Purdue University

COVID Stories

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted all aspects of Purdue University, prompting faculty, students, and staff to create new ways of teaching and learning, discovery, engagement, and social interaction. The Provost’s Office, WBAA, and the University Archives, part of the Libraries and School of Information Studies, have partnered to create the Purdue COVID Stories Project. This project will result in an archive of oral history interviews, written memoirs, photographs and related materials exploring the many ways COVID-19 has affected the Purdue community.

For tips and help creating and submitting your memories, please refer to the submission guidance page.

The Project has three goals: to provide an accessible, and therapeutic means for all interested members of the Purdue community to share their own experiences during the pandemic; to preserve those stories for posterity in the University Archives; and to provide use of the rich archive of stories for research and to support teaching and learning.

To create an archive that is truly reflective of Purdue’s diverse community, the Project encourages submission of memories from people of all perspectives and backgrounds. In particular, the Project seeks stories from

  • People of color
  • The LGBTQ+ community
  • Front line employees in areas such as dining halls, custodial services, and residence halls impacted by the pandemic
  • Individuals who are differently abled
  • Faculty and staff impacted by the need to care for children or family members while working
  • Students who attended the University’s first virtual graduations
  • Students who graduated early to help provide nursing and health care
  • Faculty and staff who responded to the pandemic through creation of new safety guidelines and procedures
  • All other members of the Purdue community who have been impacted by the pandemic

Individuals may submit anonymously to the Project if they wish to do so. All submissions are appreciated and help contribute to our understanding of daily life during the pandemic.