LAFAYETTE, IN — Purdue University, a midwestern mecca for intellectuals to gather worldwide, hosted its first-ever drone light show. A university with one of the country’s most prestigious aerospace engineering programs and a distinguished alum list that has staffed NASA for what seems to be millennia. Purdue’s excellence is unmatched, offering undergraduate and graduate students opportunities to work outside of their comfort zones on innovative projects that change the daily lives of people across the globe. When Sky Elements was approached to work with Purdue’s Fusion Studio for Entertainment and Engineering, we couldn’t pass it up. Sky Elements was set to work with students to guide them in creating their own drone show, animated, piloted, and filmed by Purdue students.
Students would earn their Part 107 licenses, certifying them to become Small UAS pilots.
The partnership took shape in March when the team was tasked with creating a curriculum for students leading Purdue’s orientation week known as Boiler Gold Rush. Staff from Sky Elements divided the group into animation, piloting, and marketing departments. For months, the teams deliberated about marketing tactics, logistical needs to put on a drone show, and the show’s design. Students working under Chief Pilot Preston Ward would earn their Part 107 licenses, certifying them to be Small UAS pilots. Earning this certificate allows students to fly drones commercially in the United States. “Working with the students at Purdue has been such an amazing experience,” said Ward. “We combined our innovative technology, proven systems, and real-world industry experience with bright, young minds building the systems and technology of tomorrow.”
Students wanted to pay homage to the Purdue journey, designing a show centered around the experiences an incoming student would have. The show began with a space shuttle and a countdown clock, nodding to Purdue’s alma mater, Neil Armstrong. The university mascot, Purdue Pete, appears and slams his sledgehammer on the words Corn Camp, the original name for BGR. From the sparks created by Corn Camp rises a magnificent bell tower. The tower serves as a beacon in the center of campus. Legend says that those who walk under it won’t graduate on time! A car peers out from behind it, driving past the Purdue archway. Current students greet the incoming first-year students with open arms and cheers.
“This collaboration with Sky Elements has been a dream of ours.”
The prospective students cross the minecart tracks that mark the beginning of their journey. The show wraps up with students crossing the tracks again with caps and gowns on their heads. The Fusion Studio students knew this would be a memorable visual for first-year students and alums alike. “This collaboration with Sky Elements has been a dream of ours. It’s such a cool opportunity for students to get field experience,” said Craig Johnson, Director of Orientation Programs. “Having this opportunity for students from a variety of different backgrounds to then connect within these different subcommittees and groups to put on what is going to be this incredible show is surreal.”
The Fusion Studio students lined up to watch the takeoff of the show. Because the worst view of a drone show is up close, the students then rushed to the audience to view the animations. Finally, the team displayed their hard work for thousands of incoming first-year students and alums. Preston continued, “Watching the students develop an understanding of how drone shows are put together, marketed, and flown and combine that with their aerospace backgrounds, engineering prowess, and very eager mindset truly pushed the boundaries of what is capable in an industry-based partnership with academia.” Fusion Studio students have created long-lasting memories for generations to come. Purdue University continues to set the bar for utilizing innovative technology, and this drone show was no exception. Participating in such a remarkable partnership has been such a delight. Congratulations on embarking on your journey, Purdue Class of 2027! Go Boilermakers!
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