First United Methodist Church West Lafayette Extends Legacy with Transformational Gift to Wesley Foundation

Wesley Foundation and First Church host the Annual International Student Dinner in August 2025. This annual event offers new international Purdue students the chance to connect with each other, meet members of the community, and learn about the resources and support available to them on campus, at First Church, and beyond.

Wesley Foundation at Purdue University announced today a transformational gift from First United Methodist Church West Lafayette (First Church) to expand ministry work across Purdue’s campus and create an intentional community space for students in the new Wesley Foundation Student Center. The gift is a part of A Legacy of Welcome: The Campaign for Wesley Foundation. 

Located just outside of the Purdue campus, First Church has been a long-time supporter of the Wesley Foundation by providing annual financial support, providing space  for Wesley events like Purdue Winterization,  as well as fostering connections with students through mentorship, scholarships, and shared worship experiences. 

“First Church welcomes this opportunity to continue its support of the programs at Wesley Foundation at Purdue,” said Carl Griffin, president of the First United Methodist Church Foundation, Inc. “Recognizing the importance of access to Wesley’s building for all in our community, we’ve been able to fund the elevator in Wesley’s new building. A gift to the foundation through the generosity of the Losey-Patterson family and the estate of Mary Losey made this support possible.” 

The new Wesley Student Center, set to open for the 2026-2027 academic year, will provide a larger and more sustainable home for Wesley’s campus ministry to carry its mission and vision forward. The first and second floor includes common spaces such as a large dining room, kitchen, great hall, chapel, conference room, study spaces, and more. The third and fourth floors will include 32 bedrooms in suites for student community  living. Students do not need to subscribe to a specific religion or faith, but all residents agree to live in a covenant community that encourages positive interactions. 

“We are deeply grateful to First United Methodist Church West Lafayette for this generous gift. For many years, First Church has supported our ministry through prayer, presence, and generosity,” said Rev. Dr. Glen Robyne, Lead Pastor and Director of Wesley Foundation. “The new Wesley Student Center will be a home where students can belong, grow, and explore their faith. We are thankful for First Church’s continued partnership as we walk with students on this journey together.”

Wesley Foundation has always relied on the generosity of churches, alumni, families, and friends. As we enter this exciting new era, we invite you to become a part of our legacy. Make a gift today or learn more about Wesley’s giving priorities. 

About Wesley Foundation at Purdue University 

For the past 109 years, Wesley Foundation at Purdue University has reached thousands of Purdue students, both American and international, through life-changing campus ministry. 

Wesley students and staff have established a variety of ministries that cater to the needs, callings, and passions of its diverse student community. This includes providing worship services, mentoring young leaders, participating in social justice activities, counseling students in crisis, engaging in fellowship, leading mission trips and service projects. This “home away from home” for many students welcomes all denominations, faiths, races, nationalities, political bents, theological leanings, gender identities and orientations.