Purdue University (or simply Purdue) is a public land-grant research university in West Lafayette, Indiana, and the flagship campus of the Purdue University system. The university was founded in 1869 after Lafayette businessman John Purdue donated land and money to establish a college of science, technology, and agriculture in his name. The first classes were held on September 16, 1874, with six instructors and 39 students. It has been ranked as among the best public universities in the United States by major institutional rankings, and is known for its engineering program.
Purdue University's Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance in West Lafayette, Indiana, serves as a vibrant center within the College of Liberal Arts, offering extensive undergraduate and graduate programs in Art and Design, Theatre, Dance, and Music. The school provides a comprehensive education balancing rigorous academic study with hands-on creative exploration and practical experience. Students work closely with accomplished faculty, participate in performances and exhibitions, and engage in collaborative projects, primarily within the state-of-the-art Yue-Kong Pao Hall. Accredited by NASAD and NAST, the school prepares graduates for diverse careers in the arts and creative industries while enriching the cultural life of the university and surrounding community.
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