WESTVILLE and HAMMOND — Purdue University Northwest alumnus Robert E. Johnson, III encouraged his alma mater’s December graduates to “never stop trying,” regardless of the challenge.
Three ceremonies were held to recognize 1,216 fall graduates, some 608 of whom participated in the programs, beginning Friday afternoon (12/8) at the Westville Campus and continuing Saturday morning and afternoon (12/9) at the Hammond Campus. Westville Campus participants numbered 132; there were 476 participants at the combined Hammond Campus ceremonies.
Keynote speaker
Johnson, the President/CEO and co-founder of Cimcor, Inc., a cutting-edge information technology security software development company, was the keynote speaker at all three commencement ceremonies. He received his associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees all from PNW. Mr. Johnson is an inventor and has led the development of several patented and patent-pending technologies. He has written numerous articles, been a contributor to books about technology, and developed several commercial software packages. Johnson is a Fellow of the Northwest Indiana Society of Innovators and an active member of the community serving as a board member for numerous organizations.
“You are the hope being released into the world that can ultimately solve some of our most significant challenges — from poverty, to climate change, to inequities, to human rights,” he told graduates. “Run with the ball, seek new knowledge, find your passion and embrace the exciting opportunities that lie ahead and ‘Never Stop.’”
PNW’s graduating class is comprised of 342 summer graduates and 874 fall candidates. Between the two campuses, there were 192 master’s degree recipients, 1,014 earning baccalaureate degrees and 10 receiving associate degrees.
Distinguished degree candidates
During the three ceremonies, distinguished baccalaureate degree candidates were recognized. They include the following Chancellor’s Medallion honorees for compiling the top grade point averages in each of Purdue Northwest’s academic colleges: Brianne Manley of Cedar Lake (College of Business), Jasmine Cervik of Kouts (College of Business), Carlie Guritz of Wheatfield (College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences), Sean Jarrard of Crown Point (College of Engineering and Sciences), Jerrona Stanley of Merrillville (College of Nursing), and Jeffrey Dacey of Lake Station (College of Technology).
Purdue Northwest Chancellor Thomas L. Keon presented the medallions.
A campus reception was held for the graduates, family and friends following each ceremony.
