Purdue University, founded on May 6, 1869, in Indiana, emerged from the initiative of the state’s General Assembly and the generous donation of land and funds by John Purdue. Initially focused on engineering, science, and agriculture, the first classes began on September 16, 1874, with three buildings, six professors, and 39 students. Today, Purdue offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in over 200 areas of study. By the mid-20th century, its aviation program expanded to include technology and space flight, with 22 alumni having flown to space, including Gus Grissom, Eugene Cernan, and Neil Armstrong, the latter known as the first man to walk on the Moon.