PNW open house on April 24 & 26; Hall of Famers announced
PNW inducts fourth annual Alumni Hall of Fame class
Purdue University Northwest recognized several alumni during its fourth annual PNW Alumni Hall of Fame induction dinner and ceremony recently, according to a release.
The PNW Alumni Hall of Fame honors university alumni who are high-achieving leaders in their fields, involved members of their communities and who have engaged with PNW well beyond their time as students. The 2025 class inductees include Nicole Kupchik and Mitchell “Mason” Macenski.
Kupchik is the CEO of Nicole Kupchik Consulting Inc. and Macenski is the vice president of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs at Miromatrix Medical Inc., the release said.
Three additional PNW alumni were recognized with inaugural expanded awards.
Rick Calinski, the director of Public Affairs and Economic Development for Northern Indiana Public Service Company, received the Pride of PNW Alumni Award.
Debbie Bachmann, the administrator of Honors Student Leadership and Programming at PNW, received the PNW Campus Pride Alumni Award.
Ayana Clark, who leads A&J Branding, received the Power Onward Emerging Leader Award.
For more information, visit pnw.edu/hall-of-fame.
Franciscan Health offering produce voucher program
Registration is now open for the Franciscan Health Produce Prescription Program in Crown Point and Michigan City, according to a release.
Upon successful completion of the free, four-week program, participants will receive produce vouchers for fresh produce every month for six months, the release said.
Participants must have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, heart disease or cancer and have moderate to high food insecurity as determined by a screening process and complete a four-week Cooking Matters course. The program will meet from 1-2 p.m. Tuesdays May 7-27 at the Franciscan Health Michigan City Legacy Campus at 301 W. Homer St. in Michigan City. The deadline to register is April 29. To register and for more information, call 219-221-4153.
The program is also scheduled to take place from 1-2 p.m. Tuesdays from April 29 to May 27 at YMCA Camp Triangle Hills, 3838 W. 141st Ave. in Crown Point. To register and for more information, call 219-323-2225.
Sickle cell program event planned
Travail With Us, an awareness group for sickle cell anemia, will host its 2nd Annual Sickle Cell Gala beginning at 5 p.m. April 25 at the Dean and Barbara White Center in Merrillville, a release said.
The formal occasion will feature dinner, dancing, networking, speakers, resources and honoring a “Sickle Cell Warrior.” Nominations should be emailed to Travailwithus@yahoo.com. Those who are selected will be recognized as they continue to battle the many challenges that come with sickle cell disease, the release said.
While there is no cost to attend the gala, registration is required by calling 219-777-0279 or sending an email to travailwithus@yahoo.com.
Valparaiso YMCA’s run/walk raises $40K
The Valparaiso Family YMCA raised more than $40,000 during the 32nd Annual Ringing in Spring 5K Run/Walk recently, according to a release.
More than 1,000 runners and walkers participated in the event, the release said.
Funds will directly support the Y’s Financial Assistance Program for essential programs including youth development, health and wellness initiatives, childcare and memberships, the release said.
Sponsors included: Powers Health, Urschel Giving, Pratt Industries, Lerner and Rowe, Larson Danielson, Horizon Bank, Thorgren Tools & Molding, UFS Corp, Burke, Costanza & Carberry, NIPSCO, Lake Cable, Claudia Miller Forrest Century 21, Circle, Team Chevy, Family Express, Tech Credit Union and Trailyard Outpost.
For more information about the Valparaiso Family YMCA, visit www.valpoymca.org.
PNW graduate programs earn recognition
Several of Purdue University Northwest’s graduate programs were recently recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Graduate Programs rankings, according to a release.
PNW’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), offered through its College of Nursing, were both noted among top graduate nursing programs, the release said. PNW’s Master of Business Administration, offered through its College of Business, was also recognized among top business graduate programs.
For more information about graduate studies at PNW, visit pnw.edu/graduate-studies.
Ivy Tech Day raises $483,000 statewide; $13K in Valpo
Ivy Tech Community College Valparaiso Campus raised $13,091 in support of students and programs on the annual day of giving, a release said.
More than 2,800 alumni, friends and partners across Indiana donated $483,813 on April 8 to support Ivy Tech Day — the third annual day of giving that supports scholarships and programs for Ivy Tech Community College’s more than 200,000 students across its 19 campuses, the release said. The Ivy Tech Valparaiso campus received 98 donations totaling $13,091.
This year’s total exceeded the 2024 results and brings the three-year cumulative giving to more than $1 million since the first Ivy Tech Day in 2023.
PNW sets open house week events in Westville, Hammond
Purdue University Northwest invites prospective students and their families to learn more information about attending PNW, campus life and paying for college during its free spring 2025 open house week events, a release said.
Two on-campus sessions will allow prospective students to find their fit at PNW by gathering information about the PNW admissions process, academic programs and extracurricular opportunities.
PNW will host Start Your Journey: Westville from 4:30-7:30 p.m. April 24 at its Westville campus, 1401 S. U.S. 421, Westville, and Preview PNW starting at 8:30 a.m. on April 26 at its Hammond campus, 2200 169th St. To complete your free registration and learn more event details, visit pnw.edu/start-your-journey and pnw.edu/preview.
Admissions counselors and financial aid professionals will be available throughout the sessions to answer questions and assist in the application process. Application fees will be waived for prospective students who attend an admissions presentation and complete an application during the event.