WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue Athletics and the John Purdue Club proudly announces the official naming of the EMPOWER program within the Boilermakers' Student-Athlete Development department, thanks to a transformative gift from Tim and Wendy Connors in memory of Tim's sister, Margaret "Marti" Connors. The Margaret "Marti" Connors Student-Athlete Development Suite will serve as the home of the newly named Connors EMPOWER Program, honoring Marti's legacy of resilience, leadership and compassion.
The Connors family's gift enhances Purdue's mission to empower student-athletes beyond athletic achievement, equipping them to become leaders, professionals and engaged citizens. This contribution embodies the Connors family's vision of fostering character and resilience in student-athletes, reflecting the nurturing spirit Marti was known for throughout her life.
"Marti was the heart and nurturer of our family," said Tim Connors. "She was the first in our family to attend Purdue, and her love for Purdue Athletics and her unwavering spirit inspired everyone who knew her. We hope the Connors EMPOWER Program will help Purdue's student-athletes grow into people of strong character and compassion—traits Marti exemplified every day of her life. Our family is honored to continue Marti's legacy by providing resources that will nurture student-athletes and support them in overcoming challenges, just as Marti did with grace and resilience."
The Connors EMPOWER Program, led by Associate Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Development Peyton Stovall, provides Purdue student-athletes with a holistic approach to life skills and personal growth, equipping them to thrive both during and after their time at Purdue. Through leadership development, community service, professional readiness, and personal growth initiatives, the Connors EMPOWER Program will build a foundation for student-athletes to achieve success that extends far beyond sports.
"This gift is truly significant because it will open additional doors for our student-athletes and has the potential to not only impact them but their families as well," said Stovall. "With the support of the Connors family, we're able to elevate our commitment to nurturing leaders who are prepared to make a positive difference in their communities. Our long-term goal is to create a life skills program that addresses every dimension of a student-athlete's experience, ensuring they are well-prepared for whatever path they choose post-graduation."
As collegiate athletics continues to evolve, Purdue Athletics remains dedicated to offering resources that equip student-athletes with the tools needed for lifelong success. The Connors EMPOWER Program is a reflection of this commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for life's challenges and opportunities.
"Purdue Athletics has always placed a high value on the overall well-being and development of our student-athletes, and the Connors EMPOWER Program is a powerful example of that commitment," said Executive Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Bobinski. "Thanks to the generosity of the Connors family, this program will serve as a unique point of distinction for Purdue, helping student-athletes build character, leadership skills, and resilience that will serve them well beyond their time in the Gold and Black. We're incredibly grateful to Tim and Wendy for this impactful gift and honored to carry Marti's legacy forward in a meaningful way."
Through the Connors EMPOWER Program, Purdue Athletics is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of student-athletes, fostering growth that reaches beyond the game and into communities worldwide. This partnership between the Connors family and Purdue Athletics will help strengthen Purdue's legacy of excellence and innovation in student-athlete development.
About Purdue Athletics:
The Purdue Boilermakers, an NCAA Division I athletics department and member of the Big Ten Conference, are proud representatives of Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana. With 18 sports programs, the department maintains a vision within a culture of integrity and inclusion that empowers each Boilermaker student-athlete to achieve academic success, triumph athletically, and master leadership behaviors that enhance the pride and reputation of the University.
Purdue Athletics' mission is to develop champions, advance academic success, strengthen leadership capabilities, and promote positive student-athlete well-being. Above all, Boilermakers possess the courage to lead positively in competition, in the classroom and in the community.
The Connors family's gift enhances Purdue's mission to empower student-athletes beyond athletic achievement, equipping them to become leaders, professionals and engaged citizens. This contribution embodies the Connors family's vision of fostering character and resilience in student-athletes, reflecting the nurturing spirit Marti was known for throughout her life.
"Marti was the heart and nurturer of our family," said Tim Connors. "She was the first in our family to attend Purdue, and her love for Purdue Athletics and her unwavering spirit inspired everyone who knew her. We hope the Connors EMPOWER Program will help Purdue's student-athletes grow into people of strong character and compassion—traits Marti exemplified every day of her life. Our family is honored to continue Marti's legacy by providing resources that will nurture student-athletes and support them in overcoming challenges, just as Marti did with grace and resilience."
The Connors EMPOWER Program, led by Associate Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Development Peyton Stovall, provides Purdue student-athletes with a holistic approach to life skills and personal growth, equipping them to thrive both during and after their time at Purdue. Through leadership development, community service, professional readiness, and personal growth initiatives, the Connors EMPOWER Program will build a foundation for student-athletes to achieve success that extends far beyond sports.
"This gift is truly significant because it will open additional doors for our student-athletes and has the potential to not only impact them but their families as well," said Stovall. "With the support of the Connors family, we're able to elevate our commitment to nurturing leaders who are prepared to make a positive difference in their communities. Our long-term goal is to create a life skills program that addresses every dimension of a student-athlete's experience, ensuring they are well-prepared for whatever path they choose post-graduation."
As collegiate athletics continues to evolve, Purdue Athletics remains dedicated to offering resources that equip student-athletes with the tools needed for lifelong success. The Connors EMPOWER Program is a reflection of this commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for life's challenges and opportunities.
"Purdue Athletics has always placed a high value on the overall well-being and development of our student-athletes, and the Connors EMPOWER Program is a powerful example of that commitment," said Executive Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Bobinski. "Thanks to the generosity of the Connors family, this program will serve as a unique point of distinction for Purdue, helping student-athletes build character, leadership skills, and resilience that will serve them well beyond their time in the Gold and Black. We're incredibly grateful to Tim and Wendy for this impactful gift and honored to carry Marti's legacy forward in a meaningful way."
Through the Connors EMPOWER Program, Purdue Athletics is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of student-athletes, fostering growth that reaches beyond the game and into communities worldwide. This partnership between the Connors family and Purdue Athletics will help strengthen Purdue's legacy of excellence and innovation in student-athlete development.
About Purdue Athletics:
The Purdue Boilermakers, an NCAA Division I athletics department and member of the Big Ten Conference, are proud representatives of Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana. With 18 sports programs, the department maintains a vision within a culture of integrity and inclusion that empowers each Boilermaker student-athlete to achieve academic success, triumph athletically, and master leadership behaviors that enhance the pride and reputation of the University.
Purdue Athletics' mission is to develop champions, advance academic success, strengthen leadership capabilities, and promote positive student-athlete well-being. Above all, Boilermakers possess the courage to lead positively in competition, in the classroom and in the community.