Cultural Heritage Celebration Committee

The Cultural Heritage Celebration Committee plans events that celebrate the diversity of PNW’s campus community.

The PNW community includes students, faculty and staff of various ethnicities, genders and backgrounds. Our committee aims to provide educational and uplifting events to the PNW community in order to build an inclusive campus.

Reach out to the committee with ideas or feedback by emailing chc@pnw.edu.

Signature Events

Kevin Powell speaks on stage during an MLK Day event.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Purdue University Northwest hosts yearly, multi-day events to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by combining the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of our campuses and surrounding community.

See How We Celebrate

Five students pose together during the Black History Month Launch Party

Black History Month

Black History Month honors the achievements, rich culture and history of African Americans and recognizes the important contributions and of Black individuals in society.

See How We Celebrate

Two women pose under a balloon arch in matching Kahlo Karnival shirts

Women’s History Month

Purdue University Northwest hosts a range of Women’s History Month events focused on empowering women, discussing key women’s issues and recognizing accomplished university and community leaders.

See How We Celebrate

a young dancer during the Hispanic Heritage Festival

Hispanic Heritage Month

PNW’s Hispanic Heritage Month activities engage the campus community and the public with events highlighting the Latinx communities’ history, culture, cuisine and contributions to the world.

See How We Celebrate

  • Arab American Heritage Month
  • Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
  • Juneteenth
  • Native American History Month
  • LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Upcoming Events

Aug 07

New Student Orientation – Hammond

PNW Hammond Campus begins their New Student Orientation days.

Aug 09

New Student Orientation – Westville

PNW is hosting a new student orientation day at the Westville campus.

Aug 16

New Student Orientation – International

PNW is hosting a new student orientation day exclusively for international students.

Aug 18

It’s All New to Me Too Picnic – Hammond

Join us and fellow First-Gen students for a special picnic before classes start up this Fall semester!

News and Announcements

A reusable Juneteenth tote bag

PNW celebrates Juneteenth

PNW recently hosted its annual Juneteenth celebration, joining in a national recognition that reflects on the end of chattel slavery in the U.S. and collective efforts to address systemic oppressions.

Yung Gravy performs onstage while wearing a PNW Hockey jersey.

Ten highlights from the 2023-24 academic year

PNW’s 2023-24 academic year was marked by historic opportunities in academics and community impact, major designations reflecting university strategic initiatives, new feats for Pride Athletics, engaging and empowering student life events and much more.

PNW Unleashing Empowerment speakers on stage at Women's History Month

Looking Back at Unleashing Empowerment

For Women’s History Month, PNW welcomed back three prestigious alumnae to share their perspectives as distinguished women leaders and facilitate impactful conversations for women’s professional and personal growth.

Co-Chairs

Iris SanchezIris E. Sanchez

Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives

sanch381@pnw.edu
(219) 989-1235

Darien ThompsonDarien Thompson

Director of Student Success and Urban Engagement

thomp347@pnw.edu
(219) 989-2743

Thanks to Our Committee Members

  • Don Babcock, Director of Economic Development and Community Relations
  • Raven Chant, Assistant Director of Admissions – New Student Initiatives and Events
  • Auburn Dodd, Admission Specialist – Strategic Initiatives
  • Naomi Gomez, University Library Billing Clerk
  • Jinai Gordon, Director of Student Life
  • Tim Griffin, Associate Director – Office of Institutional Equity
  • Brooke Hewson, International Program Specialist
  • Britt Hudson, Assistant Dean of Students
  • Maria Hughes, Assistant Professor of Nursing
  • Scott Iverson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Housing and Student Life
  • Christina Maldonado, Parent, Community and Early Education Liaison
  • Jane Thomas, Associate Professor of Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior
  • Kale Wilk, Communications Specialist
  • Terrell Sucre, Graduate Student Assistant