Graduate student received his degree on graduation day.

PNW Alumni

The PNW Alumni Engagement office serves more than 70,000 PNW alumni...including you! Whether it be career connections, on or off-campus events or other ways to engage with your peers or future alumni, we're here to help. Connect with us today!

Meet Our Alumni

Michaela Weaver

Michaela Weaver, B.S. '22

PNW alumna Michaela Weaver is embarking on a new adventure as an Evidence Technician II at the Illinois State Police Forensic Science Center!

She was the first PNW student in STEM to present her research internationally at the International Society for Forensic Genetics in Prague, Czech Republic in 2019. Despite facing challenges during her childhood and beyond, Michaela wants to inspire others, especially women in STEM, by showing that obstacles can be overcome.

Her courage and determination remind us that anything is possible.

Maya Tobin

Maya Tobin, B.S. '20, M.S. '22

Maya Tobin is a true PNW success story! Despite the challenges of graduating during the pandemic, Maya persisted.

After completing her bachelor’s degree at PNW, she continued her education with a master’s from the College of Technology. Her journey led her to JK FEC MGMT, where she started as an HR/Training Assistant. Through hard work and dedication, Maya quickly rose to become an HR/Training Specialist, now overseeing marketing and social media for multiple locations. She’s a true superstar, handling new hire orientation, training, and much more.

Maya’s ambition doesn’t stop there – she dreams of pursuing a doctorate in technology.

Murilo Cunha

Murilo Cunha, B.S. '18

Murilo Cunha, a proud PNW alum, is reminiscing about his college days!

From bonding with his soccer teammates to enduring the chilly winters and diving into lab exercises, PNW left a lasting impression. Now living in Leuven, Belgium, he’s a Tech Lead AI at Dataroots.

Reflecting on his college experience, Murilo highlights the importance of interpersonal skills and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, which have been crucial for his career journey.

Jasmin Zamora

Jasmin Zamora, B.A. '14

Jasmin Zamora, a 2014 communications graduate, is making waves in diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the founder and president of Sembra, Jasmin is leading a newly established organization to make a positive impact.

She also sits on the national board of directors for Mujeres Latinas en Accion and on the Emerging Leaders Board for Casa Central.

Steve Mulder

Steve Mulder, B.S. '03

PNW’s HTM Alum Steve Mulder BS’03 developed an interest in the hospitality industry at the young age of 10!

His interest in hotels and restaurants turned into a passion when he was hired for his first restaurant job at 15. 28 years later, his passion is just as strong as it was then.

Steve’s impressive career led him to places like Las Vegas to New York and is currently the Vice President of Revenue Strategy for Apple REIT, a company with more than 220 hotels nationwide.

Spencer Summers

Spencer Summers, B.S. '22

A region native, Spencer Summers, began his professional career at just 14 when he worked at a sports complex in Valparaiso, Indiana, and became Basketball Director.

After qualifying for 30 dual-credit high school courses, Spencer was able to get this bachelor’s in 3 years at PNW! As the Economic Development Director for the Northwest Indiana Forum, Spencer is thrilled to tell the story of NWI and attract businesses to move to the area.

Spencer will be completing his MBA program at PNW in December of 2023.

Nicole Guevara

Nicole Guevara, B.A. '10

“I strive to be a valuable contributor to the metals industry, a male dominant industry by breaking barriers and utilizing my life/work experiences along with my B.A. in Business from PNW.”

Nicole Guevara (B.A. ’10) joined the non-profit sector working with at-risk families and their newborns for years before transitioning to the steel industry. She is 3rd generation in this field and the first female in her family to work in this industry.

Nicole is paving the way for Latina women in the industry!

Hannah Scheffer-Wentz

Hannah Scheffer-Wentz, B.A. '19 & M.A. '20

“I attribute my journey to my foundational career and education through the professional relationships built at PNW.”

