INDIANAPOLIS — After more than 50 years, the landscape at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is about to change.
On Monday, July 1, IU and Purdue will split, creating two, individual urban campuses on the west side of downtown Indianapolis.
"It's truly been exciting to see how eager people are to see us succeed," IU Indianapolis Inaugural Chancellor Latha Ramchand said. "Hoosier hospitality is a real thing."
A change years in the making, Ramchand said the priority is making sure students see a seamless transition ahead of the fall semester.
"The transition is seamless," Ramchand said. "The student is not negatively impacted in any way."
For future students, leaders say the split will allow both schools to attract and retain the best talent in Indiana.
"We serve the needs of the state, and we want to be sure that we graduate what the state and the city needs," Ramchand said.
Officials at Purdue University in Indianapolis agree.
"Students know they learn better if they have a chance to experience what they're learning with people who do it for a living," Dan Hasler, chief operating officer, said.
Hasler said he came out of retirement to see this transition through.
"This is so monumental," Hasler said. "It is so groundbreaking for both schools and Indianapolis. I raised my hand and said, 'Let me play. Let me be in this.'"
This Indianapolis campus will be Purdue's first ever urban campus.
"We're so excited because this is not a regional campus," Hasler said. "It's part and parcel with our West Lafayette campus."
The Boilermakers will hold a campus dedication ceremony on Thursday, June 27 at 3 p.m. on Monument Circle. The public is invited to attend, decked out in their best black and gold.
"Look for the Circle to be full of all-things Purdue," Hasler said.
While the two schools will officially part ways on July 1, 2024, Ramchand said IUPUI alumni should still be proud of their university.
"Yes, we have a new name," Ramchand said, "and we have new branding associated with that, but that doesn't mean the things that you came here for are going to be any different."