Purdue University Receives Historic $42 Million Gift from Alumnus Roland G. Parrish
Purdue University has announced a monumental $42 million commitment from alumnus and benefactor Roland G. Parrish. This major contribution will name the new flagship facility within the Mitch Daniels School of Business, to be called the Roland G. Parrish Hall of Business, set to open in Fall 2027.
A Legacy of Support
This gift marks the largest individual contribution for a facility in the university’s history. Mitch Daniels, Purdue’s interim president, praised Parrish for exemplifying the powerful impact of a Purdue education: “His remarkable success as an entrepreneur and business leader, coupled with his lifelong commitment to investing in students, has made an enduring impact on our university.”
About Roland G. Parrish
Parrish (BS in Industrial Management ’75, MS in Management ’76) hails from Hammond, Indiana. He attended Purdue on athletic and academic scholarships, becoming a key figure in the university’s track and field team and engaging deeply with campus life.
After graduating, he spent 13 years at Exxon before venturing into entrepreneurship. His journey began with the opening of his first McDonald’s franchise in Dallas in 1989, leading to the creation of one of the largest minority-owned McDonald’s franchise organizations in the U.S.
A Commitment to Education
Parrish has expressed gratitude for his Purdue education: “Everything I have accomplished professionally began with the foundation I received at Purdue. Supporting Purdue has always been deeply personal because I know firsthand the difference this institution can make in a student’s life.”
Over the years, he has held various advisory roles in the university, contributing to initiatives that support students and promote academic success.
Building for the Future
The 164,000-square-foot Parrish Hall of Business will become the second-largest classroom building on campus. The facility will include modern teaching and research labs, serving as the centerpiece of Purdue’s rapidly growing business school.
Jim Bullard, dean of the Daniels School of Business, stated, “This transformational investment will help ensure that future generations of business leaders have access to a world-class learning environment.”
About Purdue University
Purdue University is ranked among the top 10 public universities in the U.S., serving over 111,000 students across multiple campuses with a commitment to affordability and accessibility.
About the Purdue for Life Foundation
The Purdue for Life Foundation fosters community among alumni and supporters, enhancing ties to Purdue and supporting university initiatives. Learn more at Purdue for Life Foundation.
This historic gift from Roland G. Parrish not only solidifies his legacy at Purdue but also aims to enhance the educational landscape for future generations of students.
