The Honors College at Purdue Northwest enhances the learning experiences of highly motivated and academically exceptional students.

Honors College students engage in advanced coursework, experiential learning, substantive research, and collaboration with the University's most outstanding faculty.

These opportunities foster academic excellence, leadership skills, social and civic responsibility and other virtues required of outstanding citizens and innovators.

Dean’s Greeting

2024-2025 Honors Student Advisory Board Members

Honors College Community Service

Dean’s Day Out

Honors College 5K Walk

Study Abroad - Costa Rica

Day of Discovery Participants and Award Winners

Purdue Northwest Hosts MEHA

Student Internships

Purdue Northwest Day of Giving

Honors Alumni and Current Student Networking Event

Honors Student Leadership Awards

List of Graduates

New Student Orientation and Informational Dates

Dear Honors College Families, Friends, and Supporters,

I am very excited to share this newsletter with you, letting you know you some of the wonderful things that have been happening in the Honors College.

The 2023-24 academic year was in many ways the best year yet. Last fall we again welcomed a record class to the Honors College — in terms of both size and diversity. We continue to be the most ethnically and racially diverse Honors College in the state of Indiana and even more diverse than the PNW student population as a whole! Every day we strive to be a welcoming home-away-from-home, where our students can belong, thrive, and excel.

This group of dynamic, high-performing students were successful both in and outside the classroom. They excelled academically, gave back over 10,000 hours of service, and served as leaders on campus and in the community. This newsletter highlights some of the ways our students have excelled in the classroom and laboratory—and beyond. It also features profiles of some of our recent graduates and their outstanding accomplishments. I hope you are as proud and inspired by them as I am.

Thank you for all your support for the Honors College. We wish the best for relaxing and wonderful summer!

Jonathan Swarts, Ph.D.

Dean of the Honors College

This dynamic team is deeply committed to representing the Honors community, ensuring that student voices are heard loud and clear, and cultivating an engaging academic environment.

Under the guidance of their passionate leaders, they uphold values of excellence, integrity, and service in all they do. With a strong focus on innovation and inclusivity, they're dedicated to enhancing the Honors experience through a variety of exciting events and fostering collaboration among peers and faculty.

Please join me in congratulating them as they stand ready to inspire and empower their fellow students throughout the upcoming year.

President: Cassandra Vickers

Co-Vice Presidents: Mya Bell, Savannah Benitez

Events Chair: Pia Lopez

Events Vice Chair: Gian Abangan

Community Service Chair: Jezelyn Torres

Community Service Chair: Molly Bowler

Communication Chair: Aisha Bolden

Communication Vice Chair: Sylvia Rotole

Peer Mentor Chair: Chloe Belford

Peer Mentor Vice Chair: Lexis Rollins

Engaging in community service is indeed a crucial component of the Honors College experience.

By requiring students to compete 20 hours of community service per academic year, the college emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and making a positive impact beyond the classroom.

This commitment to service not only benefits the communities served but also fosters personal growth, empathy, and social responsibility among students. The wide range of organizations and initiatives they volunteer with demonstrates their commitment to making a positive impact in various areas.

From supporting local services like Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center and Habitat to Humanity to contributing to educational programs like Junior Achievement, NWI Challenger Center and Science Olympiad, these students are making a difference in the lives of others.

As you may recall from previous editions, Dean's Day Out is a cherished tradition every semester, offering a day brimming with discovery, exploration, and delight!

This semester was no different, with students eagerly signing up for an adventure to the enchanting Art Institute of Chicago on March 22nd. Under the guidance of the Dean, they embarked on their journey by boarding the train, beginning their shared experience on a beautiful day.

At the museum, they were able to explore the galleries and dive deep into the artistic marvels showcased there.

The fourth annual 5K community walk fundraiser, hosted by the Honors College on April 6th, was more than just a success; it illuminated the enduring relationship between PNW students and Fair Haven.

Infused with contagious enthusiasm, we embarked on this endeavor aware that our partnership with the remarkable Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center of Northwest Indiana would ignite profound change. PNW students maintain a steadfast connection with Fair Haven, generously volunteering their time and efforts throughout the year.

Motivated by this partnership and the unwavering passion of our students, faculty, staff, and community, we exceeded our fundraising goal. Together, we raised an impressive $5500, fortifying Fair Haven's essential services and reaffirming our unwavering commitment to their critical cause.

This year, the Honors College orchestrated an unforgettable study abroad experience with Dean Swarts leading the way to Costa Rica during Spring Break.