Hannah Scheffer-Wentz has a hunger for education and exploring! She received both her B.A. (’19) and M.A. (’20) in communication at PNW. Since then, her mentors and professors have encouraged her to continue pursuing her professional and personal goals.

She is currently enrolled at the University of North Dakota where she is a communication student pursuing her Ph.D.

Hannah has had the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers for radon exposure and COVID research, as well as present her own research in gender media studies internationally. She has also discovered her love of traveling and explored Europe this year.

Dr. Jokima Hiller

Jokima Hiller, '96

Noted as one of the 25 Most Influential Educators in Global Hospitality 2021, one of the 100 Most Powerful People in USA Hospitality in 2022, and one of the 30 Most Influential Educators in Global Hospitality 2022 by the International Hospitality Institute, Jokima Hiller, Ph.D. (PNW ‘96) is a leader in the hospitality industry.

As part of the book writing, educating, and training duo BET on Hospitality, she is a speaker, author, workshop facilitator, consultant, mentor, and change agent.

As she expands her brand offerings, her recently published work has included a heart-warming story coloring book about her prosthesis Sabrina (Jokima is an above-knee amputee), entitled Sabrina and Her New Shoe.

Need some hospitality mentoring? Listen to her podcast, Your Hospitality Moment that Mentors on Anchor and Spotify!

A drawing of Martin Luther King Jr. is placed in front of an American flag drawing. The PNW logo is in the top right corner in front of a yellow background.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrations

January 16 – Hammond
2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

January 20 – Westville
7:45 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Purdue University Northwest invites the community to join in a celebration of diversity, inclusion and Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

As part of PNW’s annual program, we will host commUNITY days with Hammond Councilman, Barry Tyler and Westville’s Michigan City Chief of Police, Marty Corley.

Explore MLK Day Celebration Information

Illustration of a basketball with text: The Mane Event and logos for PNW Alumni and Purdue Federal Credit Union.

The Mane Event

January 30

4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Fitness and Recreation Center

Join the Pride at the Mane Event, presented by Purdue Federal Credit Union!

Cheer on men’s and women’s basketball while enjoying free food, giveaways and more.

See More Event Information

Purchase Tickets for the Mane Event Experience

Alumni Resources

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Career Center

From interview prep to job listings in Handshake, PNW alumni can take the next step with Career Center resources.

A PNW pitcher on the mound

PNW Athletics

Roar Pride! Cheer for your favorite team and stay connected with campus life—check out the schedule.

Three alumni stand together in front of a PNW alumni backdrop.

Request Transcripts

See how to request your PNW transcript. Transcripts are provided free of charge whether requested online or in person.

Upcoming Alumni Events

Dec 13

Laser Holiday Light Show

Have a holly, jolly holiday at our annual Holiday Laser Light Show!

Dec 13

Laser Holiday Light Show

Have a holly, jolly holiday at our annual Holiday Laser Light Show!

Dec 14

Fall 2024 Commencement

Fall 2024 Commencement ceremonies will be held indoors at the Hammond campus on Saturday, December 14, 2024.

Dec 17

Fall 2024 Final Grades Due

A reminder to all faculty that final grades are due by Tuesday, December 17 at 5 p.m. (Central Time Zone). Enjoy your break!

News and Announcements

Christiana Ndukaife photo

A legacy in Nursing: Meet Fall 2024 PNW graduate Christiana Ndukaife

Christiana Ndukaife, ’24, is receiving a bachelor of science degree in Nursing from the College of Nursing at Purdue University Northwest.

Shooting for Success: Meet Fall 2024 PNW graduate Kennedy Jackson

Kennedy Jackson is looking to take her talents from the basketball court to a position in higher education as she graduates with a master’s degree in business administration from Purdue University Northwest.

Joseph Ignatuk photo

Classroom to the Courtroom: Meet Fall 2024 PNW graduate Joseph Ignatuk

Joseph Ignatuk, ’24, is set to earn a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science from the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) with minors in French and Philosophy.