PNW grad goals
PNW grad runs toward his goals
Interviewed by Author / Photos by Photographer
January 24, 2020
Alex Cordova, a Hobart native, chose Purdue Northwest because it allowed him to achieve his dreams – obtain a world-class education and participate on a cross-country team.
Running at Nationals
Through hard work and dedication, Cordova proved he was an excellent student and athlete. Cordova made history when he became the first runner from Purdue Northwest to qualify for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Championships in 2015.
“From the moment I qualified, the staff was tweeting the news. They took the time to really make me feel special.”
I think the most pivotal moment while attending PNW was the cross-country national trip. I could not believe how much support I received from the university,
“Alex has had a storied cross-country career at Purdue Northwest, leaving with many accolades and records,” said Jen Madgiak, associate athletic director for academic services and senior woman’s administrator.
“I am very proud of his tremendous personal growth as he developed into a leader. He persevered through many challenges, and showed determination to succeed on the cross-country course and in the classroom. I know he will be successful in the next step of his life.”
Getting involved and building friendships
The avid runner found being active on a team to be integral to his classroom experience.
Cordova sought opportunities to be involved on campus in addition to being an active team member. As a Resident Assistant (RA) at the on-campus housing on the Hammond campus, he found living on campus to be essential to being involved and getting to know people.
In addition to being an RA, he attended the annual Student Leadership Conference, helped plan housing events and organized athletic events.
“I think the most important things I have gained from these experiences are the friendships that helped me succeed throughout college,” he said.
A passion for biology
“The faculty put in the extra effort toward students,” Cordova said. “The biology faculty are really amazing and knowledgeable.”
Benefitting from the smaller class sizes, he excelled in the classroom with support and direct relationships with professors.
“Alex is a very inquisitive student. I don’t think I have had any students ask me as many questions as he did,” said Nicole Evans, assistant professor of biological sciences. “He was always interested and careful that everything was done correctly.”
Cordova credits the Athletics department, Housing staff and the great professors for supporting him through college.
Cordova graduated at the Purdue Northwest commencement ceremony Dec. 9 at the Hammond Campus with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a concentration in health studies. He has set his sights on his next goal – pursuing a Medical Laboratory Technology certification that allows him to apply his degree in a specialized scientific laboratory setting. A true runner at heart, he strives to be a cross-country coach down the road.