Amidst the lush landscapes and vibrant culture, students embarked on a journey filled with exhilarating adventures and profound learning moments. From soaring through the treetops on zip lines to encountering the captivating sight of a majestic sloth in its natural habitat, every moment was brimming with excitement and awe.

Beyond the thrill of exploration, students delved into immersive educational experiences, gaining invaluable insights into Costa Rica's rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and environmental conservation efforts. It was a transformative journey that not only broadened horizons but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world.

The Honors College sends a group of students annually to the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) Conference.

The conference was held February 15-18, 2024 at the Sheraton Chicago Riverwalk and featured the most dynamic nationally prominent speakers in our community, interactive forums on culturally relevant topics, and workshops on “how to” effectuate change.

In March, as part of Women's History Month, the women of PNW gathered for a luncheon. The highlight of the occasion was the keynote address delivered by our esteemed alumna, Chelsea (Stalling) Whittington.

Throughout the event, we celebrated the remarkable leadership of women in the PNW community and shared the inspiring journeys of our student leaders.

This achievement serves as a testament to the profound impact of women in our community. We express our sincere gratitude to all who participated and helped create such a memorable event.

Congratulations to the Honors College Days of Discovery Student Choice Award Winners!

Kaitlyn Vasilko, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences

Jessica DeBoer, College of Business

Karla Porrata, College of Nursing

Honors Students who presented at Days of Discovery:

Nayla Pena, Collin Roberts, Barry Tran, Emilee Porter, Angelica Marquez, Savannah Benitez, Kaitlyn Vasilko, Quin Galbreath, Anya Gutierrez, Alexander Stinnett, Brianna Martin, Annalise Warnock, Jonathan Santiago, Yumi Baer, Karla Porrata, Alphonse Teruel, Sofia Patino, Kate Kiler, Alessandro Proserpio, Richard Kicho, Grace Mumaugh, Shania Barber, Amber Bell, Kayla Perry, Sylvia Rotole, Alaina Powers, Vicki Lin, Alex Huttinger, Allan McAlpine, Destiny Wells, Stephanie Peterson, Chika Obegolu, Taylor Collins, Laila Ibrahim, Madison Elizondo, Jacqueline Garcia, Loretta Santino, John Pavolka, Aurelio Castro, Zebaneeka Washington, Andrew Tabaczynski, Elijah Walker, Esperanza Moreno, Luis Campos, Riley Conner, Joshua Ortiz, Collin Garmon, Susanna Azmy, Malina Harris, Jesus Gonzalez, Rebecca Nichols, Sherin Chacko, Ysenia Segura, Bella Bayart, Eileen Amador, Daniel Owen, Colleen Harley, Maegan Thompson, Emma Carter, Pia Lopez, Alejandra Herrera, Abdelrahman Ahmed, Madison Kegley, David Marks, Karysa Alsup, April Roberts, Jessica DeBoer, Hannah Ingraham, Leilany Porrata, Jillian Almanza, Izzy Lowery, Jonathan Del Real, Jonathan Roberts, Grace Newman, Anthony Powell, Aleece Spasevski, Stefan Dinich

In April, Purdue Northwest took pride in hosting this year's Mid-East Honors Association Conference (MEHA), an event dedicated to bringing together Honors Programs from around the Midwest region to foster collaboration, share best practices and promote student research.

Emphasizing networking and learning, attendees seized the opportunity to showcase research, exchange insights, and engage in discussions about achievements and challenges of our Honors programs.

With the theme "Creative Minds Empower Success," this year's conference stood out for its increased scale, providing a larger platform for students to connect, collaborate, and draw inspiration from one another.

MEHA emerged not just as an academic forum but also as a catalyst for personal and professional development, enriching the collegiate journey for all involved.

Fair Haven RCC Internship

Throughout my internship at Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center, I have developed a strong sense of community, diversity, professionalism, representation, and structure. I have taken on this internship as a requirement for my social work major, but it was much more than that. To retain a critical perspective of the micro/mezzo/macro levels of the environment I needed to take on personal experience. Fair Haven RCC strategically planned my internship, to incorporate an experience in all levels of the organization in the best way possible.

I have developed many skills, perspectives, deeper understandings, and connections through my academics and internship. I have been involved in different areas such as SELF group sessions, community outreach, social networking, prevention education at local school corporations, organizational development, and advocacy support in judicial court hearings. I have learned about the dire need and tremendous support this organization holds for the community.

