Changing Students’ Lives Starts with Us: Scott Iverson
Scott Iverson, assistant vice chancellor for Housing and Student Life, has interfaced with college students in their campus life and residential experiences for over 30 years.
Among the different institutions he has served at, Purdue University Northwest (PNW) stands out in his view because of the incredibly student-centric focus of the faculty and staff. Iverson sees firsthand how life-changing resources, such as the PNW Food Pantry, can propel students who are in need to persevere toward their degrees.
What do you love the most about how you support PNW students in your role?
“This institution is on a mission for our students. PNW works harder to support the individual student than any other place that I have worked. PNW has always gone the extra mile with so many of its services to make sure students are able to get the basic needs met so they can concentrate on school. I want to support PNW’s vision and mission to support our students. I love our students and want them to succeed with as few barriers as possible, and if I can give my time, donations and money to do that, then I will.”
Are there any specific organizations, scholarships or funds you prefer to give to at PNW?
“I will always be partial to the PNW Food Pantry. I have seen it grow so much since its inception back in 2018 to where it is now, working to support over 200 student distributions a month. I think the Dean of Students Emergency fund is also important and I will always support our student groups as they do their various fundraisers.”
How do you feel making a gift to PNW students shows how we Power Onward?
“When I know my gifts are supporting our students, I feel like I am working even harder to help them succeed. It is easy to say, ‘my time is my gift,’ and it surely is. But I like to back it up because I have seen the good we can do for students. If I had to sit with a student who was hungry or needed a few dollars, and had to say, ‘I am sorry, I do not know how to help you,’ that would be very frustrating. It is so great that I can say to a student in need, ‘you know, I think we may be able to help.’ Our students need to hear that.
In my experience, there are many students who need our help and do not know how to ask for it. When we identify these students, we need to show them the resources that are here and that they can relax, concentrate on their studies, making friends and going to events without having to worry about their next meal.”
Learn more about how you can make a difference in PNW students’ lives by visiting pnw.edu/changing-lives. Also, mark your calendars for April 30, 2025 to help support PNW students on PNW Day of Giving!