PNW Recognizes Outstanding Students, Faculty and Staff Members During Founders Day Celebration
Purdue University Northwest recognized several exemplary students, faculty and staff members, nominated by their institutional peers, for accomplishments relating to their on-campus community-building and leadership.
The awards were announced at the university’s 2025 Founders Day celebration on March 7. PNW’s Founders Day is an annual campus tradition celebrating the anniversary of the university’s founding and the institutional mission of delivering transformational change for the Northwest Indiana region.
PNW also honors select employees for their years of service.
Award Winners
See the 2025 winners and event photos
Two PNW students received awards for their service in the following categories:
Outstanding Undergraduate Student
- Mya Bell, Human Development and Family Studies and Political Science double major
Outstanding Graduate Student
- Jason Wyatt, Doctor of Technology student
Three PNW faculty members were honored with outstanding faculty awards in the areas of scholarship, teaching and engagement. They are as follows:
Outstanding Faculty Awards
- Meden Isaac-Lam, professor of Chemistry — Scholarship
- Omeed Ilchi, assistant professor of Criminal Justice — Teaching
- Nicky Ali Jackson, professor of Criminal Justice and executive director of the Center for Justice and Post-Exoneration Assistance — Engagement
PNW administrators and staff members who received awards in each of the following categories are as follows:
Outstanding Academic Administrative Leadership Award
- Rebecca Stankowski, associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs
Outstanding Administrative Leadership Award (Staff)
- Scott Parsons, senior director of Facilities and Grounds
Outstanding Clerical Staff Award
- Barbara Phillips, customer service representative, Registrar
- Caren Thomas, administrative assistant, Facilities
Outstanding Service Staff Award
- Joshua Miller, custodian, Building Services
- Michael Prater, grounds foreman, Grounds
Outstanding Management and Administrative Professional Award
- Marla Ropp-Funk, Procurement and Auxiliary Services Administrator
- Britt Hudson, Interim Dean of Students
Additional Recognitions
Pitparnee Stompor, clinical professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, was recognized for receiving the 2025 Purdue Focus Award. The award is given annually in honor of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to furthering the Purdue system’s commitment to disability accessibility.