Amelia Earhart Day Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Amelia Earhart Day: Recognizing her birthday and lasting legacy.

Earhart's Connection with Purdue University

• 1934: Met President of Purdue, Edward C. Elliott, in New York.
• Invited to Purdue to speak and later became involved with the university.
• Roles at Purdue:
  • Career Counselor: Claimed to be the only career counselor at a university at that time.
  • Advisor to Aviation Department.

Major Achievements and Flights

• 1928: First woman to fly across the Atlantic as a passenger.
• 1932: First woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, second person after Charles Lindbergh.

The Final Flight and Purdue's Support

• Purdue Research Foundation: Funded by private gifts of $20,000 each from David Ross and J.K. Lilly.
• Funds used to purchase the Electra airplane for Earhart's round-the-world trip.
• Purdue supported and sponsored the preparation for the final flight.
• Earhart’s visibility on campus: Showcased the plane to Purdue students and in Indianapolis.

Legacy and Impact on Women

• Advocate for women’s rights and education.
• Encouraged women to pursue diverse careers such as doctors, engineers, etc.
• Advocated for women to complete their education before settling down.

Honoring Earhart at Purdue Today

• Amelia Earhart was an advocate for female empowerment and achieving one’s dreams.
• New airport terminal at Purdue to be named after Earhart, opening in May 2025.
• Campus landmarks named after her, including statues and buildings.

Conclusion

• Continued efforts to honor Earhart’s memory and contributions, both in aviation and the promotion of women’s opportunities.