Peggy Dunlap

Peggy Dunlap, a native of Whiteland, Indiana, is a Purdue Consumer and Family Sciences (CFS) alumna earning a bachelor’s degree in Family Studies class of 1981. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Colorado in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education.

Dunlap’s parents strongly encouraged pursuing higher education as a means to a better life. Being raised in a very poor rural southern Kentucky farming community during the Great Depression did not offer that as a possibility. Her father’s main goal in life was to provide that opportunity to his three children. Maintaining a strong work ethic, putting family first, building on one’s faith, and serving others were family values that were instilled early on in Dunlap’s upbringing.

Dunlap married her high school sweetheart, David, a 1979 Purdue Ag alumna. The Dunlaps have been happily married for 45 years and have 2 grown children, Ryan and Molly as well as 4 grandchildren: Noah, Juliana, Zoe and Carter.

Career opportunities provided the Dunlaps the chance to crisscross the country. Their adventures took them to Ohio (1 year), Illinois (2 years), Connecticut (3 years), Colorado (3 years), and California (25 years). Moving around enabled Dunlap to explore different facets of the counseling and helping profession. She continued to gain experience by engaging with children and adults in various life stages. Serving children and families in crisis became a common thread throughout Dunlap’s professional journey. For many years she worked with families who were victims of domestic violence. Providing coping skills and resources to families who were fighting for their survival became a passion that would last a lifetime.

After moving to Fresno, California Dunlap wanted to concentrate on finding a program that addressed the needs of children at risk. She spent the next 10 years working with children and families affected by loss from death or divorce in the nationally awarded FOOTSTEPS program at Saint Agnes Medical Center. It was a privilege to help them navigate their grief journey. Children and families had so many complicating factors that made each journey unique.

Advocating for children and families took a different turn in Dunlap’s next season of life. Upon taking a break from bereavement work, Dunlap attended the Central Valley Business Incubator and completed the Entrepreneurial Training Program. Upon graduation, Dunlap created Dunlap Marketing Concepts and began promoting local nonprofits and small business owners. Throughout that time Dunlap began volunteering at the local Children’s Hospital which later turned into a new career path. After attending the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Madison Institute at the University of Wisconsin, Dunlap spent the next 10 years working in the Foundation in various roles raising funds and awareness for the needs of children in the Central Valley. Serving as the Development Coordinator, Campaign Coordinator, Stewardship Manager, and Senior Development Officer over her tenure at the hospital was another avenue to advocate for children and families.

In 2018, after living in California for 25 years the Dunlaps decided it was time to go back to Indiana where it all began. Participating in various President’s Council events provided a rich opportunity to reengage with the Lafayette/West Lafayette community. Dunlap continues her love of service by volunteering in several local organizations sharing her time, talent, and treasure with Grant’s House, Junior Achievement, Purdue Women’s Club, The Food Bank, Reaching Rural Veterans Program at Purdue as well as her local church.