Cultural Heritage Celebration Committee
The Cultural Heritage Celebration Committee plans events that celebrate the diversity of PNW’s campus community.
The PNW community includes students, faculty and staff of various ethnicities, genders and backgrounds. Our committee aims to provide educational and uplifting events to the PNW community in order to build an inclusive campus.
Reach out to the committee with ideas or feedback by emailing chc@pnw.edu.
Signature Events
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Purdue University Northwest hosts yearly, multi-day events to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by combining the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of our campuses and surrounding community.
Black History Month
Black History Month honors the achievements, rich culture and history of African Americans and recognizes the important contributions and of Black individuals in society.
Women’s History Month
Purdue University Northwest hosts a range of Women’s History Month events focused on empowering women, discussing key women’s issues and recognizing accomplished university and community leaders.
Hispanic Heritage Month
PNW’s Hispanic Heritage Month activities engage the campus community and the public with events highlighting the Latinx communities’ history, culture, cuisine and contributions to the world.
- Arab American Heritage Month
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Juneteenth
- Native American History Month
- LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Upcoming Events
Apr 18
Latino Film Festival
Join the Office of Hispanic Initiatives for a celebration of Latino films! Enjoy a Colombian drama film and even get to meet the director herself!
Apr 20
Quinceañera Expo
PNW is hosting a Quinceañera Expo. Community members, students, faculty and staff alike are all welcome to explore the variety of vendors from bakers and florists.
Apr 22
Guest Speaker: Joaquin Zihuatanejo (Hammond)
Hear from Joaquin Zihuatanejo! He’s a poet. artist and teacher, hoping to share stories and advice through his work in capturing the duality of the Chicano culture.
Apr 23
First-Generation Celebration
We’re inviting all graduating first-gen college students from PNW to join us in celebrating their success!
News and Announcements
Looking Back at Unleashing Empowerment
For Women’s History Month, PNW welcomed back three prestigious alumnae to share their perspectives as distinguished women leaders and facilitate impactful conversations for women’s professional and personal growth.
Purdue University Northwest shares Women’s History Month events
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will recognize Women’s History Month throughout March with a slate of events that highlights chapters in women’s history, facilitates inspiring guest speakers, addresses women’s issues and celebrates women leaders.
PNW psychology professor receives 2024 MLK Dreamer Award
Gisele Casanova, PNW psychology professor, receives 2024 MLK Dreamer Award as one of four individuals within the Purdue system.
Co-Chairs
Iris E. Sanchez
Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives
sanch381@pnw.edu
(219) 989-1235
Darien ThompsonThanks to Our Committee Members
- Don Babcock, Director of Economic Development and Community Relations
- Raven Chant, Assistant Director of Admissions – New Student Initiatives and Events
- Auburn Dodd, Admission Specialist – Strategic Initiatives
- Naomi Gomez, University Library Billing Clerk
- Brook Hewson, International Program Specialist
- Britt Hudson, Assistant Dean of Students
- Maria Hughes, Assistant Professor of Nursing
- Scott Iverson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Housing and Student Life
- Christina Maldonado, Parent, Community and Early Education Liaison
- Jane Thomas, Associate Professor of Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior
- Kale Wilk, Communications Specialist
- Dorcas Folasade Oyebode, Graduate Student Assistant