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

Jan 14

Spring Westville Welcome Rally

Explore your roar at the Westville Campus Welcome Rally!

Jan 16

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Event – Hammond Campus

PNW invites the Northwest Indiana community to the Hammond Campus to celebrate diversity and inclusion through the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jan 20

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Event – Westville Campus

PNW invites the Northwest Indiana community to the Westville Campus to celebrate diversity and inclusion through the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mar 25

2025 Women’s Leadership Luncheon

As part of our Women’s History Month celebration, the Women’s Leadership Luncheon honors outstanding leadership among PNW women.

News and Announcements

A drawing of Martin Luther King Jr.

Purdue University Northwest Invites Public to Join 2025 MLK Day Celebrations

Purdue University Northwest invites the public to join its annual celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through free programming on Jan. 16 and Jan. 20, 2025.

PNW Bell Tower

Purdue University Northwest hosts Native American Heritage Month campus events

PNW will join the national celebration of Native American Heritage Month by offering a range of events recognizing the histories, traditions, languages and more of North American indigenous peoples.

Day of the Dead altar

Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Altar Display

We are thrilled to invite you to participate in our Day of the Dead (Día de Los Muertos) altar display, which will be set up in SULB starting next week until November 4.

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