Utilities director named for Valparaiso
Matt Zurbriggen has been named Utilities Director for Valparaiso City Services, Mayor Jon Costas recently announced.
Zurbriggen replaces longtime city services head Steve Poulos, who took over as City Administrator May 1. Zurbriggen has served as deputy director for Valparaiso City Services since 2023. He formerly served as Deputy Engineering Director for the City of Valparaiso and has more than 10 years of engineering, a release said.
Valparaiso City Services division provides comprehensive services, including water, wastewater, streets, solid waste, recycling collection and snow removal for the City of Valparaiso, the release said.
Franciscan to host Cancer Survivors Day event
Franciscan Health Munster is hosting a free ice cream social open house for cancer survivors from 1-3 p.m. June 7 in the St. Clare conference room and lobby at the Franciscan Health Cancer Center Munster’s Medical Arts Center, 701 Superior Ave., in recognition of Cancer Survivors Day.
In addition to celebrating cancer survivors, the event will feature information on cancer support groups, the free eight-week virtual Moving Beyond Cancer survivorship program and other resources for cancer survivors, a release said. All attendees will also receive a free gift and ice cream.
Space is limited and registration is required. To register, contact Kyla Krzeminski at 219-228-1263 or Kyla.Krzeminski@FranciscanAlliance.org.
Graduates lauded for GPA
Fourteen Purdue University Northwest graduates received a Chancellor Medallion for earning the highest grade point average in PNW’s five academic colleges at the recent commencement exercises on the Hammond campus.
Medallion recipients were recognized for their academic achievements reflecting the fall 2025 and combined spring and summer 2026 academic periods, according to a release..
The medallion recipients include:
College of Business: Colin Huitsing, Crown Point; William Abbott, Cedar Lake; and Zachary Bautista, Bloomington, Illinois.
College of Engineering and Sciences: Alexander Shemen, Crown Point; and Dimitri Josifoski, Crown Point.
College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences: Anna Guzek, Chesterton; Margaret Simkin, Portage; and Mallory McIntire, Plymouth.
College of Nursing: Kaitlyn Kennedy, St. John; and Loretta Santino, Highland.
College of Technology: Simon Kubaszyk, La Porte; Andrew Martin, Chicago; Roman Ford, Wanatah; and Aidan Powell, Beecher, Illinois.
OE earns 3-year accreditation
Opportunity Enterprises has been awarded a 3-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services, a release said.
The accreditation, which applies to Community Employment Services, Community Integration, Respite Services, Supported Living and Governance Standards, represents the highest level awarded by CARF and reflects OE’s substantial conformance to internationally recognized standards, the release said. The accreditation extends through April 30, 2029.
Opportunity Enterprises, based in Valparaiso, provides a range of services that support individuals with disabilities in achieving greater independence, employment, and community inclusion. For more information, visit oppent.org.
Hobart Chamber networking event Wednesday
The Hobart Chamber of Commerce and Credit Union 1 will sponsor a Chamber Mingle beginning at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the chamber office, 1001 Lillian St., Hobart.
The casual morning event is designed to bring together local business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders for a relaxed and engaging networking experience, a release said.
Coffee and light refreshments will be available. Those attending are reminded to bring business cards, flyers and other materials, to give out.
