Krannert Graduate Student Association (KGSA) Update

By John Goodrich, KGSA President

The Krannert Graduate Student Association (KGSA) had another outstanding school year in 2006–07 with the successful implementation of several new programs and events.

In March, KGSA and the Dean’s Office jointly held the first annual CultureFest to allow students to share their cultural experiences. Countries from around the world were represented with displays and activities in classrooms in Rawls Hall before an international dinner that served more than 200 participants. Following the meal, students performed everything from traditional songs to tea ceremonies and a modern-day karaoke rap.

Another new spring event was the Krannert Olympics. Held before finals and graduation, it pitted first- and second-year classes against each other in a variety of athletic events, including soccer, ping pong, bowling, flag football, basketball, and racquetball. The event concluded with a picnic at Happy Hollow Park and an awards ceremony. Although the competition ended in a tie, the new “Krannert Kup” is anticipated to be a highly sought-after trophy in future years.

The current board will continue to focus on leadership and professional development, while also ensuring that students have an opportunity to participate in a variety of fun activities. The fall semester has already seen numerous social hours, an international breakfast, and several tailgates before home football games. Students are also getting to know the faculty better in the “Lunch Out with a Professor” program as a joint venture with the Dean’s Office.

KGSA will build upon these successes for the remainder of 2007–08, particularly through increased interaction with alumni through our Alumni Mentor program. In an effort to build a more cohesive Krannert family, the Dean’s Office also is working with KGSA to fund dinners for small groups of full-time students and part-time students from the Executive MBA and the Weekend MBA programs.

In addition, KGSA continues to involve master’s students through regular weekly messages and social hours, as well as supporting Krannert clubs and managing the day-to-day affairs of student government. We also provide tangible member-benefits such as discounts at local businesses and on the sale of Krannert Gear at events such as the Charity Ball.

The new KGSA executive board is excited about these endeavors and looks forward to further improvements in the Krannert graduate student experience. As always, we welcome the support of our alumni, faculty, staff, and corporate partners.

For more information on the Krannert Graduate School Association, visit www.krannert.purdue.edu/clubs/kgsa or contact Koji Sado at ksado@purdue.edu