PNW welcomes new engineering, sciences dean
Purdue University Northwest recently announced that José R. Sanchez will join the university May 1 as dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences, according to a release.
Sanchez most recently served at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, where he held positions as dean and professor of the School of Science and Engineering and founding dean of the School of Engineering and Computational Sciences, the release said. Sánchez held previous engineering leadership and faculty roles at Wentworth Institute of Technology, University of Indianapolis and Bradley University.
As dean, Sanchez will lead an academic college offering 19 undergraduate and master’s programs. He will also lead PNW’s School of Engineering within the College of Engineering and Sciences.
Mrvan announces 2025 art competition
U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, recently announced the details of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for high school students from Indiana’s First Congressional District, a release said.
Each year, the Congressional Institute and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor the Congressional Art Competition as an opportunity to promote artistic talent in each Congressional District.
All artwork submissions and application forms must be brought to Mrvan’s Merrillville office no later than 5 p.m. April 18. Artwork will only be accepted at the Merrillville District Office, located at 8001 Broadway, Suite 102, Merrillville. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, including guidelines and application forms, please visit Mrvan’s website at https://mrvan.house.gov/services/art-competition, or contact Drew Ficociello in the Merrillville District Office at 219-795-1844 or Drew.Ficociello@mail.house.gov.
Neighborhood grants announced in Valparaiso
The City of Valparaiso has announced 19 new grants in the 2025 Neighborhood Improvement Grant program, providing $167,040 in funds to support neighborhood unity and community improvements, according to a release.
Projects range from pollinator gardens, public art sculptures, neighborhood gathering spaces, tree plantings and more.
The neighborhoods receiving grants in 2025 are Audubon Estates, Banta, Beauty Creek Estates, Berkley, Brigata Hills, Calkins Hill, Central, College Hill, Courtyards at Pepper Creek, Executive Park, Hawthorne, Hawthorne East, Jefferson Park, Jessee-Pifer, Keystone Commons, Mistwood, Shamrock, Timberbridge and Villas at Vale Park, the release said.
The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program is funded by the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission and administered by the Community Engagement Department. To learn more about the grant program, visit the Community Engagement page at Valpo.us.
PNW recognizes students, faculty and staff
Purdue University Northwest recently recognized several exemplary students, faculty and staff members, nominated by their institutional peers, for accomplishments relating to their on-campus community-building and leadership, according to a release.
The awards were announced at the university’s 2025 Founders Day celebration. Award winners included: Outstanding Undergraduate Student: Mya Bell, Human Development and Family Studies and Political Science double major and Outstanding Graduate Student: Jason Wyatt, Doctor of Technology student.
Faculty awards: Meden Isaac-Lam, professor of Chemistry — Scholarship; Omeed Ilchi, assistant professor of Criminal Justice — Teaching; and Nicky Ali Jackson, professor of Criminal Justice and executive director of the Center for Justice and Post-Exoneration Assistance — Engagement.
Administration/staff: Administrators and staff members who also received awards included: Outstanding Academic Administrative Leadership Award, Rebecca Stankowski, associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs; Outstanding Administrative Leadership Award (Staff), Scott Parsons, senior director of Facilities and Grounds;
Outstanding Clerical Staff Award: Barbara Phillips, customer service representative, Registrar; Caren Thomas, administrative assistant, Facilities
Outstanding Service Staff Award: Joshua Miller, custodian, Building Services; Michael Prater, grounds foreman, Grounds; Outstanding Management and Administrative Professional Award, Marla Ropp-Funk, Procurement and Auxiliary Services Administrator, Britt Hudson, Interim Dean of Students.
Purdue Focus Award: Pitparnee Stompor, clinical professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Franciscan to host weekly smoking cessation program
Franciscan Health is hosting a free, weekly smoking cessation walk and talk support group, a release said.
The sessions will begin with a 30-minute walk and casual conversation with other participants, followed by a 30-minute discussion. Leaders will explore different topics each week.
Sessions are scheduled to take place from 9-10 a.m. Wednesdays from March 26 to June 25 at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S. Court St. in Crown Point.
For more information, contact Franciscan Health’s Certified Tobacco Treatment Professional and Aspire Tobacco Cessation Program Coordinator Laura Arent at laura.arent@franciscanalliance.org.
