Inside America ’s first Union Station — a crossroads once traveled by presidents and pioneers — a new generation of leaders took the spotlight April 23. Purdue University honored  27 undergraduates at the second annual Golden Hammer Awards dinner, celebrating students in Indianapolis whose influence extends well beyond the classroom. 

Purdue alumnus Bob Burlas, founder and CEO of Guide Leadership Consulting, urged students to trust their judgment as they chart new paths. “Don’t ask permission; ask if it is needed and is it right,” Burlas said.  

Established in 2025, the Golden Hammer Awards recognize students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, innovation and meaningful engagement within the Indianapolis community. This year, 13 of the 20 students who received the Golden Hammer Award for Excellence were John Martinson Honors College Students. The Golden Hammer award honors students who have built strong professional and personal networks through genuine connection and active involvement as Purdue students in Indianapolis. Two of the John Martinson Honors College students were recognized with the Golden Hammer Trailblazer Award, celebrating those who, during their time at Purdue, have created new opportunities, challenged the status quo and paved new paths for others.  

David Umulis, Purdue’s senior vice provost and chief academic officer for Indianapolis, spoke of Union Station as a gateway to history, a place where leaders who shaped our nation — such as Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Harry Truman — passed through and left their mark.  

“Innovation, leadership and courage have always moved through this space — and tonight that legacy continues with you,” Umulis said. “You are not only receiving an award; you are setting the standard for what comes next.”  

The Golden Hammer Awards are presented annually each spring and celebrate students alongside their families and the broader Purdue community.

2026 Golden Hammer Trailblazer Award John Martinson Honors College recipients

• Ishita Mukadam
• Sherlyn Padilla

2026 Golden Hammer Award for Excellence John Martinson Honors College recipients

• Raja Ali
• Younes Aref
• Daniel Armstrong
• Kaleb Bacztub
• Yookyeong Im
• Suhani Maini
• Carissa MaryLyn Mollet
• Sarah O ’Farril-Gonzalez
• Gayatri Pradeep
• Benjamin Smith
• Alexis Whitinger

Sarah O’Farril-Gonzalez, a senior in cybersecurity, Purdue Polytechnic Institute, received the Golden Hammer Award for the second year in a row.

About John Martinson Honors College

By selectively attracting high-achieving students from across disciplines, the John Martinson Honors College strengthens Purdue’s culture of academic excellence, curiosity, and ambition. Students benefit from a strong residential learning community, personalized advising, extensive mentorship, and exposure to leadership opportunities that help students shape their academic and professional paths. Through its emphasis on rigorous coursework, scholarship, and applied learning, the John Martinson Honors College encourages students to push beyond traditional academic expectations in a welcoming, supportive community.

Purdue’s Indianapolis location is preparing career-ready students for the jobs of tomorrow. Strong industry partnerships accelerate hands-on learning opportunities, internships and co-ops.