ISSUE 3
SUMMER 2015
FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF PURDUE UNIVERSITY CALUMET
T H E P AT H
from
BUSBOY
to
CEO
Deno Yiankes (BS ‘88)
President/CEO
Investments and Development
White Lodging Services
EVERY GIFT
HAS A POSITIVE IMPACT
MAKE YOURS TODAY
Your contributions help students achieve success with funding
for scholarships, up-to-date facilities, current technology
and a host of other needs.
Every gift, regardless of size, can change lives.
PuRDuECAl.EDu/ChAnGElIVEs
contents
UPWORD MAGAZINE STAFF
Executive Editor
Regina Biddings-Muro
(BA ’85, MA ’96)
Creative Director/
Graphic Designer
Photography
Matt Valuckis (BA ‘00)
Editors
Project Manager
Kimberly L. Leverick
Press Photography
Network
Terence Guider-Shaw
Corey Minkanic
Dann Wunderlich
Thomas Semesky
Nicole Watkins
Regina Biddings-Muro
Jenn Campbell
Kris Falzone
Wes Lukoshus (MA ’89)
Kimberly L. Leverick
PURDUE UNIVERSITY CALUMET
Chancellor Thomas L. Keon
Vice Chancellor of Regina Biddings-Muro
Institutional Advancement (BA ’85, MA ’96)
Associate Vice Chancellor Kris Falzone
of Marketing
Director of
Alumni Affairs
and Advancement
Coordinator of
Alumni Affairs
and Events
Jenn Campbell
Kimberly L. Leverick
(Issue 3) is published by Purdue University Calumet.
is mailed free of charge to alumni of Purdue University
Calumet. © Purdue University Calumet 2015
CONTACT US
For address changes or deletions, please email your first
and last name, mailing address, city, state, zip code, and
phone number to alumni@purduecal.edu and specify if your
request is an address update or request to stop receiving
. For other inquiries, email alumni@purduecal.edu,
call 219-989-2056, or mail
magazine–
Office of Alumni Affairs, Purdue University Calumet,
2200 W. 169th Street, Hammond, IN 46363-9902.
Alumni photographers and writers:
for consideration, please email a link to your
online portfolio to alumni@purduecal.edu.
purduecal.edu/upword
10
ON THE COVER
The Path From Busboy to CEO
By Megan Summers, Photography by Press Photography Network Terence
Guider-Shaw and Corey Minkanic
Purdue Calumet alumnus conquers the hospitality industry
14
A Sweet & Smart Talker
16
A Childhood Dream Transcended
18
20
By Megan Summers, Photography by Press Photography Network Terence
Guider-Shaw, Dann Wunderlich
Morning radio co-anchor makes the news
By Diane Spivak, Photography by Press Photography Network Terence
Guider-Shaw, Dann Wunderllich
A passion for the elderly sparks innovation in evidencebased nursing practices
Nursing Hero Earns A Bronze Star
By Wes Lukoshus, Photography by Lance Cpl. Katherine M. Solano
Military nurse heroically risked his life to save another
Aaron Davis Never Gives Up
By Wes Lukoshus, Photography by Thomas Semesky
Student scores after overcoming personal tragedy
IN EVERY ISSUE
2
Dear Alumni
3
Athletics
4
News
6
Chancellor’s Message
22
Alumni News & Notes
24
The Vault
Cover photo by Press Photography Network
1
DEAR AluMnI,
This upcoming year will be an exciting time for Purdue University Calumet as we rejoice in our rich history and prepare for a new future! Our
campus will celebrate its 70th anniversary in February 2016. Details about the campus’ 70th anniversary commemoration
are still in the works, but we will reach out to you to join in celebrations that will take place throughout the
year. In this issue, check out “The Vault” for a quick glance at our evolution through the decades.
Looking to the future, you will read about the formation of Purdue University Northwest, a
unification of our campus and our sister campus, Purdue North Central in Westville. As a
graduate of Purdue University Calumet, I am especially thrilled to be a part of the community
ushering in a great new era in our history.
The unification into Purdue Northwest strengthens the value of your degree. That means more
opportunities for students to become holders of Purdue degrees, more opportunities for great
community partnerships, and more ways to stay in touch and serve YOU.
» Share! We would love to share in your personal and professional milestones and
accomplishments. Share them with us and your fellow alumni.
» Visit! You will be amazed at how the campus has progressed. Enjoy a tour or just stop
in, we would love to see you!
» Network! Share your knowledge and connections with students. If you have
career opportunities, would be interested in mentoring a student, or have other
professional connections, let us know!
2
» Cheer! Get reacquainted with Purdue Calumet’s growing athletics program.
Purdue Calumet has more than 200 student athletes playing 12 sports. Be a
Super Fan! Purduecalsports.com has live streaming of games, schedules,
team results, and news about our athletes and coaches.
» Save the Date to Celebrate! Watch for information on these events:
» September 9, 2015 Alumni Cocktail Reception Chicago, IL
» September 26, 2015 Alumni Dinner Cruise Chicago, IL
» October 2-3, 2015 College of Nursing 50th Anniversary
Celebration Merrillville, IN
Enjoy this issue of UpWord, and let us know what you think at
alumni@purduecal.edu.
Sincerely,
Regina D. Biddings-Muro (BA ‘85, MA ‘86)
Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement
SUPPORT STUDENT
sChOlARshIPs
It’s easy! Request your Purdue University license plate through
the BMV or at myBMV.com. Last year Purdue Calumet students
received over $50,000 in scholarships through your support!
PuRDuE CAluMET AThlETICs
TAKE FlIGhT
SHMAGRANOFF EARNS PEREGRINES’ FIRST-EVER
ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN HONOR
Senior Rachel Shmagranoff (Munster, IN) made history in the
classroom and on the soccer field when she was named the first
Capital One Academic All-American in university history. Shmagranoff
graduated in December 2014 with a degree in biology and a perfect
4.0 GPA, earning the Chancellor’s Medallion as the top graduating
senior in the university’s College of Engineering, Mathematics and
Science. On the field, she finished as the career leader in points,
assists, game-winning goals, games started, and minutes played.
BASEBALL SQUAD COMPLETES TOTAL 180
IN SEASON OF SUCCESS
After struggling to just five wins in its inaugural season in 2014, the
Purdue University Calumet baseball team stormed the 2015 campaign
with eight consecutive wins en route to a 23-16 overall mark under
second-year head coach Dave Griffin. The Peregrines’ season also
included a bid into the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference
postseason tournament and four all-conference honorees, including
Cody Dykema (Crown Point, IN), Anthony Spangler (Lansing, IL), Micah
Rooke (Robertsdale, IN) and Anthony Colosimo (Lake Forest, IL).
