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Memorial Keepers(1)
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Rob Johnson
Laura Drake
October 30th, 1953 - July 31st, 2022
October 30th, 1953 - July 31st, 2022
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Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Laura’s life with a heartfelt message.
Raymond Peck
Laura was a firecracker with such a funny, sarcastic sense of humor and such an inspiring amount of care for her students even after so many years teaching. I was always grateful for a van ride my junior year that we took off campus to get supplies. I heard in her own words her amazing life journey and some of the philosophies that had guided her. I know it wasn't unique to me, and that she had similar conversations with hundreds of students before me, but Laura had the willingness to form emotional connections with her students such that she felt like an old friend you had grown up with. She was a brilliant designer and such a wonderful person to be around. Her impact reverberates through the work and lives of the generations of young minds she helped mold.
Nancy Hsieh
It is so sad to hear such news! I still remember when Laura came to Taiwan to promote Purdue University and exchange art & design course information at the YODEX exhibition. It was great working with her and I have lots of fond memories. She’ll be missed!
Shelly Drake

Kay Meyers
Even though my time with Laura wasn’t very long in comparison to my peers; I will miss her dearly and the discussions we had in her office. She was a major influence on my life and many others. A brilliant woman has left us but her legacy will live on.
Ann Nicoson
I was one of the secretaries in Laura's department at Purdue for over 10 years. She was one of my favorites and I always looked forward to our almost daily chats. She wasn't only a talented designer and passionate teacher who dearly loved her students, she also adored her family and would share many fun stories about her grandchildren! She had a great sense of humor and faced her illness with much courage. She will sadly be missed by many.
Amy Whitberg
I know I'm one of many students that was deeply impacted by Laura. Her high bar for quality pushed my skills to their limits and affect my work today. She was my first example of a powerful woman in the design industry; That means a lot early on in a career where female leaders are a minority. She also was a genuine person with a great sense of humor and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from her.
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