Founding
In 1997, seven women engineers felt isolated in their daily classes. However, after meeting on a shared floor in Earhart Residence Hall, the seven students found friendship and support in each other.
At the time, 45% of all female engineers at Purdue changed majors. The founders of Devonshire believed a dedicated community could support generations of women through their schooling.
It took months of fundraising, paperwork, and recruiting to found this community. Over many hours of planning meetings, the founders shared cups of tea and scones served with Devonshire cream, giving us our namesake.
The Early Days
On March 26, 1997, Devonshire Cooperative became an officially recognized student organization. Then began the search for a physical home for Devonshire. The founders saw potential in a house at 1025 Sixth Street. However, the house was in need of enormous repairs to become suitable for residential life.
The founders and their first pledge class spent months repairing floors, repainting, moving furniture in, and more until the house was ready.
With the support and donations of the Purdue Research Association, the Cooperative Housing Association, and many families and alumni, 1025 Sixth housed Devonshire's first members on August 23, 1998.
The founders and their first pledge class spent months repairing floors, repainting, moving furniture, and more until the house was ready.
With the support and donations of the Purdue Research Association, the Cooperative Housing Association, and many families and alumni, 1025 Sixth housed Devonshire's first members on August 23, 1998.
Current Status
In 2016, Devonshire moved to its current location at 171 Littleton Street, conveniently located near Chauncey Square and a fast walk to campus.
We have a living capacity of 17 members, plus several out-of-house members. We also now have girls from a wide variety of majors! As a cooperative house, Devonshire has a strong sense of community while offering one of the most affordable housing options at Purdue. Members are in charge of decision-making and running all aspects of the house, from overseeing house finances and house recycling to participating in weekly cooking and cleaning duties.
We participate in sporting events and social functions including tailgating with our football buddies, barn dance, Winter Tea, intramural sports, Spring Formal, and May Day Tea. Devonshire also participates in philanthropy and fundraising efforts.
Harmony
Our members live and work together, and our strong sisterhood bonds are extremely valuable to us. We promote an environment of trust, respect, and communication. Spending time with each other and making lifelong friendships is what Devonshire is all about!
At Devonshire, our traditions bring members together and create lifelong memories. From our signature Winter Tea and May Day Tea, where we connect with alumni over tea and treats, to football games, barn dances, spring formal, socials with other houses, and sisterhood events, there's always something to celebrate together.
Tradition
Values