MCBEE NAMED NAIA NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE
WEEK TO HIGHLIGHT WOMEN’S BASKETBALL’S
FOURTH-STRAIGHT 20-WIN CAMPAIGN
The honors kept racking up for Purdue University Calumet women’s
basketball junior Patrice McBee (Monterey, IN), who was named the
NAIA Division II National Women’s Basketball Player of the Week
during the 2014-15 campaign, marking the first-ever honor in any
sport in Purdue Calumet history. The 6’2” center–who also led the
nation in field goal percentage (66.7 percent)–was a big reason
eighth-year head coach Tom Megyesi’s squad completed its fourthstraight 20-win season with a 21-8 mark and was ranked as high as
No. 8 in the national polls during the year.
MEN’S SOCCER BEST SEASON IN 20 YEARS
The men’s soccer team pieced together a magical 2014 campaign
that included its first berth into the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic
Conference Tournament in just its third season back after a 15-year
hiatus, a 10-7-2 overall mark, and a thrilling victory in the tourney
opener that sent the Peregrines into the CCAC semifinals. Purdue
Calumet’s 5-3 win in the penalty kick round over Roosevelt gave the
program its first postseason victory since Frank Carroll’s squad in 1982.
WATch
#PEREGRInEnATIOn
TAkE FlighT WiTh liVE STREAMiNg
PuRDuECAlsPORTs.COM
@PURDUEcAlSPORTS
3
NEWS
FROM ThE PuRDuE unIVERsITY CAluMET COMMunITY
CONGRATULATIONS
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
4
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS GAINS
PREMIER AACSB ACCREDITATION
Purdue University Calumet’s College of
Business has earned accreditation from
the world’s premier business accrediting
body–the Association to Advance
Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
International.
Fewer than 5 percent of business colleges worldwide
have achieved this accreditation, which is acclaimed
internationally as the longest standing, most
recognized form of specialized/professional
accreditation an institution and its business
programs can earn.
The Purdue Calumet accreditation is applicable at
both undergraduate and master’s degree levels.
Purdue Calumet’s College of Business is the
largest AACSB International-accredited program in
Northwest Indiana.
BEsT
cOllEgE/UNiVERSiTy
FOR ThE 7Th yEAR iN A ROW
according to The Times of Northwest Indiana’s
2015 “Best of the Region” survey.
BEsT unIVERsITY
FOR ObTAiNiNg A TEchNOlOgy DEgREE
according to Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly. In its
Spring/Summer 2015 issue, the magazine ranked Purdue
Calumet’s College of Technology No. 1 in the area.
shARE
In ThE PRIDE
Spring 2015 Commencement
ceremonies marked another
first for our campus. Anyone
around the world could
watch the ceremony via
the internet... and you
participated in a BIG way!
4,v7
0
7
iews in
34 STATES &
30 COUNTRIES
TOP 5
COUNTRIES
with the most views
SAUDIARABIA
INDIA
KUWAIT
QATAR
UNITED STATES
FACULTY&STAFF
PAT OBI (FINANCE) Professor Obi’s recently
published book, We Must Change the Way We
Live, is a reflective perspective of the value of
financial prudence and advanced education in
a changing world. The book can be reviewed at
www.patobi.com.
GEORGE NNANNA (MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING, DIRECTOR OF PURDUE
UNIVERSITY CALUMET WATER INSTITUTE)
In collaboration with engineering alumnus
Ahmed Hasnain Jalal (MSE ‘10), Professor
Nnanna has produced a U.S. patent for the
university and its Water Institute. The team
has been recognized for advancing innovative
technologies relating to water safety and
drinkability, and developing a reliable and
inexpensive technique to monitor water
delivery systems for ammonia contaminants.
TANYA STABLER MILLER (HISTORY) Professor
Miller focused on a 13th century French religious
movement that connects female spirituality and
labor in her book, The Beguines of Medieval
Paris: Gender, Patronage, and Spiritual
Authority. The book is available at http://www.
upenn.edu/pennpress/book/15228.html.
BARBARA NICOLAI (COMPUTER
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY) Through
the Northwest Indiana Information Sharing
Security Alliance (NIISSA), Associate Professor
Nicolai is on a committee charged with
designing the technology needs for a Northwest
Indiana Multi-Agency Command Center to
be built near the Gary/Chicago International
Airport. She also continues development of a
disaster management system to improve access
to information and resources during disasters.
DR. MAGESH CHANDRAMOULI
(COMPUTER GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGY)
Dr. Chandramouli developed a course
e-text that is saving students at least 75%
of the price of a printed text. The e-text,
An Introduction to Animation, is a product
of a pilot initiative offered through
Information Technology @ Purdue (ITaP)
and Purdue Libraries.
5
W
alking through our
new, cutting edge
Commercialization and
Manufacturing Excellence Center recently,
I thought about how a changing university
evolves to a changed university.
6
Two years ago, Purdue University Calumet
was in transition. We were adapting to
state directives that we become a different
university–focusing on baccalaureate and
master’s degree excellence.
More rigorous admission standards
demanded that we appeal to better
prepared, full time students intent on
persisting to a Purdue degree in a timely
manner on our campus. Add a challenging
economy to the mix, and we also found
ourselves having to make some difficult
business and operational decisions.
So in response, how have we changed?
FOCUS ON STUDENTS,
HIGHER RETENTION RATE
Collectively, our campus has concentrated
on becoming more student-focused and
supporting student success. Typically,
there is a relationship between a focus on
student success and a higher freshmanto-sophomore year retention rate. Our
rate jumped from 68.8 percent in 2013 to
73.5 percent last fall, thanks to data-driven
strategies employed by our Office of Student
Success & Transition, earning Purdue Calumet
a national Student Success Collaborative
award from the Education Advisory Board.
But student success has not stopped there.
Three communication majors and a recent
graduate placed in the top four categories
of the Broadcast Education Association’s
2015 Festival of Media Arts scriptwriting
competition. For those of you keeping score,
our students have earned 17 top three finishes
in the national competition since 2002.
Celebrating the opening of the new Commercialization and Manufacturing
Excellence Center. Pictured from left are: Richard Calinski (BS ’03, MBA ’10);
Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr. (BS ’96); Chancellor Thomas L. Keon; David
A. Roberts (BS ’74) and Susan Roberts.
NATIONAL ACADEMIC
RECOGNITIONS
Academically, our College of Nursing received
one of nursing education’s elite national
recognitions last fall when it was named a
Center of Excellence by the National League
for Nursing. Also last fall, our Honors Program
became our Honors College.
Then just a few weeks
ago, our College of
Business gained status
that just 5 percent of
business programs
worldwide enjoy—
accreditation from the world’s premier
business accrediting body: the Association
to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
(AACSB) International.
Outside the classroom, partnerships with
the City of Hammond and Community
Hospital are supporting wonderful athletic
and health care facilities for our campus
community. Another partnership with
alumnus Dave Roberts, chairman, president
and CEO of internationally respected
Carlisle Companies, Inc., enabled the walk
I referenced in my opening paragraph
through an amazing new outreach
center that is destined to spur economic
development in Northwest Indiana,
advance faculty expertise, and encourage
experiential student learning.
