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!

Text Logo: PNW Alumni Hall of Fame Purdue University Northwest

Make an Alumni Hall of Fame Nomination

Nominations due by Friday, December 6

Purdue Northwest is accepting nominations for the fourth annual PNW Alumni Hall of Fame! The 2025 awards feature four categories: the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame Award, the Power Onward Emerging Leader Award, the Pride of PNW Alumni Award and the PNW Pride Campus Alumni Award.

Make a Nomination

Award Category Information

Alumni Resources

A member of the Career Center takes a photo of a student

Career Center

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

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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

Nov 05

Athletics Week Ahead

Come cheer on our PNW athletes this week!

Nov 05

Blood Drive – Westville

Donate your blood today to save lives!

Nov 07

Athletics Week Ahead

Come cheer on our PNW athletes this week!

Nov 07

PNW Athletics Today

Listen to Rick Costello, director of Athletics, and coach and student-athlete guests as they dive into the latest in PNW Pride Athletics!

News and Announcements

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.

Meden Isaac-Lam

PNW Chemistry professor collaborates abroad with microplastics research

Meden Isaac-Lam, professor of Chemistry at PNW, is creating awareness and researching solutions, both at PNW and abroad, on the negative effects of microplastics on the environment.

Team members with Coates, Inc. accept a 2023 Innovators Award as a team inductee during the 2023 Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest Awards Luncheon.

The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest Announces the 2024 Innovators Award Winners

The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest has announced winners of the 2024 Innovators Awards. Winners will be inducted into the Society during the group’s annual luncheon on November 20.