Inside PNW: Faculty Recognitions, National Rankings and Alumni Awards
Feb. 9, 2026
Campus Spotlight
John Durocher named a Fellow of the American Physiological Society
John Durocher, Nils K. Nelson Endowed Professor of Integrative Human Health, has earned the prestigious FAPS distinction for demonstrating outstanding scientific contributions, significant impact on physiology and dedicated service to the society.
Magesh Chandramouli returns from transformative Fulbright Specialist engagement in Italy
Learn more about how Magesh Chandramouli, professor of Computer Graphics Technology, collaborated with researchers on a U.S. Fulbright Specialist appointment at Politecnico di Torino (Polytechnic University of Turin).
PNW Athletics honors professional pitcher Chad Patrick with jersey retirement
PNW Athletics celebrated former standout student-athlete and current Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Chad Patrick with the retirement of his No. 31 baseball jersey.
PNW’s online RN-to-BSN program earns top 50 national ranking
The PNW College of Nursing’s online RN-to-BSN and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs received national recognitions in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs rankings.
Meet the 2026 PNW Alumni Hall of Fame inductee
Deno Yiankes (BS’88), former President and CEO of Investment and Developments with White Lodging, has been selected for induction into the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame.
PNW License Plate
Learn how you can support scholarships for PNW students by reserving a PNW specialty group recognition license plate with the Indiana BMV!
Photo Galleries
Look back at moments from recent PNW events!
PNW Faculty and Staff Kudos
- Nerissa Fezler, Social Media and Events Coordinator for the PNW College of Business, was recognized by PNW’s Strategic Implementation and Action Committee for her winning entry in the RISE Logo Contest. The final RISE graphic features the PNW Bell Tower as a visual element to represent the campus community’s progress and resilience.
- Three faculty and staff members from the PNW College of Engineering and Sciences were recognized during the college’s spring convocation for their service to PNW students, leadership and impact. Bill Baginski, Academic and Student Success Advisor; Khair Al Shamaileh, associate professor of Electrical Engineering; and Hansung Kim, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering, received the college’s Advising Excellence, Mentorship, and Excellence in Service and Strategic Impact awards, respectively.
- Erin Okamoto Protsman, continuing lecturer of Communication and Creative Arts, is the 2026 recipient of the PNW Campus Pride Alumni Award, a part of the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame awards. The PNW Campus Pride Alumni Award recognizes PNW faculty and staff members who are alumni and have made significant contributions and impacts for the PNW campus community and student experience.
- Over two tons of goods were collected for the PNW Food Pantry during the 2026 PNW Chancellor’s Cup Challenge. Chi Sigma Iota earned the most total points among student organizations. The PNW College of Humanities Education and Social Sciences donated the most items among faculty and staff units and the PNW College of Nursing earned the overall award.
Center for Faculty Excellence Corner
New PNW faculty member spotlights:
Upcoming Events
* indicates registration or tickets required to attend
Study Away and Passport Fairs
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Feb. 10 — Concourse, Student Union and Library Building
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Feb. 11 — Room 144, Library-Student-Faculty Building
Graduate Programs Showcase
- 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Feb. 11 — Alumni Hall, Student Union and Library Building
*Preview PNW Spotlight — Engineering and Sciences: From Classroom to Career
- 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. — Feb. 16 — see website link for details
Interdisciplinary Sustainable Development Symposium
- March 4-5 — see website link for details
*Spring 2026 Career Expo
- 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. — March 5 — Fitness and Recreation Center
Founders Day
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. — March 6 — Alumni Hall, Student Union and Library Building
Parent University
- 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — March 7
Spring Break (no classes but campus offices remain open)
- March 16 through March 21 — see website link for details
To view university event calendars, visit pnw.edu/calendar.
Employee Reminders
PNW Center for Faculty Excellence — Support for instructional materials accessibility
Purdue IT — Updated timeline: Google Workspace retirement
PNW in the News
- PNW to induct hospitality executive into Alumni Hall of Fame — Inside INdiana Business (subscription required) — Read here.
- Brewers pitcher Chad Patrick’s Purdue Northwest jersey retirement a ‘full circle moment’ — The Times of Northwest Indiana (subscription required) — Read here.
- Purdue University Northwest celebrates MLB pitcher Chad Patrick with jersey retirement reception — GreatNews — Read here.
- PNW professor urges public to embrace fullness of Martin Luther King Jr.’s message — Post-Tribune (subscription required) — Read here.
- Support for big ideas: Careful planning builds framework for region’s next generation of entrepreneurs (featuring Alexandra Moran, assistant professor of practice in Management) — NWI Business — Read here.
- Purdue University Northwest community rallies around hockey team at annual Mane Event — GreatNews — Read here.
PNW Streaming
Stream videos or podcasts of the latest ‘PNW Today’ and ‘PNW Athletics Today’ programs!
PNW leaders and staff members with the office of the Chancellor, the office of Alumni Engagement and PNW Athletics previewed the university’s 10th Anniversary celebrations and the Mane Event during the Jan. 22 “PNW Today” radio program.
You can stream ‘PNW Today’ and ‘PNW Athletics Today’ programs on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
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