PNW's mascot, Leo the Lion, stands in front of a bleacher that is full of people. Leo is holding up a pointer finger.

Campus Traditions

From Welcome Rallies to kick off the fall semester to pancake study break during final exams, PNW campus traditions bring our community together all year long.

A group of student athletes pose in front of hand drawn homecoming signs

Homecoming

PNW’s annual Homecoming celebration offers a blend of favorite traditions and exciting new events. From the week-long Chancellor’s Cup to benefit the PNW Food Pantry to Sports Fest at Dowling Park, there are chances for everyone in the PNW community to have fun and get involved!

Learn More About Homecoming

Three students pose with Leo, PNW's lion mascot

Welcome Week

Celebrate the new academic year at Welcome Week!

Purdue Northwest’s annual Welcome Rallies are a fun-filled way to kick off each new academic year as student organizations and campus departments share information and swag. There’s a good chance our mascot, Leo, is on the prowl too.

Learn More About Welcome Week

Onward PNW

Fight Song of Purdue University Northwest

Onward Purdue Northwest

Without a hint of fear.

The Pride salutes you, the Region’s best

We’re with you loud and clear.

 

Onward Purdue Northwest

The Lion’s Pride can see

Our teams’ strong will, their heart and skill

For a swift Pride victory!

Students stand and sit in full bleachers

In the Heart of the Calumet

Alma Mater of Purdue University Northwest

In the heart of the Calumet region

Near Lake Michigan’s dune-covered shores

Is our treasured and dear alma mater

Whose praise we sing once more:


Black and gold our colors,

Mighty is our roar,

The Pride of our Purdue Northwest

Our hearts will e’er adore.

Campus Traditions in Action

Students fill bleachers during a sporting event in the FRC gym

Join the campus community in celebrating the start of PNW basketball season at Late Night Madness! This event is filled with food, games, contests and prizes.

Two students hold a catapult while a pumpkin flies through the air

Students can take a study break and smash that stress by throwing some pumpkins off the parking garage top floor during Pumpkin Week!

Two people hold the strings of a catapult while a student pulls the center back with a pumpkin to launch it

If throwing pumpkins doesn't interest you, launching them off the parking garage is another stress-relief option!

A student sprays whipped cream onto a plate of pancakes. There is a line of other students in the background

Have you ever been studying so much that you need a pancake? The Office of Student Life and PNW Housing has your back! Whether you need a break from studying for your organic chemistry final or you’re just procrastinating on that final paper, the PNW Pancake Study Break is ready to provide you with the fuel to get you through!

Students stand in line to receive pancakes

This all-you-can-eat Pancake Study Break provides students with several other well-loved breakfast items.

Students play combat archery in a field on PNW's Hammond Campus

PNW Intramural Sports coordinator Matt Dudzik’s motto is “What’s Your Game?” From traditional sports, like volleyball and basketball, to niche activities, such as laser tag or fishing, PNW Intramural Sports is a great way to get active, relieve stress and make friends.

A person picks up items from a table. There is a green, black, white and gold balloon arch above the table

Whether you are a current student or alumni, Homecoming is a great time to catch up with friends and celebrate PNW.

A student in a cap and gown poses with her diploma

Purdue Northwest celebrates its outstanding graduates during fall and spring commencement ceremonies. Commencement is a joyous tradition celebrating candidates’ academic accomplishments as their degrees are conferred.

Students sit at a table with plates of food in front of them

Starting a college journey can be a big step and new experience. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The “It’s All New To Me Too Picnic” and other activities during PNW’s Welcome Week are a great way to make new introductions and meet peers who might be feeling the same way you are.

Students and families pose in a group.

The Purdue Northwest community is eager to lend a helping hand for its newest residents. PNW Police Department officers also serve up great eats at the annual “Cookout with a Cop.”

Upcoming Events

See More

Sep 08

Fall 2026 STEM Industry Fair

The STEM Industry Job Fair is a business casual networking event for students and alumni of Purdue University Northwest that are seeking full-time employment and internships in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Sep 09

Graduate Students – December Graduate Candidacy Deadline

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 is the last day to declare candidacy for degree for December 2026 graduation. Please notify your program of your intent to graduate.

Sep 10

Acorn Concert Series: MegaBeatles (Beatles Tribute)

Immerse yourself in the timeless magic of The Beatles with MegaBeatles, a revitalizing tribute at the 2026 Acorn Concert Series!

Sep 10

Intramural Open Play Dodgeball

Are you ready to dodge and destroy in our Open Play Dodgeball Intramural?