3 brothers, one university: Trio finds fit at College of Technology at Anderson

But as of this fall, all three have found a shared academic home in Purdue's College of Technology at Anderson.

Jason, who goes by his middle name rather than his given name of Adam, is 32 and is pursuing a bachelor's degree in industrial technology. He also works full time as a project engineer at Stanley Security Solutions. He previously earned an associate's degree in electrical engineering technology from Purdue in 2000 and graduated from Anderson Highland High School in 1993.

"For me, this allowed me to stay close to my family, keep a full-time job and still earn a degree from a world-class university in a field I love," he said. "And the campus at Anderson is a great place for adult learners who are serious-minded about earning their degree."

Jason finds the option in Anderson especially appealing this semester because his class is offered over the Internet, which saves him time and offers him flexibility.

Jason lives in Pendleton with his brother Kai, who is 20 and pursuing an associate's degree in computer and information technology and would like to eventually transfer to the West Lafayette campus to earn a bachelor's degree.

"I chose the College of Technology at Anderson because it was local, and my older brother Jason had received a degree there and enjoyed the program," Kai said. "Attending in Anderson is so much easier, both on me and on my parents, who appreciate the lower tuition this campus offers."

Kai graduated from Anderson Highland in 2004 and works full-time at Taco Bell.

He said if the College of Technology at Anderson would not have been there, he likely would have chosen another college close to home.

"But a degree from Purdue blows the others out of the water," Kai said. "It means a lot to employers that you went to Purdue."

Jonathan is 18 and a 2006 graduate of Alexandria High School. He just started the College of Technology this fall and also is pursuing an associate's degree in computer and information technology. He lives at home in Alexandria and works about 18 hours a week at McDonald's.

"My brother Jason inspired me to attend Purdue in Anderson," Jonathan said. "Having the College of Technology in Anderson allows me to stay close to my family and friends, work on my degree and save money."

Like his brother Kai, Jonathan's ultimate goal is earn an associate's degree and then transfer to West Lafayette to earn a bachelor's degree.

All three brothers say they are pleased with the atmosphere and the quality of education they are receiving in Anderson. But they would like to see the campus and the programs grow.

"This is a great place, but nobody knows it is here," Jason said. "I'm hoping that when the new facility opens, we can attract more students and, that, in turn, leads to additional courses and degree programs being offered."

The Purdue College of Technology in Anderson is currently housed at Anderson University, but will soon relocate to the Flagship Education Center. Construction on the 53,000-square-foot, $7 million building is scheduled to be completed by June 30, and the facility will open for classes in August.

The College of Technology in Anderson offers bachelor's degree programs in both industrial technology and organizational leadership and supervision, and associate degree programs in computer and information technology and electrical engineering technology.

There are currently about 140 students enrolled in the College of Technology locations at Muncie and Anderson. This includes students in an associate's degree program in mechanical engineering technology that is offered through Purdue and housed at Ball State University in Muncie.

Writer: Kim Medaris, 9765) 494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu

Sources: Jody Pierce, assistant location director for College of Technology at Anderson, (765) 641-4557, pierceja@purdue.edu

Dave Riegle, student services coordinator, (765) 285-5554, riegled@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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