Thomas L. Keon
Chancellor, Purdue University Calumet
GlOBAl REcOgNiTiON
PURDUE UNIVERSITY CALUMET ALUMNUS
Jonathan Wilson receives Fulbright Award, travels to Africa
Recent graduate Jonathan Wilson (BA ’15) will practice his teaching skills halfway around
the world as the recipient of a prestigious 2015-16 Fulbright Student Award this fall. Wilson,
23, is believed to be the first Purdue Calumet student to gain the Fulbright recognition.
Photo by Jonathan Miano, Times of Northwest Indiana
Wilson will travel to the Ivory Coast in western Africa, where he will spend nine months
teaching English to students of various ages and backgrounds. Through his Purdue Calumet
learning experiences, he already is a veteran of two previous, international trips–to
Nicaragua as a study abroad student and to Tanzania as a McNair Post-Baccalaureate
Achievement Program scholar.
“He effectively expressed a passion for teaching and enabling social change through
education,” commented University McNair Program Coordinator Yolanda Beamon.
“If we want to change something in our
community, it’s up to us to do it– to get
involved and make it happen.”
Wilson graduated with a history degree in May 2015, citing his most important lesson learned
from Purdue University Calumet as, “We never stop learning. I appreciate that professors want to
teach students to become critical thinkers, so that we can make society better.” n
7
Together we will change lives. I look forward to seeing you
throughout this year of celebration!
Sincerely,
Scott Schaller (AS ’95, BS ’97, MBA ’12)
President, Purdue Alumni Association Calumet (PAC)
hIGhlIGhTs
In this time of change and growth, we are all cherishing
memories of Purdue University Calumet over the last 70 years.
Whether you choose to give of your time, talent or treasure,
everything counts.
cOMMENcEMENT
I am honored to serve as the 20152016 President of the Purdue Alumni
Association Calumet Board of Directors.
It gives me great pleasure to give back
to a school that has played such an
important part in my education.
Photo by Press Photography Network
DEAR ALUMNI & FRIENDS,
Jeff Strack (MBA ‘00)
Purdue University Calumet celebrated commencement
with three ceremonies held on campus May 8-9.
Friday evening’s keynote speaker and Northwest
Indiana State Representative Hal Slager encouraged
the graduates “to accept personal responsibility,
live for others and be involved with your community.”
Saturday, Jeff Strack, Vice President of Strack and
Van Til’s supermarket chain and a Purdue Calumet
MBA alumnus, addressed the importance of
responding to opportunities, learning from failure
and taking advantage of potential to achieve
unlimited greatness. “Dare to spend your life
exploring beneficial and rewarding ways to share it
with the world,” he said. n
looking to the future:
PURDUE
UNIVERSITY
NORTHWEST
ENRICHING THE PURDUE EXPERIENCE IN
NORTHWEST INDIANA ON TWO
GREAT CAMPUSES
8
T
he Purdue University Calumet campus will
enter an exciting new phase of its history in
2016. The campus is unifying with Purdue
University North Central, of Westville, IN, to form an
expanded Purdue presence in Northwest Indiana that
will be known as Purdue University Northwest.
The two campuses are working through a process of
unification from which Purdue University Northwest
(PNW) will emerge, pending approval of the Higher
Learning Commission, which accredits both universities.
The unification is expected to be completed in time for
the start of the 2016-17 academic year.
5TH LARGEST INDIANA
PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
Purdue University Northwest will become the fifth largest public
university in Indiana, enrolling approximately 16,000 students on two
vibrant campuses, and offering more than 50 programs of study–
baccalaureate, graduate and doctorate levels. Its academic programs
will be distinguished by opportunities for experiential learning, civic
engagement, community partnerships, and one-to-one relationships
among students and faculty.
The Purdue University Board of Trustees directed in February 2014
that the Purdue Calumet and Purdue North Central campuses should
come together as one university. The name, Purdue University
Northwest, was selected by the Trustees in July 2014.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST
UNIFICATION
APPLICATION
HLC BOARD
FEB 26
‘14
AUG 1
‘15
FEB
‘16
ANNOUNCED
TO HLC
VOTE
PREP OF
FACT FINDING
FOR HLC
PEER REVIEWERS
APPLICATION
REVIEW BY HLC
JULY 1
‘16
IF
YES!
BENEFITS OF UNIFICATION
Unification will give students more programmatic
choices, and faculty will have additional research
possibilities, including more colleagues for collaboration.
By combining resources, programs can be developed or
strengthened such as Honors and a Center for Teaching,
Learning and Technology. Unification will promote an
increased focus on applied and community-based research.
The unification process will re-direct more resources
into educational quality and student success. Ultimately,
the establishment of a stronger Purdue presence in
Northwest Indiana is intended to best serve students,
families, business, industry and economic development.
UNIFIED LEADERSHIP,
ATHLETIC PROGRAMS
AND NEW MASCOT TO
BE ANNOUNCED
Purdue University is conducting a national search to hire the first
chancellor of Purdue University Northwest (PNW). The chancellor
will oversee the integration of the two campuses and be the first
chief executive officer of PNW, leading the faculty and staff in
shaping the new institution.
In addition, the athletic programs of the two campuses will be
combined. Beginning in the of fall 2016, all student athletes at
the two campuses will compete as one team per sport for Purdue
Northwest, pending approval of the Higher Learning Commission.
Both campuses have excellent new facilities in which teams may
compete–the outdoor Athletics Complex at Dowling Park in
Hammond, and the Student Services and Activities Complex under
construction at the Westville campus.
During the spring of 2015, alumni were among the many people
invited to give input into a process of selecting a new nickname
for PNW. A nickname is the name by which a university and its
athletic teams are known. It is expected that the PNW nickname
will be announced later in 2015. From the nickname, typically a
mascot is developed – a character to encourage spirit that appears
at athletic, university and community events.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN
TO ALUMNI?
The change from Purdue Calumet to Purdue Northwest will only
enhance the value of your Purdue degree. The Calumet campus
will become part of a stronger, more prominent Purdue presence
in northwest Indiana and beyond, and the growth of Purdue
Northwest will enable the university to continue to evolve.
Purdue University Northwest-Calumet, as your campus will
be known, will continue to honor its roots (see sidebar) while
continually offering more opportunities to return to campus for
academic, cultural and athletic events. What’s more, your support
to your alma mater will continue to benefit students and programs
on your campus, as YOU designate.
Watch for more information about the unification through your
email, the university website and social media. You can keep up
with the latest news at www.unifynorthcentralcalumet.com. n
FASTFAcTS
Purdue Northwest will have approximately
16,000 students on two campuses, and offer
more than 50 programs of study.
A shARED
hiSTORy
A BRIGhT
FUTURE
Purdue University Calumet and Purdue
University North Central are academically
comprehensive regional universities in
the internationally-respected Purdue
University system, located 35 miles apart.
