Protect Purdue Initiative launches crowdfunding campaign
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – Purdue University has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to ensure a safe environment as it prepares to reopen its West Lafayette campus this fall. Purdue says the Protect Purdue Initiative will help offset costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the university’s heightened health and safety protocols.
The Protect Purdue implementation team is working to develop plans, tools and protocols needed for the successful resumption of campus activities. The university says the efforts require additional resources to provide personal protective equipment, sampling and testing kits, trace contacts technology, and student health and safety kits.
The crowdfunding campaign follows an announcement from Purdue President Mitch Daniels in April regarding preparations to resume on-campus residency.
To ensure that every building is safe for learning, research and residential life activities, Purdue says modifications have been made to every classroom, learning lab and residence hall room. The university says safe social distancing flows, signage, and training programs are being established in addition to sanitation protocols.
“Alumni and friends have been asking for weeks now, ‘What can I do to help Purdue reopen?’” said Daniels. “Here’s the opportunity, and given the scale and huge expense of what we are about to undertake, that opportunity is a large and varied one.”
The university says the fund will make contributions to areas with the greatest need.