David Edward Ross

[1] During his senior year of high school, Ross decided to attend college and learn about engineering.

[2] This decision was made possible thanks to another uncle, Will, who offered to house Ross during his time in college and pay for books and tuition.

Despite his inventive mind, he received only a passing grade in most of his classes, including machine design, mathematics, and physics.

[2] He eventually patented 88 inventions and was involved in founding four companies related to building materials and automotive mechanisms.

[1] He met with George Ade, another well-known Purdue graduate, on a 65-acre farm and proposed the financing of the new stadium.

[1] He bought 157 acres of land that would eventually grant Purdue the distinction of having one of the country’s first operational airports.

[1] The sum total of money, stocks, and land that Ross donated to the university amounted to nearly $3,000,000.