Honors College Newsletter

The Honors College at Purdue University Northwest enriches the education of motivated, high-achieving students through advanced coursework, hands-on learning, impactful research, and collaboration with top faculty.

These experiences foster academic excellence, leadership, and the qualities needed for responsible citizenship and innovation.

Dear Honors College Families, Friends, and Supporters,

As the new year begins, we are excited to share with you some of the wonderful things that have been happening in the Honors College.

This past fall we grew again to have our largest Honors College ever. Even more importantly, we are a place of excellence, community, and belonging for a diverse study body representing every major on campus. 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.

This newsletter highlights some of the ways our students have excelled in the classroom, laboratory, community—and beyond. It was a busy fall semester! Our students have won significant awards and recognitions, served in the community in countless ways, and showed that they truly are the best of the best at Purdue Northwest.

I wish everyone a wonderful new year in gratitude for your faithful support of our students!

Jonathan Swarts, Ph.D.

Dean of the Honors College

🎄✨ The Honors College had an incredible time spreading holiday cheer at the 2024 Hammond Holiday Parade! Our amazing students walked the parade route, bringing warmth to the community by distributing hats, gloves, and scarves to the spectators. These thoughtful items were all generously donated by our Honors College students, showcasing their kindness and commitment to giving back. 🧤🧣🎁

A special shoutout goes to our beloved mascot, Leo the Lion, who joined us in the festivities and brought smiles to everyone along the way! 🦁❤️ Thank you to all the students who participated and helped make the season brighter for our community. Happy Holidays!

Honors College students were recently awarded the 2024 Outstanding Youth Organization Award at Hammond’s 37th annual Volunteer Awards Banquet, recognizing their exceptional commitment to community service.

The Honors College was celebrated for its leadership and dedication to improving Hammond’s quality of life through extensive volunteer work with local organizations, such as the School City of Hammond, the Hammond Education Foundation, and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, as well as initiatives like tree planting in city parks and “Taste of PNW Day” at the YMCA.

Philanthropy is a top priority for the Honors College, and this recognition highlights our leadership in making a positive impact in the community!

Community service is a cornerstone of the Honors College experience, with students required to complete 10 hours of service per semester or 20 hours per academic year, as well as participate in at least two Honors College-sponsored events annually.

Honors students actively fulfill this commitment through impactful initiatives such as volunteering at County Line Orchard in Hobart, where they participated in the “Round Up” program to raise funds for scholarships and programming.

They also contributed to Fair Haven’s Fairytale Ball, raising awareness and funds for rape crisis services, and supported Mental Health America’s Wing & Roll event, promoting mental health initiatives across Northwest Indiana.

Through these efforts, Honors students embody the College’s dedication to community engagement, creating a lasting impact while supporting meaningful causes.

A huge congratulations to Cooper Olson, Honors College student and standout goalie for Purdue Northwest, on earning the incredible honor of representing Team USA at the 2025 World University Games! 🌟

As the Pride's star goalie, Cooper has been one of the top performers in ACHA DI Hockey, ranking in the top five for saves, save percentage, and wins. His remarkable play earned him GLCHL Tournament MVP last season, cementing his reputation as a dominant force between the pipes.

We’re so proud to see Cooper take his talent to the global stage. Let’s go, #TeamUSA!

We're proud to share that two of our Student Advisory Board Members, Cassie Vickers and Mya Bell, recently represented the Honors College at the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) Conference in Kansas City!

This year’s conference theme, Harmonizing Heritage: Elevating Honors Education through Culture, Capital, and Community Engagement, provided an inspiring backdrop for Cassie and Mya’s presentation on Peer Mentoring. They led an insightful session, highlighting the innovative ways we’re building community, supporting student success, and fostering meaningful connections within our program.

Their presentation sparked great discussions with attendees from across the country, showcasing the impact of peer mentoring and the importance of student-led initiatives.

We’re so proud of Cassie and Mya for their hard work and dedication!

🐝Our favorite Facilities man, John Bachmann, shared his extensive knowledge about bees and honey production, highlighting the crucial role these pollinators play and their invaluable contributions to our environment and sustainability.

We had 20 dedicated Honors College volunteers who helped make our recent event in the Kitchen at the Hospitality and Tourism Management Building on the Hammond Campus a success!

Students had hands-on experience bottling our prized PNW honey while learning about the importance of bees in promoting a sustainable environment.

The fifth annual 5K community walk fundraiser, hosted by the Honors College on October 5th, was a resounding success, highlighting the strong relationship between PNW students and Mental Health America.

