Rocketman: Purdue University, CLC Launch 'Cradle of Astronauts' Program

Purdue University has partnered with CLC to launch a limited-edition merchandising collection inspired by the Apollo 11 lunar landing.

The program will honor the university’s place in the history of the U.S. space program. Purdue is known as the “Cradle of Astronauts” because of the 25 alumni members that have gone on to become astronauts such as Apollo 11 pilot Neil Armstrong.

Program merchandise will bear a unique 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 150^th 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,” says Erika Austin, manager of trademarks and licensing, Purdue. “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 this week to coincide with the anniversary of the moon landing. Additional products will also be added later this year. Merchandise will be carried at the Purdue Team Store as well as additional retailers, including online at the purdueteamstore.com.

Purdue follows other big brands honoring the Apollo 11 lunar landing. The PBS kids’ series “Ready Jet Go!” also debuted a mobile app to commemorate the historic space mission.