HAMMOND – Purdue University Northwest welcomed Indiana state legislators at the Hammond Campus Thursday, Aug. 24 to acknowledge the support they have shown the university leading to the approval of funding by the state for the Bioscience Innovation Building.

The festivities included a reception, personal tour and luncheon. Among those in attendance were Indiana State Representatives Hal Slager (R-Schererville) and Julie Olthoff (R-Merrillville), Senators Eddie Melton (D-Merrillville), Frank Mrvan (D-Hammond), and Karen Tallian (D-Portage). Representing Senator Joe Donnelly (D-Indiana) was Regional Director Justin Mount and representing Senator Todd Young (R-Indiana) was District Director Chris Salatas.

Student leaders accompanied the legislators on personal tours of the campus Welcome Rally and introduced them to students, university organizations and departments before heading inside to attend a luncheon with the university’s Chancellor and Vice Chancellors.

Bioscience Innovation Building

The groundbreaking for the Bioscience Innovation Building is planned for the summer of 2018.  Once completed, the building will feature state-of-the-art instructional and research facilities for nursing, biological sciences and STEM education. The state has allocated $35.1 million for the construction of the building.

Earlier this month, the Purdue University Board of Trustees gave approval for PNW to move forward with hiring the construction firm and finalizing the building timeline.