The campuses share similar roots that
reach back to the end of World War II
when Purdue University offered technical
classes at “extension centers” for
returning GIs re-entering the workforce.
The idea proved successful, and Purdue
University soon expanded its regional
campus offerings.
Purdue Calumet traces its roots to 1946
and opened for classes at its current
site in 1951. The 18-building, 172-acre
campus is located in Hammond, 25 miles
southeast of downtown Chicago. Purdue
Calumet offers 50 baccalaureate and
master’s degrees in dozens of fields of
study for more than 9,500 students.
Purdue North Central is located in
LaPorte County near Westville. It serves
more than 6,000 students and offers 24
baccalaureate degrees and an MBA. The
269-acre Purdue North Central campus
currently has three major buildings, with
a Student Services and Activities Complex
under construction and planned to open
in spring 2016. Purdue North Central
also has two buildings in Porter County,
where undergraduate courses and a
Saturday MBA are offered.
9
ALUMNI FEATURE
10
T H E P AT H
from
BUSBOY
to
CEO
Deno Yiankes (BS ‘88)
Deno Yiankes, President/CEO of Investments and Development
at White Lodging Services, made his first trip to the Purdue
Calumet campus during his senior year in high school. “I met
with Mike Flannery, and he made me feel at home within the
first 15 minutes,” Yiankes commented. He continue by saying
that Professor Flannery, who, at the time, was coordinator of
the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at the school
gave him a tour of the campus and explained the overall value
of a degree at Purdue Calumet. “He made some really great
points,” Yiankes said, “and, since I was paying my way through
school, the fact that I could live at home made economic sense.”
11
ALUMNI FEATURE
12
“Many of my professors
were either working
in or had worked in
the particular segment
of the industry they
were teaching. I often
found as much value
from their shared
experiences or hallway
discussions as I did
from the textbooks.”
EARLY INTEREST
The hospitality industry drew Yiankes in when he started washing dishes
and bussing tables during high school. He was particularly drawn to the
energy in the industry as well as the personal interaction it affords. “I recall
eight-hour shifts going by in the blink of an eye and finding myself anxiously
looking forward to the next day!” Yiankes was able to continue to work in
the industry during his time at Purdue Calumet, saying he worked 30 to 40
hours a week at the Holiday Star Plaza.
SOLID FOUNDATIONS
FOR SUCCESS
Yiankes feels that one of the greatest attributes of the Hospitality and
Tourism Management program is that it ensures graduates have a solid
business background and a grasp of all aspects of the hospitality industry.
Yiankes really enjoyed the cooking classes, relating “In one class we
worked in teams and were required to plan an entire restaurant from
design to serving a group dinner while making sure you were profitable
along the way.”
“Many of my professors were either working in or had worked in the
particular segment of the industry they were teaching,” said Yiankes.
“I often found as much value from their shared experiences or hallway
discussions as I did from the textbooks.”
“When I first started at Purdue Calumet, my plans were to eventually
be the general manager of a restaurant or hotel,” explained Yiankes.
However, an internship the summer after his junior year helped lead him in
another direction. He was given the opportunity to work in Mineola,
New York with HVS International, a well-respected consulting and
valuation firm. “The internship opened my eyes to other career paths
and, in hindsight, proved to be career and life changing.”
GROWTH CONTINUES
When Yiankes enrolled at Purdue Calumet the Hospitality and Tourism
Management program was a two-year program. However, in his
second year of the program, university officials determined there was
enough interest to merit offering a full four-year degree in the discipline.
“I firmly believe that the
quality of the curriculum
and the facilities compare
favorably and exceed
some of the industry’s
leading programs.”
bUilDiNg FAcUlTiES
ThROuGh OuR
FACILITIES
The White Lodging Center of Hospitality and Tourism
Management provides students with a technology-rich
computer lab and classroom; state-of-the-art wine &
beverage lab and kitchens; and a professionally equipped
restaurant which gives students both a front-of-the-house
and back-of-the-house experience.
The Hospitality and Tourism Management program prepares
graduates to succeed in a wide variety of professional
business related careers. HTM alumni have become industry
leaders and are a testament to the Hospitality and Tourism
Management program’s rich 30-year history.
Not only was Purdue Calumet committed to the program, White
Lodging Services was also committed to it. “Our relationship/
partnership with Purdue Calumet goes back more than 25 years,”
Yiankes said. “White Lodging has a history of giving back to the
community and is committed to education that cultivates the
hospitality leaders of tomorrow.” In 2009, The Dean & Barbara
White Family Foundation and The Bruce & Beth White Family
Foundation made financial gifts to the university to establish the
White Lodging Center of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
13
“I firmly believe that the quality of the curriculum and the facilities
compare favorably and perhaps exceed some of the industry’s
leading programs,” Yiankes commented. “Purdue Calumet offers a
phenomenal opportunity for current and future students, and it’s a
great institution to have in Northwest Indiana.” n
LET’SEAT!
Experience all the White Lodging Center of Hospitality
and Tourism has to offer with lunch and dinner themes
and menus from our student-run restaurant. We offer
unique fine dining experiences on Wednesdays during
fall and spring semesters. Reservations are required.
For more information about the Hospitality and Tourism
Management program or to make reservations, call
219-989-2340.
Currently, the program houses 250 students and anticipates
a dramatic increase in attendees in the upcoming year.
Students prepare themed luncheons and dinners during the
fall and spring semesters. n
ALUMNI FEATURE
14
Felicia Middlebrooks (BA ‘82, MBA ‘14)
A REMARKABLE CAREER
With a voice that is instantly recognizable throughout Chicagoland
and Northwest Indiana, Felicia Middlebrooks got a leg up in what
she calls her “dream career” with some help from her professors at
Purdue University Calumet. “It was a wonderful experience; I had
professors who really cared and encouraged me,” commented the
1982 College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences graduate.
After receiving her communication degree, and working at various
region radio stations Middlebrooks was hired as co-anchor for
WBBM Newsradio in Chicago in 1984, a position she still holds.
“Not only was I the first woman in the nation to co-anchor mornings
for CBS Radio, I was also the first African American,” she noted.
“Purdue Calumet was
a wonderful experience;
I had professors who
really cared and
encouraged me.”
A TURN FOR THE BETTER
While Middlebrooks spent part of her undergraduate years at the
West Lafayette campus, she said it was fate that brought her back
to her native Northwest Indiana. “My father was ill, and I was
short of money,” she explained. “It was a blessing in disguise. The
smaller campus and class size allowed me one-on-one time with
my professors.”
In part because of her appreciation for what Purdue Calumet helped
her accomplish, Middlebrooks shares her wealth of knowledge
and hands-on experience with current students in her duties as an
adjunct professor. “I talk about what it takes to do the job right, and
I bring them into the studio to see first-hand what the business of
communications entails,” she said. “It is a real privilege to be able to
work with students who are hungry to learn.”
