Purdue Naming Library After Black Alumnus

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University is renovating a library that will become the first major campus facility to be named for a Black alumnus.

The Journal & Courier of Lafayette reports that Roland Parrish gave $2 million toward the renovation of the Management and Economics Library in the Krannert School of Management. Parrish owns Parrish McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd., which owns 25 restaurants in north Texas.

Parrish attended Purdue on a track and field scholarship but says he spent more time in the libraries than athletic facilities. He earned a master’s degree in management in 1976.

Purdue officials say naming the library for Parrish could help with diversity recruitment and could inspire current students.