Purdue students, faculty remember Armstrong

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Purdue professors and students react to the passing of Purdue alum and the first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong.

The campus took just moments to react to the news. Many flocked to the statue of a young  Armstrong in front of the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering. Some took pictures and others placed flowers on the statue.

"His passing kind of struck everyone by surprise," Purdue student, Zac Jenks, said. "We didn't believe it at first."

We're only freshmen and have only been here a couple weeks, but we know Neil Armstrong is the pride and joy of Purdue University," Purdue student J.T. Pastor said.

Armstrong passed away Saturday from complications from heart surgery he had earlier this month. He was 82.

Purdue Professor and Head of the School of Aeronautics, Tom Shih, said Armstrong is known for a spectacular accomplishment, but the man himself was quite humble.

"I did have the honor to meet him," Shih said. "He is a very, very fine man, and I think our university is honored to have had the privilege to have had him."

Armstrong graduated from Purdue in 1955 with a degree in aeronautical engineering. Now, almost 60 years later,  students continue to look up to him.

"Neil Armstrong is a huge role model to the kids at Purdue," Purdue student Riley Peterson said. "He was definitely one of the greatest alumni. His name is all over the place. He is a great role model, a person to look up to."