QUALITY TIME ON CAMPUS
Middlebrooks explained that she felt her professors at Purdue
Calumet really cared about her success by focusing on her skill sets
and talents. “When I was working at the steel mills and going to
school, one of my professors suggested I interview for an on-air
position at a local radio station,” she recalled. “I was exhausted, but
I went to the interview, and I got the job that day.” She went on by
saying, “No one would let me quit.”
Since graduating from Purdue Calumet “quit” is not a word you will
find in Middlebrooks’ vocabulary.
15
In addition to her broadcasting duties, Middlebrooks runs her own
production company and is interested in documentary film making.
This is one of the reasons she decided to pursue her MBA at Purdue
University Calumet. She graduated in 2014. “Not only did I think it
would make good business sense, I just thoroughly enjoy learning.”
Middlebrooks said, once again, she had superb professors who
opened her eyes to what it takes to be a successful business person.
“I quickly realized there was a lot I didn’t know,” she said, laughing.
ACHIEVEMENTS RECOGNIzED
Now a Chicago native, Middlebrooks’ career has put her in the
center of some of the world’s major events. When Nelson Mandela
toured the U.S. in 1990, Middlebrooks was there. She has seen the
horrors associated with Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and witnessed the
conflicts in Uganda and Congo. In 2010, Middlebrooks helped bring
medical aid to Haiti after the earthquake.
Middlebrooks’ accomplishments on and off the radio have not
gone unnoticed. In 2010, she was named one of the “50 Women
of Excellence” by the Chicago Defender. She has also won the
Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in News, the “Best
Reporter” Award from the Associated Press, and many more. Most
recently, Middlebrooks received The Chicago Headline Club Lifetime
Achievement Award. “I credit Purdue Calumet as being critical to my
success,” remarked Middlebrooks. n
ALUMNI SPOTlighT
Denise Wassenaar (BS ’89, MS ’92)
16
A chilDhOOD DREAM
TRAnsCEnDED
As a pre-teen Denise Wassenaar
was captivated by Cherry Ames
mystery novels, a popular “tween”
series of books featuring the
adventures of Cherry Ames, a
student nurse during World War II.
“I read as many of them as I could,”
Wassenaar says. “It’s what inspired me to
go into nursing. I just loved the image and
reading what it was like to be a nurse.”
Wassenaar began her career even before she
entered nursing school, working as a certified
nurses’ aid in a nursing home.
She then went on to become a licensed
practical nurse, registered nurse, nurse
practitioner, certified nursing home
administrator, consultant, chief clinical
officer, educator and national speaker.
AN AFFINITY FOR
THE ELDERLY
It was when she completed her master’s
degree as a clinical nurse specialist in
gerontology that Wassenaar realized she
wanted to work exclusively with the
geriatric population.
“My true passion
has always been
for the elderly.”
The instructor of Wassenaar’s last class of
her master’s degree was the CEO of a longterm care organization. “He hired me as his
vice president of clinical services, and that
began my true journey in the management
side of nursing,” says Wassenaar. “My
executive role provided me the opportunity
to influence the care of the geriatric
population living in nursing homes and
retirement communities.”
“Consequently, much of my later career has
led to opportunities that positively influence
the aging process,” Wassenaar says.
One such initiative is a program Wassenaar
developed called SeniorLifeSteps–a
collection of various objective geriatric
assessments that helps providers understand the needs of the older
adult to determine the best place for them to live.
Within her current position as Chief Clinical Officer at MatrixCare,
Wassenaar is leading the initiative to bring clinical intelligence–the
capture of data and the use of evidence-based practices–to providers
of resident care through the use of electronic health records. “This
opportunity allows me to use my geriatric nursing knowledge and
skills to develop software solutions for many nurses,” she says.
FAMILY INFLUENCE
Wassenaar credits both of her grandmothers with her passion
for the needs of the elderly. “I’ve always had an affinity for older
people,” she says. “I think older adults have so much experience
and wisdom to share.
Research shows if you had a great experience with grandparents it
will help you understand and work with the elderly in a better way. I
had two wonderful grandmothers and great relationships with them.”
PURDUE CALUMET
PREPAREDNESS
In the spring of 2015, Wassenaar participated in Purdue Calumet’s
Women’s History Month Alumnae Panel, “Breaking the Glass Ceiling:
Challenges and Rewards.”
“I had the great experience
of revisiting the College
of Nursing. I haven’t been
back to Purdue Calumet
since 1993, and it was
very exciting to see the
growth and innovation.”
In fact, 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of Purdue Calumet’s
Nursing Program.
Wassenaar describes Purdue Calumet’s emphasis on professionalism
and its approach to nursing as,’very holistic’. “I graduated with a
toolkit of skills in the areas of public speaking, writing, problem
solving, critical thinking and interpersonal relationship building,” she
says. “It was those skills that took me into the business world and
gave me the foundation to launch my professional career.
“Collectively this provided the foundation to approach challenges with
a confidence to succeed,” adds Wassenaar. “Years after graduating I
continue to use and hone these skills in my various executive roles.” n
College of Nursing
50th Anniversary Celebration
“Leadership and Innovation in Evidence
Based Healthcare”
October 2-3, 2015
Radisson Star Plaza, Merrillville, IN
Friday, October 2, 2015
Indiana Center for Evidence Based Nursing
Practice Conference
Professional development conference
with distinguished speakers
Friday evening
Alumni networking
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Visit to campus
Brunch, tour, visit with classmates
Saturday evening
50th Anniversary Celebration at the Radisson
17
ALUMNI SPOTlighT
Lt. Cmdr. James Gennari (AAS ’93, BS ‘98)
18
nuRsInG
HERO EARNS A
bRONZE STAR
His story has attracted national attention: U.S. naval nurse
heroically risks his life in an Afghanistan combat zone
providing medication and comfort to an injured marine
while a live grenade is removed from the latter’s leg.
For gallant action and selfless disregard for his personal safety, Lt.
Commander James Gennari, Purdue University Calumet nursing
alumnus, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. According to the
Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), he is one of just
two officers in the U.S. Navy Nurses Corps to have received the
distinguished recognition since 1970.
On Jan. 12, 2012, Lt. Commander Gennari applied lessons he
learned at Purdue Calumet and elsewhere. As Assistant Officer in
Charge and Senior Nurse for a forward deployed mobile resuscitative
surgical unit, he had primary duties of providing medical support
to the U.S. Marines Corps Operations. Secondarily, he was the
helicopter flight nurse, responsible for training professionals and
paraprofessionals in the care and transportation of trauma patients.
As a trauma trained, critical care flight nurse, it happened to be
Gennari’s turn for the first flight out that day, when “we got a call
to pick up a 3-year-old with gunshot wounds being flown into our
location,” he said.
“Being a nurse is not just
a job; it’s a duty.”
But the 3-year-old turned out to be a 20-year-old marine with a live
ordinance 14 inches long and one inch in diameter that had entered
his left thigh and protruded 12 inches until the tip reached and
began to exit the buttocks area.
