Honoring a family’s loved one during Purdue Northwest’s Day of Giving
John Pluckebaum and his son, Bryce, were grateful for the opportunity to honor their wife and mother during Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Day of Giving. Joanne, who passed last November, taught over 15 years at PNW. Beloved by students and faculty alike, she was a former teacher of the year recipient.
“She had a great love for teaching,” said John Pluckebaum, recounting the career of his wife of 54 years. “And she loved the sense of community at Purdue Northwest.”
On Purdue Northwest’s annual Day of Giving celebration, John and Bryce chose to honor Joanne by offering a generous gift of support in her name to PNW’s White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) where she taught food and nutrition courses.
Michael Flannery, head of the White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, worked with Joanne for many years and said the Pluckebaums’ gift is appreciated and timely.
“It is a wonderful way to honor Joanne. She was a very student-centered faculty member and her students loved her,” Flannery said.
Flannery said the Pluckebaums’ gift will assist students wanting to study abroad, as well as those working to combine their HTM degree with an MBA. “We are also planning on creating a special space for students dedicated in Joanne’s honor,” he said.
John appreciates how his family’s love for Joanne and Purdue Northwest is being honored. “It was a good choice to give this gift to Purdue Northwest.”
Purdue Northwest Day of Giving
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites alumni, faculty, staff, parents, students and friends of the University to take part in the April 25 Purdue Northwest Day of Giving, a 24-hour opportunity to give to PNW and to support student scholarships, academic programs, athletics and more. Donations can be made online through 10:59 p.m. CDT (11:59 p.m. EDT) on April 25. Information about donations, how to give to a specific college or cause, and various giving challenges and matching funds is at PNW.edu/dayofgiving.