Education leader comes to IUN
Indiana University Northwest has named Andrae Marak as its Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs starting June 1.
Marak comes to IUN with decades of leadership and teaching experience at various higher education institutions across the country, the release said. Most recently, he served as the Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Roosevelt University in Chicago. Before that, Andrae served as Dean of Graduate Studies and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Governors State University; Division Head in the Division of Liberal Arts at Indiana University Columbus; as well as Interim Director of the Honors Program and Chair of the Department of History and Political Science at California University of Pennsylvania.
Marak will replace Cindy Roberts, Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and former Dean of the School of Business and Economics, who is retiring.
Marak earned his Ph.D. in Latin American Studies, History and Political Science from the University of New Mexico, the release said.
Franciscan Michigan City hosts car seat safety event
Franciscan Health Trauma Services is hosting a free car seat safety event from 3-9 p.m. May 28 for Indiana residents.
The event will take place at Franciscan Health Michigan City, 3500 Franciscan Way.
A nationally certified child passenger safety technician will teach participants how to properly install a car seat. The child who uses the car seat must be present at the appointment for the technician to provide appropriate guidance, the release said.
The car seat safety check is free, but reservations are required. Registration is available online or by calling 219-488-1380.
Seniors awarded medical staff scholarships
Two LaPorte County high school seniors with aspirations of future healthcare careers each recently received Franciscan Health Michigan City Medical Staff Memorial Scholarships to assist with their post-secondary educations, according to a release.
Jennifer Serrano and Alyssa Tracy, 18-year-old Michigan City High School seniors, are the recipients of this year’s scholarships.
Tracy will attend Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame this fall and plans to pursue a career as a pediatrician, the release said, while Serrano will attend Valparaiso University in the fall, majoring in health sciences with the goal of becoming a physician’s assistant.
The annual scholarships are funded by physicians on the Franciscan Health Michigan City medical staff in partnership with the Franciscan Health Foundation.
Law enforcement funding clears House committee
U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, recently announced the House Appropriations Committee has included his law enforcement Community Project Funding requests for Indiana’s First Congressional District in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations measure. The measure, a release said, has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee and an identical version of this measure must be approved by both the House and Senate and signed into law by the President in order for it to be enacted.
According to a release, communities in line for funding include:
$300,000 — Cedar Lake Police Department – funding will assist with the acquisition of radio communication equipment.
$187,000 — Gary Police Department – funding will assist with upgrading tactical gear.
$772,700 — Hammond Police Department – funding will assist with upgrading equipment and technology within the department.
$475,000 — Highland Police Department – funding will assist with the acquisition of portable radio communication equipment.
$500,000 — La Porte Police Department – funding will assist with the acquisition of portable radio communication equipment.
$170,000 — Lake Station Police Department – funding will assist with the replacement of in-car computers and associated equipment.
$65,000 — Long Beach Police Department – funding will assist with the acquisition of portable radio communication equipment.
$500,000 — Merrillville Police Department – funding will assist with upgrading equipment and technology within the department.
$250,000 — New Chicago Police Department – funding will assist with upgrading equipment and technology within the department.
$772,700 — Portage Police Department – funding will assist with the acquisition of portable radio communication equipment.
$105,000 — Porter County Sheriff’s Office – funding will assist with the acquisition of body worn cameras.
$80,000 — St. John Police Department – funding will assist with the purchase of a three-dimensional scanner to assist the South Lake
County Crash Reconstruction Team.
Networking event set for Steel Yard
The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association will sponsor Women Take the Field, set for 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 15 at US Steel Yard in
Gary.
The evening features a private suite game experience when the South Shore RailCats take on the Chicago Dogs. Guests will also step out onto the field for an exclusive walk or run of the bases, capture a group photo and enjoy classic ballpark fare, including burgers, hot dogs and other refreshments, the release said. A cash bar will be available.
Organizations can register for free to receive a custom link to share with their group. Individual tickets are $25 and there are no minimum or maximum guest requirements. For information and tickets, visit https://www.nwiiwa.org/network-chill-1
