Add to ORKGPresident Frederick L. Hovde, a chemical engineer, researcher, and educator, came to Purdue in 1946 after serving in the Office of Scientific Research & Development during World War II. He presided over Purdue's greatest period of growth and transformed it into a top research university. In these years, Purdue grew from 5,628 to 25,582 students, the budget increased from $12.7 million to $136 million, and the schools of industrial engineering, materials engineering, technology, and veterinary science were established. He retired in 1971.Use of this image is restricted to projects related to Destination Indiana. IHS may not reproduce.Purdue University Journe