It is amazing to see how far survivors have overcome their treacherous journey. Fair Haven RCC holds an important place in my heart and is now the first impactful experience in my professional development.

Our recent Day of Giving was truly extraordinary!

It marked the largest Day of Giving ever in the Honors College, a testament to the monumental effort poured in by every one of you. Not only did we rank third among ALL units at PNW for the total number of gifts, but we also outpaced every other academic college by significant margins. This achievement underscores the unwavering dedication and generosity of our Honors community.

In addition to breaking records in the total number of gifts, we also reached our highest-ever total gift amount, ranking seventh out of nineteen units. This remarkable success reflects the incredible support and commitment of our donors.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible teamwork demonstrated by everyone involved. Our Honors Student Advisory Board created a day-long calendar of events such as a sunrise breakfast for students, tacos and karaoke, a Wii tournament, PNW trivia and our most popular event, pieing Dr. Swarts in the face!

Also, a special shoutout goes to our outstanding Honors Advisory Board for their invaluable contributions of time, talent, and treasure. We are genuinely fortunate to have such dedicated groups on our Honors Team.

The Honors College's inaugural alumni networking event was a resounding success, providing current students with a unique opportunity to learn from and connect with accomplished alumni.

Our alumni come from diverse backgrounds and fields giving our students valuable insights into potential career paths while establishing meaningful connections that can help support their future aspirations. This event exemplified the strong sense of community within the Honors College and underscored the lasting impact of its alumni in various professional and civic arenas.

By facilitating such interactions, the college continues to enrich the collegiate experience for its students and reinforces the importance of mentorship and networking in personal and professional growth.

Special thanks to our outstanding alumni, Gina Marzilli, Joshua Phillips, Eric Krause, Meghan Hillier, Natasha English, Megan Granados, Theodore Mantis, Brandon Grabarek, Kayla Vasilko, and Savannah Yamat for dedicating their time and knowledge for this event.

Outstanding Newcomer: Pia Lopez

Outstanding Volunteer: Abby Sanders

Outstanding Volunteer: Cooper Olson

Outstanding Participant: Savannah Benitez

Outstanding Citizenship: Mya Bell

Outstanding Student Leader: Elisha Duda

Hall of Fame: April Roberts, David Bolton and Luke Peters

Scholar of the Year: Alexander Stinnett, Andrew Johnsen, Cindy Lin, Charlie Skube and Vicki Lin

*Average GPA for Spring 2024 graduates: 3.6

Charmagne Abangan: Nursing

Harbir Aujla: Computer Science

Sarah Aurelio: Marketing

David Bolton: Communication

Ailina Casas: Behavioral Sciences

Jessica DeBoer: Accounting, Finance

Jonathan Del Real: Foreign Language

Elisha Duda: Biological Sciences

Collin Garmon: Applied Statistics, Mathematics

Ashley Gomez: Elementary Education

Isabella Gozo: Nursing

Amanda Guizar: Management

Ben Hand: Nursing

Colleen Harley: Psychology

Drew Johnsen: Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering

Joey Kerber: Communication

Isabel Kochanek: Biological Sciences

Cindy Lin: Computer Graphics Technology

Vicki Lin: Nursing

Robert Marciano: Health Studies

Esperanza Moreno: Psychology

Chika Obegolu: Nursing

Chris Pabey: Nursing

Vanessa Pantoja: Criminal Justice

Luke Peters: Human Resource Management

Karla Porrata: Nursing

Emilee Porter: Political Science

Anthony Powell: Hospitality & Tourism Management

Jasmin Ramirez: Nursing

Brielle Regier: Psychology

April Roberts: Accounting, Finance

Collin Roberts: Mechanical Engineering Technology

Melanie Rubio: English, Writing-Interactive Media

Dash Shaw: Criminal Justice

Charlie Skube: Biological Sciences

Alex Stinnett: Computer Engineering

Amanda Taing: Communication

Lauryn Tillmon: Marketing

Kaitlyn Vasilko: Behavioral Sciences

Annalise Warnock: Biological Sciences

Zebaneeka Washington: Biological Sciences

Honors College Informational Sessions are scheduled for:

May 21st, 3:30pm-4:15pm

June 17th, 3:30-4:15pm

Honors College New Student Orientations are scheduled for:

June 27th, 1:00pm-3:30pm

July 22nd, 1:00pm-3:30pm

WEBSITE

pnw.edu/honors

EMAIL

honors@pnw.edu

PHONE

(219) 989-3160