PNW marks 10th anniversary with awards
Purdue University Northwest campus community members celebrated the university’s 10th anniversary during the university’s 2026 Founders Day event on March 8.
During the event, several exceptional students, faculty and staff members were recognized with awards:
Outstanding Undergraduate Student: Naman Goyal, senior Computer Science student
Outstanding Graduate Student: Mary Buksa, Master of Business Administration candidate.
Outstanding Faculty Awards: Grethe Hystad, associate professor of Statistics – Scholarship; Michael Tu, professor of Computer Information Technology — Scholarship; Deanne Shimala, clinical assistant professor of Accounting and Finance — Teaching (non-tenure); John Durocher, Nils K. Nelson Endowed Professor of Integrative Human Health – Teaching (tenure) and Shontrai Irving, clinical professor of
Business Law — Engagement.
Outstanding Administrative Leadership Award: Brian Miller, director of Public Safety, Lyndsey Schaap, associate director of Student Success and Special Populations.
Outstanding Support Staff Award: Amy Bugg, administrative assistant for Facilities Services; Jennifer Lynn Marynowski, administrative assistant for the department of Computer Science.
Outstanding Service Staff Award: Eric Montealegre, custodian; Will L. Lewis, service worker
Outstanding Management and Administrative Professional Award: Kim Frazier, Registration and Enrollment Services Administrator; Heather Runyan-Starzak, Recruitment Manager.
Sojourner Truth House receives $15K donation
Representatives from the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana recently presented Sojourner Truth House with a $15,000 donation, a release said.
The Hard Rock is a member of Sojourner Truth House’s Corporate Giving & Sponsorship Program, a new initiative that allows corporate sponsors to further the organization’s mission of community enrichment, the release said.
The funds will support Sojourner Truth House as it provides clients with meals, laundry services, case management, transportation and housing assistance.
Displays of generosity demonstrate just how large an impact can be made when the community works to support those in need, the release said.
Lake grant cycle opens
Legacy Foundation is now accepting applications for the Spring Transform Lake County Grant Cycle, supporting nonprofit organizations serving Lake County, according to a release.
Application deadline is 5 p.m. April 1 with notification set for mid-May.
Organizations can apply for one of two funding options:
Programs and services: Funding ranging from $2,000 to $35,000 to\ support programs and services that benefit Lake County residents.
Capacity building: Funding up to $10,000 to strengthen an organization’s internal operations, such as strategic planning,\ technology improvements, leadership development, evaluation tools, or
marketing strategy.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Lake County. Organizations may be located outside the county, but the proposed project must benefit Lake County residents, the release said.
First-time applicants are encouraged to reach out to Legacy staff to discuss project ideas before applying.
Visit https://legacyfdn.org/nonprofits/apply-for-a-grant/ for more information.
Register for PNW open house info sessions
Purdue University Northwest has scheduled open house events for prospective students and their families to attend their choice of Preview PNW open house event at the Hammond and Westville campuses in
April.
The university’s academic programs and admissions process will be explained, according to a release.
Events are scheduled for 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 23 at PNW’s Westville campus, 1401 S. U.S. 421, Westville, and starting at 8:30 a.m. April 25 at PNW’s Hammond campus, 2200 169th St., Hammond
Visit pnw.edu/preview to register.
Chamber to host 10th Civility Day
The Gary Chamber of Commerce will host the 10th Annual World Civility Day with a student event and banquet April 9, according to a release.
The day will begin with civility-themed workshops at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center in Merrillville where students representing multiple school districts will participate in educational
sessions, the release said An evening dinner and recognition program honoring participating cities and towns is planned for 6 p.m. at Chateau Banquet Hall, 530 W. 61st Ave.. Merrillville.
To RSVP or for more information, call the Chamber office at\ 219-885-7407. Ticket and sponsorship packages are available. Visit https://garychamber.com/world-civility-day/
