PNW Honors College earns Outstanding Youth Organization Award from City of Hammond
PNW’s Honors College earned the 2024 Youth Organization of the Year Award during the City of Hammond’s 37th annual Volunteer Awards Banquet. Pictured, from left, include PNW students Aisha Bolden, Jezelyn Torres, and Mya Bell; Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.; PNW students Cassie Vickers, Molly Bowler, Valencia Hepburn, and Pia Lopez; and Jonathan Swarts, dean of the Honors College and University College.
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Honors College students were recognized with the 2024 Outstanding Youth Organization Award during the City of Hammond’s 37th annual Volunteer Awards Banquet.
Each year the city’s banquet honors local residents and organizations that have demonstrated efforts contributing to the city’s quality of life. The PNW Honors College was lauded “for demonstrating extraordinary leadership, commitment to community service and a strong dedication in improving the lives of residents across Hammond” through its award.
PNW’s Honors College earned the 2024 Youth Organization of the Year Award during the City of Hammond’s 37th annual Volunteer Awards Banquet. Pictured, from left, include PNW students Aisha Bolden, Jezelyn Torres, and Mya Bell; Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.; PNW students Cassie Vickers, Molly Bowler, Valencia Hepburn, and Pia Lopez; and Jonathan Swarts, dean of the Honors College and University College.
PNW Honors College students earn an enriched academic experience by incorporating community service and philanthropy into their undergraduate education career. The City of Hammond recognized PNW’s Honors College for community service benefitting the School City of Hammond; Hammond Education Foundation; tree planting at Memorial and Pulaski parks; “Taste of PNW Day” at the Hammond YMCA; Mental Health America of NWI; Wolf Lake Preservation Days; Challenger Learning Center of NWI; Food Bank of Northwest Indiana; and Haven House NWI.
“This award is a wonderful tribute to the boundless enthusiasm and deep dedication of our Honors College students as they serve the community over many thousands of hours of service each semester—most of it done quietly and unheralded,” said Jonathan Swarts, dean of PNW’s Honors College and University College. “Our Honors students have a genuine heart and commitment to uplift and serve others and I am so thrilled to see them recognized with this award!”
This award is a wonderful tribute to the boundless enthusiasm and deep dedication of our Honors College students as they serve the community over many thousands of hours of service each semester—most of it done quietly and unheralded
Jonathan Swarts, dean of PNW’s Honors College and University College
“The Honors College at Purdue Northwest uniquely impacts our neighboring communities through service, leadership and academics,” said Cassie Vickers, Business Information & Analytics and Human Resources double major and president of the Honors Student Advisory Board. “To be recognized by the City of Hammond for Outstanding Youth Organization is an incredible honor. We are grateful and thrilled to earn this recognition for our continued service to Northwest Indiana!”
For more information about PNW’s Honors College, visit pnw.edu/honors-college.