Purdue University Northwest honored three standout alumni and industry professionals June 8 during its 2023 PNW Alumni Hall of Fame induction dinner and ceremony.
Robert Johnson III, Stewart “Stu” McMillan and Alfredo “Al” Sori were recognized for their individual accomplishments, as well as their loyalty to PNW through their mentorship and support of students.
PNW’s Alumni Hall of Fame annually recognizes alumni who have become high-achieving leaders in their fields, involved members of their communities and those who have engaged with PNW well beyond their own time as students. Honorees are chosen for how they exude the qualities of providing transformational change for the Region and the world at large, and who continue to devote attention to next generations of young students and professionals to also excel in their careers.
Johnson (AAS '89, BS '91, MS '96) is the president and CEO of Cimcor Inc. in Merrillville. Cimcor develops cutting-edge information technology security software to help companies meet compliance and regulatory requirements, as well as protect valuable information and ensure system uptime. Johnson is an inventor and has led the development of several patented and patent-pending technologies.
Johnson also serves on several community boards, including the Legacy Foundation, NWI BankCorp/Peoples Bank, Methodist Hospitals and IV Diagnostics.
“I’ve not only had the opportunity to follow my entrepreneurial dream and shape and create cutting-edge technology, but I’ve also had this opportunity to follow my passion and desire that Northwest Indiana becomes the absolute best place to live, learn, work and play,” Johnson said.
“I feel an overwhelming sense of humility. This recognition and honor is a testament to every individual who believed in, trusted, taught and journeyed with me.”
McMillan (BS '77) founded the Multi Agency Academic Cooperative Foundation in Valparaiso. As the son of a former fire chief, McMillan developed the multi-purpose campus to provide significant training opportunities for all types of first responders in Northwest Indiana. McMillan previously led Task Force Tips Inc., a manufacturer and supplier of firefighting equipment. He has also served with the Union Township and Washington Township fire departments in Porter County.
“The decision and the opportunity to come to Purdue Northwest made all the difference in my career,” McMillansaid. “I’m thankful for those that had the bright idea that education should be distributed amongst other regional locations so that folks like me could work at the same time as they were going to school to achieve the American dream.”
Sori (AAS '89, BS '89) retired from a distinguished career at Kiewit Corp., one of North America’s largest construction and engineering organizations. His most recent position was division manager of Kiewit subsidiary Mass Electric Transportation, where he oversaw transit electrical, communication, traction power, security, ITS, roadway lighting projects and high-speed rail pursuits across North America. He served in division manager roles since 2013 with executive oversight of multiple Kiewit districts and subsidiaries.
“I’ve had a blessed career ever since I graduated from here in 1989,” Sori said. “I chose to take every opportunity given to me, which led to 22 moves over the course of my career.
“Later in my career I held a senior management title. It was during those years that I recognized the passion I had for developing young talent. That’s really what led me back here to PNW and getting involved. I hope now in retirement I can get more involved at the university for many years to come.”
Caption: From left, Alfredo Sori, Stewart McMillan and Robert Johnson III pose together after their induction into the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame. (Provided by PNW)
