Minding the Future: Meet 2025 PNW Graduate Chloe Belford
Faced with a decision between two vastly different paths of study, Chloe Belford, ‘25, chose the path that led to a bachelor of science degree in Psychology from the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (CHESS) at Purdue University Northwest. She will also graduate with minors in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science.
As a fan of true crime television programs, Belford eagerly enrolled in a criminal justice course at the Hammond Area Career Center while still in high school. From that point on, she was hooked. During her first year at PNW, a class in elementary psychology sparked her interest. Drawn to the wide range of career opportunities available in psychology, she chose it as her major.
While at PNW, Belford was involved in the Student Government Association, including serving as student president during the 2024-25 academic year. She was a member of the Honors College, serving on the Honors College Student Advisory Board and as chair of the peer mentoring program.
As a first-generation college student, she was inducted into the PNW chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for first-generation students. She was a member of Alpha Phi Sigma, the criminal justice honor society, Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, Alpha Psi Lambda, a co-ed fraternity on campus, and the Criminal Justice Club. She also served as a resident assistant for University Village student housing on the Hammond campus.
In addition, Belford completed an internship at the Lake County Juvenile Complex, which deepened her interest in working with youth in the criminal justice system. The Hammond, Indiana, native also conducted an independent research project entitled, “The Undisclosed Issue of Healthcare in Women’s Prisons,” which she later presented at academic conferences.
After graduation, Belford plans to pursue a master’s degree in criminal justice while working full-time as a detention officer at the Lake County Juvenile Complex in Crown Point.
Campus life is my favorite thing about PNW. There are so many different organizations that you can join and everyone is so friendly.
Chloe Belford, ‘25, Psychology
Why did you choose to major in Psychology?
“I came to PNW as an undecided student, torn between two different career paths – criminal justice and marine biology and zoology. My first semester, I took a biology course and quickly realized it wasn’t for me. My second semester, I took a course in Elementary Psychology, and it just clicked. It felt natural and I loved it! I wanted to keep my career options open, so Psychology felt like the perfect major.
I’ve been interested in criminal justice since middle school and I knew I wanted to keep that as part of my education. After deciding to minor in Criminal Justice, my advisor told me that I could double minor in Forensic Science since many of the classes overlapped. It made sense and since I was passionate about both, I decided to do it.”
What did you like most about PNW?
“Campus life is my favorite thing about PNW. There are so many different organizations that you can join and everyone is so friendly. The campus atmosphere is what I love most.”
How do you think your involvement in campus organizations and activities helped define your success at PNW?
“Having all of these experiences helped me grow so much both personally and professionally. I’m a completely different person now than I was in my first year here. The experiences pushed me forward in my classes and presented opportunities I never thought possible. They made me ready for the career I want to have.”
What words of advice would you share with prospective students looking to attend PNW?
“PNW is a place with infinite opportunities. Take advantage of as many of those opportunities as you can.”
Was there anyone at PNW who inspired or encouraged you along the way?
Omeed Ilchi
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
“Professor Ilchi has helped me throughout my time at PNW. During my sophomore year he took time to help me with a research project I was passionate about. Because of him, I’ve been able to go to conferences and present my research. He’s also helped me navigate life after graduation.”
Debbie Bachmann
Administrator of Honors Student Leadership and Programming
“Debbie has been there for me though all my ups and downs during my entire four years here. I’ve become really close to her over the years and she’s more than staff – she’s more like a friend. She’s someone I lean on a lot.”
Meet the Spring 2025 Graduates
Discover what drives our remarkable Spring 2025 graduates. From late-night study sessions to campus milestones, see how they’re Powering Onward.