Classroom to the Courtroom: Meet Fall 2024 PNW graduate Joseph Ignatuk
Joseph Ignatuk, ’24, is set to earn a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science from the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) with minors in French and Philosophy.
From the start of his college journey at PNW, Ignatuk knew law school was his ultimate goal. Embracing his argumentative nature and passion for politics, he felt a political science major was the most logical choice. “It just made sense,” says Ignatuk. “I picked up French because I liked it and together with Philosophy it made for a nice crossover.”
During his time at PNW, the St. John, Ind., native served as secretary, vice president and president of the PNW Food Pantry, treasurer of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society and club, and was a student assistant in the Student Life office. A first-generation college student, Ignatuk was able to take part in several of the opportunities PNW’s TRIO Student Support Services offers.
Igantuk was a member of both the Model United Nations and Model Illinois Government teams and served a year on the Security Council of the American Model United Nations. He also took part in PNW’s Study-Away program in France, earning a Certificate of Language and Culture from the Institut Catholique de Paris (Catholic University of Paris-ICP). In addition, he was able to participate in an internship at a local law firm and obtained a part-time position at another law firm translating documents from French to English.
After graduation, Ignatuk plans to take a gap year to prepare for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and strengthen his resume for law school applications. He is exploring the areas of medical malpractice, immigration and copyright law and hopes to one day open his own law firm.
Get active in the campus community. There’s a campus life here – give it a try!
What did you like most about the Political Science program at PNW?
“Definitely the professors. They’re incredible and I was impressed by their expertise, the research papers they’ve worked on and the books they’ve published. Also, the uniqueness of some of the classes and the opportunities that are available, like the Model United Nations experiences.”
How do you think your involvement in campus organizations and activities helped define your success at PNW?
“Hopefully, my involvement has made me a more well-rounded person. It has provided me with leadership skills that will help me in my career and when I open my own law firm. I learned a lot about activism during my time at the Food Pantry, working with a lot of nonprofit organizations and lobbyists to help advocate for bills in Indiana.”
Did you have a pivotal experience while attending PNW?
“It would have to be my second Model UN. That’s when everything started to come together and I began to make close friendships. I started to feel I was part of the campus, part of PNW.”
What words of advice would you share with prospective students looking to attend PNW?
“Get active in the campus community. There’s a campus life here – give it a try! It will make your experience here a lot better. Also, for first-generation college students, take advantage of all the cool opportunities TRIO has to offer.”
Was there anyone at PNW who inspired or encouraged you along the way?
Salvador Cordova
assistant director for Programming and Administration, Student Life
“My boss in Student Life, Sal Cordova. He’s a really good boss and has changed my view of what a boss is and what a boss could be.”
Meet the Fall 2024 Graduates
Discover what inspires our remarkable Fall 2024 graduates—and how they are Powering Onward to their futures.