HIT BY A ROCKET
PROPELLED GRENADE
“He was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade used to destroy tanks,”
Gennari said. Then, as if the situation couldn’t get any more dicey, it did.
Extremely anxious about the prospect of an injured victim
inadvertently setting off a deadly explosion with one, unfortunate
movement, all options were weighed. “I was told, ‘You don’t have to
go out there’,” the Lt. Commander said.
“I responded, ‘It’s my job and my decision,’ and without further
discussion, I went out to provide care to my patient. When I got to
him, he asked where everyone was, I told him he had a live ordinance
in his body. Then I took his hand and promised I would not leave him.”
For 20 long minutes, Gennari held the young marine’s hand
and attempted to console him. When an army explosive expert
joined them, a decision was made to manually extract the rocketpropelled device.
ExTRACTING THE GRENADE
Subsequently, Gennari sedated his patient, after which time he said
the explosive ordinance specialist, told him, “If you’re going to leave,
now is the time.” The Lt. Commander countered, “If you’re not
leaving, I’m not leaving.”
Focusing on his task, the specialist pulled on the highly explosive
ordinance to no avail. Gennari then released the tourniquet he
previously had secured to his patient. Two more tugs safely freed the
grenade from the marine.
But that wasn’t the only challenge.
“When I sedated him, I had to hold his airway open,” Gennari said.
“Then when the live ordinance was removed, blood was pouring
out. I’m packing both ends of the wound to stop the bleeding and
trying to keep his airway open at the same time.
“In the Navy Nurses Corps,
we base everything on
evidence-based practice,
which is what I learned
at Purdue Calumet. I had
great instructors.”
“When we got him on the helicopter, it was night, you couldn’t
see much, and the ventilator stopped working. I had to manually
ventilate the patient, and while doing so, I placed my hand on his
chest to ensure I didn’t over inflate his lungs.”
Eventually, all ended well. The young marine, Lance Cpl. Winder
Perez, recovered. “It was just another day as a military nurse,”
Gennari said matter-of-factly. “I like to call military nurses the
warriors who fight pain and suffering.”
AN OUTSTANDING FOUNDATION
Lt. Commander James Gennari, after more than 31 years, has now
retired from military service but despite his extensive and decorated
military health care background, he is quick to point out the Purdue
Calumet nursing program gave him a rigorous, academic workout.
“I had my share of challenges in the program,” he said. “My
instructors were tough, but fair; they helped me, but they didn’t
give me anything. I had great, great clinical instructors. There’s no
question I received an outstanding foundation.” n
DOCTOR OF NURSING
PRACTICE PROGRAM
DEBUTS IN THE FALL OF ‘15
Purdue University Calumet will admit its first
doctoral students for the fall of 2015.
Purdue Calumet will partner with
Purdue West Lafayette and Indiana
Purdue Fort Wayne in offering the
innovative Doctor of Nursing Practice
program. “Advancing our region and the
state by addressing specific needs has been
a cornerstone of Purdue University Calumet,”
Chancellor Thomas L. Keon said. “We are pleased
to collaborate in this program that increases expertise while
expanding health care to Indiana residents.”
Designed to be efficient, accessible and cost-effective,
the collaborative DNP will be a practice doctorate,
preparing nurses for leadership roles in the changing
health care industry. It will also equip nurses to plan,
manage and deliver cost-effective, evidence based
care and produce expanded preventative care options.
Additionally, graduates will be prepared to respond to
the health care needs of vulnerable populations.
To learn more about the program, please go to www.
purduecal.edu/nursing/dnp n
COLLEGE OF NURSING
GAINS ELITE NATIONAL
RECOGNITION
Purdue University Calumet’s College of
Nursing was named a Center of Excellence
by the National League for Nursing.
Purdue Calumet is among
six nursing programs to have
received the honor at the NLN’s
Annual Education Summit and Banquet in Phoenix, AZ.
Purdue Calumet joined Clemson, Ohio State and Adelphi
(NY) Universities, the Texas Tech University Health
Sciences Center and Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing
(NY) as honorees.
Center of Excellence designation is effective through
2018 and is reserved for programs that model excellence
in nursing education, while nurturing environments that
enrich student learning and professional development.
Purdue Calumet’s College of Nursing offers baccalaureate
and master’s degree programs for some 1,600 students.
Through a Purdue University system-wide collaboration,
Purdue Calumet is also approved by the Indiana Commission
for Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission
to offer the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. n
19
STUDENT FEATURE
AARON DAVIs
NEVER giVES UP
Aaron Davis transferred to Purdue University Calumet three years
ago to earn a Purdue degree and continue a promising basketball
career–both of which appeared in limbo following an unfortunate,
early spring April morning in 2009.
Davis, then an 18-year-old high school junior in his Peoria, Ill.
hometown, had begun his final day of spring vacation by driving
his mother to work. But upon returning home, he was confronted
outside his garage by a would-be armed robber.
“He demanded money,” Davis, 23, recalled. “When he found out
I didn’t have any, he shot me three times. I was able to get inside
my house and call 9-1-1 on my cell phone, but that’s all I remember
before passing out.”
Fortunately, Davis’ story did not end there.
3 GUNSHOT WOUNDS
20
An ambulance arrived at his home; took him to the hospital; and
bullets from his right arm, thigh and stomach were removed.
Davis then spent months working hard to recover and regain his
strength, confidence and game—which he did his senior year as
an honorable mention all-state guard, helping his Richwoods High
School team to an Illinois Class 3A high school state runner-up
tournament finish in 2010.
Then it was off to an Illinois community college for two years.
Subsequently, he enrolled at Purdue Calumet, earned a starting
position on the Peregrines’ basketball squad and has gained his
Purdue degree in business. In fact, he was among three Purdue
Calumet men’s basketball players who graduated this spring–all
business majors with grade point averages of 3.0 or higher.
“We talk to our players about respecting the process and
appreciating the struggle,” Purdue Calumet men’s basketball coach
Dan Voudrie said. “Aaron has lived that. He’s a guy who is finishing
strong without letting the struggle of life get him down.”
APPRECIATE WHAT YOU HAVE
Between final academic responsibilities and job interviews, Davis
philosophized about his brush with death. “It puts life in a whole
different perspective,” he said. “It makes you appreciate what
you have.”
Even if what you have happens to be a broken wrist, which
sidelined him the entire 2013-14 season. But back on the court
during 2014-15, he earned Voudrie’s praise as being “tenacious”
and “a warrior.” His team-leading 13.1 points and 3.4 assists
a game earned him Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference
2nd team selection. Off the court, Davis has raised his grade point
average nearly every semester of his three years at Purdue Calumet.
“WILL YOU WORK AS HARD
AS AARON DAVIS?”
“I really took my grades to a different level when I got here,” he
said. “I was motivated to be the best I could be. I think it was
maturity, taking advantage of opportunities and not settling for
anything less.”
