Two staff members, sons
share memories, experiences
By Jenny Jones
Summer
Reporter
When John Badylak was in high school he became
involved in a dispute with his teacher about principles that John
adhered to. After explaining his position on the matter, John convinced
his dad that he was right and his teacher was wrong. Steve Badylak,
John's dad, told him that sometimes people have to compromise. But,
instead of compromising, John took a lower grade in the class and
taught his dad that if the issue is important enough, people don't
always need to compromise.
One of the toughest things about being a dad
is trying to protect your children while teaching them at the same
time, Steve said.
Although Steve, senior research scientist at
Purdue, is often busy with work, he still finds the time to guide
and support his three children.
One way Steve maintains a tight bond with his
children is by taking them on business trips with him, such as when
he took John to Salt Lake City where they spent their free time on
the ski slopes together.
Besides sharing time and trips with John, Steve
also said he and his son share a common interest, baseball. "I'm a
huge baseball fan and it's one thing that we've shared a lot of over
the years," he said.
Considering their connection for the sport, John
has always been active in baseball and said his dad has never missed
his games. "He's always very supportive," said John.
Sports is not the only area in John's life that
Steve, a Purdue graduate, has been active in. School has been another
major priority.
Attending school where his dad works, John has
had the opportunity to observe his dad in action, which has helped
influence John in his health science studies and his decision to go
to medical school.
"I've always wanted to lead a similar life (as
my dad)," John said.
Although some students may cringe at the thought
of having their parents on campus with them, John said he thinks it's
great because he can have lunch with his dad when he wants, and he
can always go to him for advice.
Some of the best advice John said his dad has
given him is, "Be honest, be truthful with yourself and with others."
John is not the only student that shares Purdue's
campus with his dad. Brian McCammack's dad also works on campus.
When Brian, a junior in the School of Engineering,
was younger he and his dad, Jim McCammack, assistant director for
graphic design, worked together on a variety of his Indian Guides
projects, such as sculpting totem poles. While working together, Brian
and his dad had Indian names. Brian's was "Little Turtle" and Jim's
was "Red Fox."
Brian said his dad has not only been supportive
during his time in Indian Guides, but also during his participation
in sports.
"We played catch in the front yard a lot," Brian
said.
Baseball was not the only sport Brian and his
dad practiced together. Jim, a Purdue graduate, remembers when Brian
would ride around the driveway and sidewalk on his first Big Wheels.
Then when Brian was promoted to a two-wheeler, he and his dad would
put on their helmets and ride their bikes through the country.
Although Brian and his dad don't have much time
to ride their bikes through the country anymore, Jim said he and his
son maintain good communication and support.
