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
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Arab American Heritage Month
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Juneteenth
- Native American History Month
- LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Upcoming Events
Feb 26
Nail Shop TalkPamper yourself and get ready for our Toast to Black Excellence at our Nail Shop Talk!
Feb 28
Toast to Black ExcellenceJoin us for the grand finale of Black History Month at our Toast to Black Excellence! This celebration will honor the incredible achievements of our PNW campus community, featuring a night of inspiration, reflection and community.
Mar 04
Leveling the Field: Women’s Empowerment in SportsHear from former college and women athletes, Angela Hamblin-Blakely and Natalie Jarrett, in a panel discussion on women’s representation.
News and Announcements
PNW Promotes Community and Dialogue at Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events
Purdue University Northwest hosted the first of its two Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations on Thursday, Jan. 16, with students, faculty, staff and members of the community gathering on PNW’s Hammond Campus to celebrate King’s legacy.
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.
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.
Co-Chairs
Iris E. Sanchez
Darien ThompsonThanks 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