40 Years of Applause, Art, and Community: CVN Celebrates a Milestone Anniversary
Since 1985, Purdue’s Convocations Volunteer Network (CVN) has helped bring world-class performances to life—ushering audiences, sharing show information, and creating memorable experiences for all who attend. In 2025, CVN proudly celebrates 40 years of student-powered service to the arts.
From Flyers to Full Houses
Long before social media, CVN began as a grassroots street team of just 34 students promoting shows by hand—hanging flyers, staffing tables in Stewart Center and Purdue Memorial Union, and spreading the word the old-fashioned way: friend to friend.
Back then, they even had a mascot: Artie the Culture Vulture. Wearing the costume was a challenge, as Lois Harth, a longtime Convocations staff member, recalls:
“It was heavy and hot, and you couldn’t see where you were going. Someone always had to walk in front of Artie so they didn’t trip!”
While Artie may be retired, the enthusiasm of those early days lives on in the CVN of today.
From a Small Team to 500+ Strong
Formally recognized by the Office of the Dean of Students in 1985, CVN has expanded to a thriving community of over 500 students today. While the work may have started with poster-hanging and mascot-wearing, CVN now plays a crucial role in the patron experience for nearly every Purdue Convocations event—on campus and in the Greater Lafayette area.
From Elliott Hall of Music and Loeb Playhouse to off-campus venues, CVN members serve as ushers, ticket takers, greeters, and ambassadors for the performing arts. In return, they enjoy an incredible perk: seeing each show they work—for free.
Whether it’s Broadway tours, global music ensembles, dance companies, TED-style talks, or boundary-pushing theatrical performances, CVN members help bring these moments to the audience while gaining invaluable experience in customer service, event operations, and teamwork.
The Student Voice for the Arts at Purdue
“CVN gave me a sense of community when I first came to campus,” said one recent graduate. “I didn’t expect to fall in love with ushering, but it became one of my favorite parts of college.”
Run by a 15-member executive board in their signature yellow shirts, CVN is a student-led organization that serves as the student “voice” of Purdue Convocations. Members come from all majors and backgrounds but are united by a love of the performing arts and a shared commitment to making every show memorable.
CVN isn’t just about logistics—it’s about legacy. For 40 years, students have come together to build something bigger than themselves: a network of peers dedicated to the transformative power of live performance.
As CVN looks to the future, its mission remains the same: to uplift the performing arts, provide extraordinary experiences for audiences, and offer Purdue students a front-row seat to the magic of it all.
Join the Celebration — and the Community
From Elliott Hall of Music and Loeb Playhouse to off-campus venues, CVN members serve as ushers, ticket takers, greeters, and ambassadors for the performing arts. In return, they enjoy an incredible perk: seeing each show they work—for free.
As CVN celebrates 40 years of student-powered arts at Purdue, there’s never been a better time to get involved! CVN members help bring world-class performances to life by ushering at Elliott Hall of Music, Loeb Playhouse, and off-campus venues throughout the season. And the best part? Every usher gets to stay and see the show for free—plus enjoy free pizza before the performance!
Beyond the shows, CVN hosts social events with more free food, offers opportunities to develop valuable public relations and event skills, and helps members build lasting friendships with fellow arts lovers. There are no dues—just a shared passion for creativity, community, and live performance.
Whether you can volunteer once a semester or every weekend, you’ll be part of something special: a 500+ member network that has supported the performing arts at Purdue for four decades.
