

You can stay connected through Don Life, the university Events Calendar, and Purdue Fort Wayne’s official social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok). I encourage you to follow the university on each platform so you can learn about upcoming events, campus news, student opportunities, and the many ways to get involved.

You are also invited to attend Fall Convocation next Monday, August 31, at noon in Auer Performance Hall. University leaders will share important updates, celebrate our recent progress, and discuss the priorities and plans that will guide Purdue Fort Wayne during the year ahead.

Thank you for choosing to be part of this extraordinary university. Your ideas, talents, curiosity, and spirit make Purdue Fort Wayne a truly special place.

I look forward to seeing you around campus and wish you a rewarding, successful, and memorable academic year.

Welcome back, welcome home, and go Dons!

Ron Elsenbaumer, Chancellor