Modern entomology at Purdue has its roots in Hessian fly host plant resistance research dating back to the first experiment station publication in 1884, and an extraordinary partnership with the structural pest control industry since the mid-1930s. An early commitment to balance applied and basic research in faculty hires continues today. Host plant resistance and integration of pest control technologies topped the research agenda with basic work on physiology, biochemistry and genetics, and applied work on pest biology, biological control, toxicology and residue chemistry. Leading systematic contributions include work on odonates, nematodes and mayflies. Our identity in the state is strongly linked to extension which over decades expanded from crop production to include horticulture, apiculture, stored products and the food industry, structural, ornamental, turf grass, master gardener, IPM in schools, and public health pest management. Many extension and research programs now have overseas components. Science education innovations like the “Linnaean Games”, K-12 programs like “Insectaganza”, and nationally acclaimed public programs like “Bug Bowl” are unique contributions with considerable national visibility. A culture of teaching excellence and classic textbooks on structural pest management and aquatic entomology authored at Purdue benefit our students. Outstanding achievements include increased professionalism in the structural pest control industry, development of commercial host plant resistance, establishing national pesticide applicator standards, implementing novel science education outreach, and providing ESA leadership. With the past as prologue, our emphasis today includes genomics, urban pest management, field crops and livestock pest management, environmental stewardship, international development, and science education outreach