PNW program earns reaccreditation
Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program has earned reaccreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), according to a release.
The BASW program is an applied, license-eligible, professional degree program with a 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The curriculum aligns with the nine core competencies outlined by the CSWE and provides students with skills that are transferable to different settings, population groups and problem areas, the release said.
During the three-year process, the program was evaluated on curriculum, faculty qualifications and student-to-faculty ratio. PNW’s reaccreditation is valid through June 2031. For more information on social work programs at PNW, visit pnw.edu/behavioral-sciences.
Mrvan announces House subcommittee selections
U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced the following House Appropriations Subcommittees that he will serve on in the 119th Congress, according to a release.
Mrvan, D-Highland, will serve on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science. He will also serve on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, which former U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky previously served on and chaired. Through this Subcommittee, Mrvan will focus on supporting the work of the Department of Energy and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which includes resources and funds for sewer, water infrastructure, and economic development projects in Northwest Indiana, the release said.
MBA program wins national notice
The Master of Business Administration program at Valparaiso University garnered national acclaim, having earned a spot on U.S. News and World Report list of best Online MBA programs as well as being named on the Princeton Review’s Top 50 Online MBA Programs for 2025 and Fortune’s Best MBA Programs for 2025, a release said.
The “triple-bottom line” focus of the College of Business, focusing on values-based leadership in graduates, has also earned the MBA program a spot on the Princeton Review’s Best Green MBA rankings.
One of the key features of the VU MBA is its flexibility, allowing students a variety of starting times for its seven-week courses. Because of this, students may complete the degree in as little as one year, following a schedule that fits their own, the release said. For more information about the VU MBA program, visit .valpo.edu/mba/.
Valpo Parks unveils $10M ‘rePLAY’ initiative
Valpo Parks recently announced a significant investment in the city’s park system with the launch of the “rePLAY” initiative, a $10 million plan to enhance and upgrade 10 existing parks in 2025, a release said.
The rePLAY initiative will prioritize enhancing patron accessibility, addressing infrastructure needs, implementing safety measures and investing in sustainability practices. Improvements will encompass a wide range of enhancements, including upgraded playgrounds, restrooms, shelters, sports fields, and pickleball courts, ensuring a more enjoyable and inclusive park experience for all, the release said.
Parks included in the rePLAY initiative are Kirchhoff Park, Fairgrounds Park, Tower Park, ValPlayso, Foundation Meadows Park, Rogers Lakewood Park, Ogden Botanical Gardens, Glenrose South Park, Will Park and Banta Park. The initiative will be funded using bond proceeds originally earmarked for the proposed sports park, instead putting them to immediate use for long-term benefits. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2025, with projects completed by the end of the year. Learn more at https://valpoparks.org/709/Parks-rePLAY.
Northwest Health offers support groups
Northwest Health now offers support groups for individuals with diabetes and those seeking to lose weight, according to a release.
The Diabetes Support Group meets from 11 a.m.-noon, the fourth Monday of the month in the Lilly Lake Conference Room, at Northwest Health — LaPorte, 1331 State St. Registration is not required. Call 219-325-7623.
This Diabetes Support Group meets from 1-2 p.m., the fourth Tuesday of the quarter — January 28, April 22, July 22 and Oct. 28 in the Administrative Conference Room at Northwest Health — Starke, 102 E. Culver Road in Knox. Registration is not required. Call 219-325-7623.
The Bariatric Weight Loss Support Group is open to anyone struggling to lose weight, including those considering bariatric weight loss surgery. All sessions are virtual. These online group sessions are held the first Tuesday of the month, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Visit: NWHinfo.com/BariatricSupportGroup.
Franciscan Michigan City offering free produce program
Registration is now open for the Franciscan Health Michigan City free Produce Prescription Program, which aims to assist with chronic disease management, a release said.
Upon successful completion of the four-week program, participants with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, heart disease or cancer and have moderate to high food insecurity will receive produce vouchers for fresh produce every month for six months, the release said.
The course is presented through a formal relationship between Franciscan Health and the Indy Hunger Network, which provides certification for Franciscan staff to teach it to participants.
The program will meet from 4-5 p.m. for four weeks starting Feb. 4 at the Franciscan Health Michigan City Legacy Campus at 301 W. Homer St. To register and for more information, contact Selena Tinoco at Selena.Tinoco@FranciscanAlliance.org or call 219-221-4153.