Thanks to the commitment and passion of our students, faculty, staff, and community, we surpassed our fundraising goal, raising an impressive $6,000. This effort bolstered Mental Health America’s vital services and reinforced our dedication to their important mission. These funds will go directly toward bolstering Mental Health America’s crucial programs and services, ensuring that they can continue to make a significant impact.

PNW students maintain a dedicated connection to this organization, volunteering their time and efforts throughout the year

This successful event not only reinforced our collective commitment to mental health advocacy but also demonstrated the power of community collaboration in driving positive change.

Several of our incredible Honors students attended a breakfast and lecture event hosted by the Lake County Bar Association at Innsbrook Country Club on September 30th.

Indiana Supreme Court Justice Steven David delivered an insightful talk on the importance of ethics in the legal profession, discussing strategies and principles that lawyers can use to uphold integrity, transparency, and fairness in their practice.

Honors students proudly represented PNW at Valparaiso's annual Popcorn Festival, walking in the parade with energy and enthusiasm. Their spirit shone brightly as they showcased PNW pride alongside the university's beautifully decorated float.

The hard work and creativity paid off when PNW took home the award for Best Float! It was a fantastic day of celebration, bringing the community together and highlighting the Honors College’s dedication to campus spirit and local engagement.

This past September, the Honors College was thrilled to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of vibrant events and student achievements.

We kicked things off with an unforgettable Salsa Night, where students embraced the lively rhythms of salsa dancing, enjoyed sampling a variety of salsas, and shared delicious food. The atmosphere was electric, filled with joy, energy, and camaraderie.

Our students also took part in the Hispanic Heritage Month Festival, volunteering their time to lead fun activities like crafts and face painting. They connected with the community, creating memorable experiences and bringing smiles to young festival-goers.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of two of our outstanding Honors Students. Lisette Magallanes was crowned Queen of East Chicago’s Hispanic Heritage Parade by the Union Benefica Mexicana organization, a prestigious honor that brings pride to our community.

Additionally, Brizeida Bueno has earned the title of Miss Hammond Latina 2024. Congratulations to both on these remarkable accomplishments!

Thank you to everyone who helped make this past Hispanic Heritage Month so special!

Don Bacso shared a powerful and deeply personal story with PNW students, recounting his firsthand experience of the 9/11 attacks.

He described the day’s events in vivid detail, reflecting on the lasting impact it had on his life and the lives of so many others. His heartfelt narrative brought a solemn yet inspiring reminder of resilience, unity, and the strength found in the face of tragedy.

His words touched the audience deeply, leaving a profound impression on everyone who attended, reminding us all of the importance of compassion, empathy, and the enduring power of human connection.

In August, several of our Honors students had the privilege of joining a roundtable discussion hosted by Mental Health America, thanks to an invitation from State Representative Mike Andrade.

The event highlighted Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch as the keynote speaker and included distinguished guests from the Indiana Counseling Association and the Griffith Police Department's Social Services Division.

The Honors College enjoyed an incredibly enriching experience during Dean's Day Out in Chicago!

Guided by Dr. Swarts, 20 students embarked on a memorable journey filled with learning, exploration, and camaraderie.

Their day began with the renowned Chicago Architectural Boat Tour, where they sailed along the Chicago River, gaining fresh insights into the city's architectural marvels, from historic skyscrapers to modern landmarks. Expert guides shared stories about the architects, styles, and innovations that helped shape the Chicago skyline.

Afterward, they explored the Chicago Cultural Center. Here, they delved into exhibits showcasing the city's rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant art scene.

The day was filled with lively discussions, new perspectives, and shared laughter, making it an unforgettable experience that combined education, adventure, and the spirit of discovery!

Honors College students, joined by the Chancellor, attended La Porte’s LakeFest in July, volunteering their time and organizing fun activities for kids, such as face painting and coloring. This event showcased another way the Honors College connects with and gives back to the community.

The SIAM Conference at PNW Hammond, hosted by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics and PNW's Department of Mathematics and Statistics, included fascinating mini-symposia and poster presentations, where I shared my project on "Artificial Intelligence Obstacle Avoidance via Edge Detection."

The PNW Honors College provided invaluable STEM experiences and support, helping me grow academically and personally. Now in the 4+1 Electrical and Computer Engineering program, I’m excited to pursue a PhD in Computer Engineering, focusing on AI and computational mathematics.

The Honors College hosted a Welcome Luau to bring together incoming freshmen and returning students for a fun afternoon of games, food, and connection.

Students enjoyed playing bags, tug-of-war, and everyone's favorite, the limbo—while savoring delicious Hawaiian cuisine. The event was a great way to kick off the year, welcoming new students and strengthening bonds within the Honors College community.