That also holds true for jobs he has held with the Purdue Calumet
campus grounds unit and Admissions Office. “When I’m trying to
find a campus job for one of our basketball players, and I approach
our grounds supervisor, he asks me, ‘Will he work as hard as Aaron
Davis’?” Voudrie said.
Asked what Davis will take from his Purdue Calumet experience, he
said, “If I needed help from anyone, all I had to do was ask. This
place is really student–and athlete–friendly.” n
Photo by Richard Rupp
GREETINGS FROM OMAn
21
with Oman’s Ministry of Higher Education which maintains quality
control over the establishment of new colleges.
With each passing year Purdue Calumet’s affiliation with Bayan
has grown richer and deeper. The two institutions now have a 2+2
agreement which permits qualifying Bayan students the option of
transferring to Purdue Calumet where they may complete their degree.
F
or the past ten years, Purdue Calumet has been working
in Oman on the establishment of a liberal arts college
in the peaceful and prosperous corner of the Arabian
Peninsula. Just an idea ten years ago, today Bayan College, located
in Muscat, is a vibrant institution of higher learning with nearly 700
students, most of whom are young women majoring in the fields of
Communication and English.
From the outset, Purdue Calumet faculty and administrators
have provided strategic planning oversight, participated in the
development of curriculum, made recommendations as to faculty
hiring, assisted in the selection of text books, and advised in the
construction of audio and video production facilities.
Over the years, during annual site visits, numerous Purdue Calumet
faculty have visited Bayan giving guest lectures, holding workshops
with faculty, and meeting with administrators to jointly map out the
next stage of Bayan’s growth. In addition, we have worked closely
We are also working to establish short-term study abroad
opportunities for Purdue Calumet students to visit Oman and for
Omani students to visit Purdue Calumet.
Having been a member of the “Bayan–Purdue Calumet Team” for
many years, I wrote this report from my office at Bayan College
where I spent the Spring 2015 semester. I taught courses each
day, met with faculty to discuss new pedagogical approaches, and
chatted with students about their futures.
As do all regions of the world, the Middle East confronts many
challenges. But there are also many opportunities. College students
in Oman are just like college students in the United States. Through
hard work and determination, they are setting themselves up to
live productive and rewarding lives. I am delighted and proud that
Purdue Calumet is playing a positive role in the corner of the world.
Richard Rupp
Associate Professor of Political Science
ALUMNI news & notes
1970s
Judge Diane Kavadias
Schneider (BA ’71, MA ’74)
Elected Senior Judge of the Civil
Division of Lake Superior Court
1980s
Lisa K. Jorgenson (MS ‘83)
Named the new Executive
Director for the American
Intellectual Property Law
Association
Lisa M. Daugherty (BA ‘89,
MA ‘94) Named President &
CEO of Lake Area United Way
1990s
Ken Myszak (AAS ‘89, BS’
91) Awarded an Emmy for
Outstanding Achievement for
News Programming
22
Bonnie R. Colon (MSED
‘93) Awarded the Exemplary
Counselor Educator Award by
the Indiana School Counselor
Association for the positive
influence she has had on
students’ lives
Deborah A. Gorombei (MS
‘95) Honored by her selection
in Worldwide Leaders in
Healthcare by The International
Association of Nurses
Edward Podsiadlik, PhD
(MA ‘95) Published his first
book, the “Anecdotes and
Afterthoughts: Literature as a
Teacher’s Curriculum”
Cynthia Ogorek (MA’96)
Produced a series of three
books on Northwest Indiana’s
transportation history
Craig Felty (AAS ‘94, BS ‘98)
Named Chief Nursing Officer of
IU Health LaPorte and Starke
Hospitals
Amy Smith-Yoder (MBA ‘99)
Promoted to General Manager
of U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley
Works, where she will manage
the Coking plant in Clairton,
PA; a steel mill in Braddock, PA;
a finishing plant in West Mifflin,
PA; and a galvanizing facility
near Philadelphia
Christian J. Rubalcaba (BA
‘07) Recognized by the White
House Initiative on Educational
Excellence for Hispanics
2000s
Matt Valuckis (BA ‘00)
Awarded design accounts
with Wild Travels TV, NIPSCO,
Offshore Powerboat Grand Prix
and Morton High School, to
his advertising agency, V as in
Victor, based in Hobart, IN
Dwayne Walker (MBA ‘07)
Opened a new store, Chicagoland
Popcorn in Hobart, IN
Lacy Holevis (BS ‘07) Featured
in The Times of Northwest
Indiana Article, “Traveling
Nurse Cares for Patients Around
the World,” she presented
at the International Cardiac
Research Conference in Astana,
Kazakhstan
New job?
Newlywed?
New arrival?
Submit your news to
alumni@purduecal.edu
Tell us about your
wedding, new baby,
career, retirement or
anything else exciting
happening in your life.
You can request to
have your email address
published with your
submission.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY CALUMET BENEFACTOR
Remembering Donald S. Powers
Donald S. Powers, a 1947
graduate of Purdue West Lafayette,
who figured prominently in the
development of Purdue University
Calumet and other Northwest
Indiana institutions, passed away
Tuesday April 21, 2015.
Don’s vision, passion and impact
touched all areas of Purdue
University Calumet.
He was fiercely devoted to the
growth and development of our campus. Through the years as
Purdue Calumet matured, our institution valued his counsel and
support. He demonstrated his commitment to student success
through the many scholarships he funded. His influence also
enabled our campus to establish itself as a regional center of
technological excellence with the construction during 1988-89 of
the Computer Education Building that bears his name.
Driven by his deep Purdue love, first as a student and then as an
alumnus and University Trustee for 15 years–eight as Chair–he
championed numerous Purdue Calumet initiatives. Don offered
considerable influence within Northwest Indiana and the Purdue
system in ways that benefited our campus.
Additionally, he figured prominently in the advancement of many
significant Northwest Indiana development projects, including
Community Hospital and the Community Hospital Health Care
System, the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, Briar Ridge
subdivision and Country Club, and the Community Veterans
Memorial in Munster, to name several.
We have lost a wonderful friend and advocate.
–Chancellor Thomas L. Keon
GENERATIONS OF
PuRDuE
cAlUMET
The Camarena Family bleeds black and gold!
Through the generations, the Camarenas (including
spouses and children) have attended and worked
for Purdue University Calumet. The extended family
boasts 9 proud Purdue Calumet graduates including:
Leticia Toma (BS ’88) and husband John Toma (AAS
’89, BS ’90); Jeanette Delatorre (BS ’13); Monica
Perez (BS ’11); Manuel Salazar (BSME ’11) ; Ricky
Salazar (BA ’11); Manuel Cordova (AS ’11, BS ’11);
Erika Andrade (BSE ’03) and husband Fernando
Andrade (BSE ’02, MSE ’04). Additionally, four
members of the family are current staff members on
campus including Monica Perez, Susan Delatorre,
Hilda Zavala, and Leticia Toma.
