Atlanta, Ga. –  Purdue University has teamed up with CLC, its exclusive trademark licensing agent, to launch a limited-time, space-themed merchandise collection in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing.

Boasting 25 alumni that have been chosen as astronauts, Purdue is famously known as the “Cradle of Astronauts.” The unique merchandise will bear a graphic created by CLC that resembles a flight patch commemorating the Cradle of Astronauts moniker, as well as the phrase “Giant Leaps,” which is the theme of the University’s 150th anniversary celebration.

“We’re thrilled to offer this one-of-a-kind, space-themed merchandise collection to provide Purdue fans and consumers the opportunity to show their excitement and pride that we all share for the University’s rich history and leadership with the space program,” said Erika Austin, Purdue’s manager of trademarks and licensing. “The special logo and unique designs help us achieve our goal of providing quality merchandise that reinforces the University’s overall brand.”

Select Cradle of Astronauts merchandise from licensees Legacy/L2 and Blue84 will be available beginning this week to coincide with the anniversary of the moon landing, with additional products being added closer to homecoming where several astronauts will be honored at the game. Merchandise will be carried at the Purdue Team Store locations in the Purdue Memorial Union and Ross-Ade Stadium, as well as additional area retailers, including online at purdueteamstore.com.

“We enjoyed working with the University on the development of the Cradle of Astronauts merchandise program,” said Ben Emmons, Vice President of Marketing for CLC. “From the development of the logo to the creation of marketing and activation materials, we are excited to be a part of telling the amazing story of Purdue’s impact on the space program.”

On July 20, 1969, Purdue alumnus Neil Armstrong (BS ’55 Aeronautical Engineering) became the first person to walk on the moon. Nearly a third of all U.S. spaceflights have included a Purdue graduate, and 10 missions have included multiple Purdue alumni. For a complete list of University events and activities taking place during the July 18 – 20 celebration of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, visit https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2019/Q2/purdue-to-celebrate-50th-anniversary-of-apollo-11-moon-landing.html


About Purdue University

Purdue University, a top public research institution, offers higher education at its highest proven value. Committed to affordability, the University has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels. Committed to student success, Purdue is changing the student experience with greater focus on faculty-student interaction and creative use of technology. Committed to pursuing scientific discoveries and engineered solutions, Purdue has streamlined pathways for faculty and student innovators who have a vision for moving the world forward.

About CLC

CLC is part of Learfield IMG College, which unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform. The company’s extensive commerce, experiential and media solutions create ultimate opportunities for fan engagement. The Learfield IMG College suite of services includes licensing and multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, broadcasting, digital and social media; ticket sales and professional concessions expertise; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development; and venue technology systems. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, the company has long had the privilege of being an advocate for intercollegiate athletics and the student-athlete experience. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield IMG College Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.