 2018 Homecoming kicked off a year-long celebration of Purdue's 150th anniversary. The giant leaps theme was inspired by Neil Armstrong's historic words from the moon. The first thing we saw were the black holes. The centerpiece of the celebration was an ideas festival that included presentations on some of the biggest problems and opportunities the world faces in space exploration, health and longevity, sustainability and artificial intelligence. Topics were brought to life by many well-known speakers. The ideas festival also highlighted Purdue research devoted to solving problems ranging from sports concussions and cancer drug development to sustainable energy and feeding the world. The homecoming celebration ushered in a significant student-led change. To bring more gender equity to campus and demonstrate a sign of inclusivity and diversity, the terms king and queen were dropped in favor of the gender-neutral homecoming royalty. As part of homecoming and the 150th, Purdue dedicated the forge statue of an anvil and hammer. It celebrates the role of traditional boiler makers. With all our proud heritage, we needed this facility. Purdue dedicated a new $60 million animal sciences complex. It boosts the university's commitment to Indiana's vital animal production industry. Into meaningful impact and difference in the lives of people. USAID awarded Purdue $70 million to lead a consortium to find solutions to challenges faced by developing countries. The goal is to improve food security, global health and other problems. Transformational new initiative between Purdue University and the National University of St. Augustine in Arequipa, Peru. Purdue announced a partnership with Peru. It seeks to overcome challenges to that region's food, water and energy. For intelligent, connected autonomous systems and artificial intelligence applications. Tapping into a global trend, Purdue was selected to lead the new Center for Brain-Inspired Computing Enabling Autonomous Intelligence or CBRIC. Its research deals with machines such as drones and personal robots capable of operating without human intervention. Through this planning process, the image of this university changes dramatically. Purdue unveiled a new campus master plan updating one from 2009. The plan focuses on connectivity, collaboration, vibrancy, sustainability and flexibility. 2018 was filled with anniversaries and breaking records. The simple task at the 30th anniversary Rube Goldberg Machine Contest was to pour a bowl of cereal. It will continue its freeze on tuition for a seventh straight year. A national poll ranked Purdue the fourth best value school in the nation. A chair race was part of the fund during 2018th day of giving. Purdue's 24-hour fundraising blitz. The Boiler Faithful set the collegiate record for single-day fundraising by contributing $37.6 million. With more than 18,600 donations, the event also set a Purdue record for number of gifts. Thanks to a fiscal year record amount raised, Purdue's ever true campaign surpassed its seven-year goal in 2018, reaching more than $2.2 billion. The campaign wraps up in 2019. Sponsored research programs also set a record for the 2018 fiscal year at nearly $455 million. Purdue's 18-hour dance marathon raised more than $1.2 million for Riley Children's Hospital. Students were energized by a video message from Boilermaker superfan Tyler Trent, a sophomore fighting bone cancer until he died on New Year's Day 2019. Some 2,000 people braved frigid temperatures to honor him at a campus candlelight vigil. Trent became a national inspiration and symbol of courage. More than $1 million has been raised in Trent's name for the Purdue Center for Cancer Research. Trent was named an honorary Purdue football captain and accompanied the team to the Music City Bowl, which Purdue lost to Auburn 63 to 14. Purdue's season hit its zenith during an October route of number two Ohio State, 49 to 20. Boilermaker fans stormed the field to celebrate the upset. Receiver and return specialist Rondale Moore became the first true freshman in school and Big Ten history to be named a consensus all-American. For the second year in a row, Purdue basketball's effort to reach the final four ended at the sweet 16, losing to Texas Tech 78 to 65. In the 2018-19 season, the Boilers cracked the top 20 with a key victory over sixth ranked Michigan State. The Purdue spirit team captured its first college cheerleading national championship. In April, the Purdue Contemporary Dance Company performed its spring works. Rookie driver Jared Thomas celebrated his Purdue Grand Pre-Victory with a milk shower. Driving for IUPUI, Thomas bested 32 other carts to capture the checkered flag. During spring commencement, nearly 6,000 students received diplomas, including one who was out of this world, literally. Astronaut Andrew Voistel received an honorary doctor of science degree while aboard the International Space Station. Fellow Purdue grad astronaut Scott Tingle did the hooding. As part of Purdue's 150th celebration, students, led by the Purdue musical organizations, gathered at the John Purdue statue to honor the birthday of the university's founder.