The family celebrated the graduation of four cousins
who were first generation college graduates. Pictured
front row from the left are: Monica Perez (BS ’11);
Manuel Salazar (BSME ’11); back row Ricky Salazar
(BA ’11); Manuel Cordova (AS ’11, BS ’11).
Do you have a large family of loyal Purdue Calumet alumni?
Or did you meet your spouse at Purdue Calumet? If so, please
send your family photo and a brief description to alumni@
purduecal.edu for a chance at being highlighted in future issues of
UPWORD. Please make sure to identify everyone in your photo.
In memoriam
Mr. Glen Belk (AS ‘03)
Mr. Darryl J. Bishop (BSE ‘80)
Mr. Vernon L. Childress (MS ‘74)
Mr. John R. Clauson (BS ‘75)
Ms. Patricia J. Combs (BS ‘71)
Mrs. Donna J (Potesta) Covelli (BS ‘80)
Mr. Nicholas M. Crnkovich (MS ‘75)
Mr. Gerard F. DeLion (MA ‘72)
Mr. Preston O. Dunham (BS ‘75)
Mrs. Susanna B. (Bowers) Ellinwood (MS ‘71)
Mrs. Nancy Kolten Feldman (BA ‘91)
Mrs. Irma A. (Reid) Fleming (MS ‘74)
Mrs. Carol W. (Petersen) Freitag (BA ‘88)
Mr. Roger J. Fuchs (BSCH ‘86)
Mrs. Dolores M. (Bonnell) Giblin (BA ‘76)
Mr. Larry D. Gilbert (MA ‘73)
Mr. Scott Richard Glotzbach (BS ‘93)
Mr. Jason A. Gondek (BA ‘06)
Mr. Gregory F. Govert (BS ‘74)
Mr. David C. Hildebrand (MS ‘79)
Mrs. Betty J. (Gladdish) Huffman (AAS ‘88)
Ms. Virginia K. Jack-Jacox (MSED ‘97)
Mr. Gerard Jendraszkiewicz (BS ‘84)
Ms. Judith A. (Collins) Johnson (BS ‘96)
Ms. Carol S. Kaniewski (AAS ‘70)
Ms. Diane K. (Gude) Klikus (MSED ‘09)
Mr. James W. Kline (BS ‘76)
Mr. Terry Lipscomb (BA ‘96)
Ms. Susan M. (Frank) Montania (MS ‘74)
Mrs. Rose Mary (Hindmon) Moore (AAS ‘73)
Mr. Darrell F. Navarro (BS ‘77)
Mrs. Mary Elizabeth (Palucki) Ochs (BA ‘92)
Mrs. Patricia Joyce (Sullivan) Paulson (BA ‘03)
Mrs. Sandra Jo Polis-Williams (BS ‘87)
Mrs. Lois J. (Gottschalk) Pozywio (BS ‘91)
Mrs. Paula Marie (Rudigier) Quigg MS ‘86)
Dr. Thomas D. Reinert (BA ‘69)
Mr. John Arnold Robinson (BS ‘78)
Mrs. Dorothy I. (Koman) Saltanovitz (MS ‘78)
Dr. Judy A. (Penovich) Serwatka (MS ‘83)
Mr. P. Andrew Shearin (BSE ‘88)
Mrs. Linda L. (Baker) Smead (AAS ‘74)
Mr. Peter A. Steffus (AAS ‘63)
Mr. Aaron Storer (BS ‘14)
Ms. Barbara A. (Hus) Synos (AA ‘92)
Mr. Richard L. Terpstra (BS ‘73)
Mrs. Carolyn J. (Moye) Threatt (MS ‘73)
Mr. Michael Tonetski (AAS ‘66, BS ‘68)
Mrs. R. Jeanne (Dickson) Vale (MS ‘79)
Mrs. Nomiki N. (Kardoulias) Vorgias
(AS ’00, BS ‘06, MS ‘08)
Mr. Seth C. White Jr. (BS ‘76)
Miss Phyllis A. (Danman) Yates (AS ‘94)
Mr. Andy Zobenica (BS ‘95)
23
FROM ThE VAulT
DID YOU
kNOW?
In the 1940s
» Technical classes, offered
by the university in
cooperation with the
federal government during
World War II, gave way to
the start of degree credit
academic programs
» Women began enrolling
in 1947
In the 1950s
» 80 seat campus cafeteria
soda bar opens
» 2,850 students are enrolled
24
» Practical Nursing program
opens with 86 students
» The first “officially sponsored”
basketball team is
organized by Robert Hayes
In the 1960s
» Engineering begins a four
year degree program with
200 students enrolled
» Academically-ranked faculty
now number 162
In the 1970s
» 5,245 students enrolled, a 20
percent increase from 1969
» The Purdue Alumni
Association–Calumet
is formed
PURDUE UNIVERSITY CALUMET MILESTONES
First 100 students
begin taking
Purdue University
credit courses in
Northwest Indiana
Construction of
what would
become known as
the Gyte Building
Purdue Calumet
officially becomes a
regional campus of
Purdue University
1946
1951
1954-63
First class of
Baccalaureate
degree graduates
Full accreditation
from North Central
Association of
Colleges and
Secondary Schools
The campus is
re-designated
Purdue University
Calumet
1967
1968
1979
celebrating 70 years of excellence
In the 1980s
» 7,400 students enrolled as
the university celebrates its
40th anniversary
» The university mascot
becomes the Lakers
» Powers Computer Education
Building is constructed
In the 1990s
» 20,000th degree conferred
at the 25th commencement
» Fifty student organizations
are active on campus
In the 2000s
» Experiential Learning becomes
baccalaureate requirement
» Increased admission
standards implemented
In the 2010s
» Dowling Park Athletic
Complex opens for play
» 50,000th degree conferred
in Spring 2014
» White Lodging Center of
Hospitality and Tourism
Management opens
» Commercialization and
Manufacturing Excellence
Center opens
Can you identify alumni
in these photos?
Let us know! Email us at
alumni@purduecal.edu.
Becomes a
residential campus
with the opening of
University Village
Among the first
universities to adopt
structured experiential
learning as a graduation
requirement
Athletics expands to
12 sports and more
than 200 athletes
2005
2008
2013
Honors
College is
established
Plans announced to
unify with Purdue
North Central into
Purdue University
Northwest
College of Nursing
launches campus’ first
doctoral program
and celebrates
50th anniversary
2014
2014
2015
25
NON-PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
HAMMOND, IN
PERMIT NO. 1844
All images Press Photograph Network
COMMEnCEMEnT
OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
2200 169th STREET
HAMMOND, INDIANA 46323-2094
purduecal.edu
2015
SAVE THE DATES
sEPT 9
sEPT 26
OCT 2-3
CHICAGO, IL
CHICAGO, IL
MERRILLVILLE, IN
ALUMNI
COCKTAIL
RECEPTION
ALUMNI
DINNER
CRUISE
COLLEGE OF NURSING
50TH ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATION