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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 25, ISSUE 5 47 JOHNPURDUECLUB.COM He isn't an All-American and doesn't hold any athletic records. Fact is, he isn't a letterwinner or even on any sports rosters. But, by all accounts, Keith Schwingendorf is and has been an MVP for Purdue Athletics over the years. Professor of mathematics and former founding dean at the North Central College of Science, Schwingendorf is a three-time Purdue graduate and has served the Purdue University system for more than 40 years. A life-long educator, he understands the power of higher education and the impact financial support can have for young people who aim high and are committed to realizing their futures. His unbridled enthusiasm and love of all things Purdue is bona fide. Particularly Boilermaker Athletics. Schwingendorf strongly believes that a solid foundation is the key to success. "Talent without guidance is meaningless," he says. "It takes commitment to realize great dreams." By endowing the Dr. Keith Schwingendorf general athletics men's basketball scholarship with a planned gift that will benefit his son, Ryan, he and his wife Lisa will continue their family's connection to Purdue Athletics for many years to come. In addition, as a family, they will be laying a foundation, granting opportunities and encouraging dreams for future Boilermakers. "Today, our annual scholarship and academic support costs total $11 million, and that investment will increase long term," says Mike Braughton, assistant athletics director. "That's why engaging the next generation of Boilermakers, and Keith's generosity are so important as we address future scholarship costs. More so, it is extremely meaningful to us to have a future scholarship in his name when you consider his dedication over the years to so many Boilermaker student-athletes." Schwingendorf's work and love for Purdue Athletics began in 1974 while he was working as a graduate instructor and tutor for mathematics. Dale Samuels, then an athletics department administrator and former Purdue quarterback, approached him about working with the football and basketball teams. "I joined the John Purdue Club in 1977 shortly after I started working with the student-athletes," Schwingendorf says. "I saw just how important the Club's mission is and wanted to be part of it. I am proud that my daughter Jessica and son Ryan are members and will support it too for years to come." The JPC is an integral part of maintaining the tradition of Purdue Athletics because 100 percent of the gifts given to the JPC go to paying tuition, room and board, and books costs for more than 500 student-athletes each year. Tutoring the likes of first-round NBA draft pick and NBA All Star Joe Barry Carroll (M'80), All-Big Ten basketball selection and NBA player Everette Stephens (LA'88) and All-American and NFL quarterback Mark Herrmann (M'81), students sometimes didn't know where the threshold of Schwingendorf's office ended and the threshold of his home began. At least if they did, they pretended not to. He recalls the many nights he would hear the doorbell ring and open it to see a 300-pound linebacker standing there. "It's hard to say no when they are standing in your doorway asking for help because they don't think they will pass an exam," he says. And Schwingendorf, or Schwingy as Joe Barry Carroll called him, would never say "no" to a student in need. T H E T E A M B E H I N D T H E T E A M S A FAMILY AFFAIR Keith Schwingendorf standing in his "Boiler Office" at Purdue North Central.