Finding Amelia: Part 1 | Who Was Amelia Earhart?

On what would’ve been Amelia Earhart’s 129th birthday — July 24, 2026 — the Purdue Research Foundation and the Archaeological Legacy Institute announced a renewed joint effort to identify Amelia Earhart’s missing university-sponsored plane. Ahead of this search expedition, “This Is Purdue” is taking you inside one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century with our special miniseries “Finding Amelia.”

In the first episode of “Finding Amelia,” we’re talking to Kelly Hiller, Purdue’s chief marketing officer. During her 20 years at Purdue, Kelly has led several marketing campaigns inspired by  Amelia’s persistence, expanding her commitment to celebrate female trailblazers. 

She discusses the famous aviator’s journey to Purdue as an advisor within the Department of Aeronautics and her life before becoming a household name. Plus, we dive into the parts of her life and career that make Amelia one of the most iconic figures in history.  

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