Purdue University Northwest celebrated summer and fall 2024 graduates during two ceremonies Dec. 14.
The university recognized the 650 candidates for their academic excellence, student leadership, community service and extracurricular involvement. PNW’s fall 2024 graduating class included 463 students earning baccalaureate degrees, 184 earning master’s degrees and three earning doctoral degrees. The three doctoral candidates are from the university’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
“Your degree is one that you have worked hard to earn, and we celebrate with you in the culmination of your many successes at Purdue Northwest,” PNW Chancellor Kenneth Holford said in a press release. “I applaud you for your hard work, sacrifice and determination.”
PNW alumnus Wade Breitzke served as the commencement keynote speaker. He is the founder and CEO of Valparaiso-based WeCreate Media. Breitzke encouraged the graduates to start asking who they are becoming, prepare for life’s seasons and protect their vision from anyone’s doubt.
“Imagination is not daydreaming,” Breitkze told graduates. “Imagination is the preview of what is possible. It is what is waiting for you if you choose to pursue it.”
Eight students received a Chancellor Medallion for earning the highest grade point average in PNW’s five academic colleges.
The medallion recipients include:
- College of Business – Emmanuel Moreno and Ashley Peterson
- College of Engineering and Sciences – Oona Kintscher
- College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences – Nathan Antisdel and Brianna Meloy
- College of Nursing – Karmen Halfacre and Andrew Wolfe
- College of Technology – Anthony Vazquez
“PNW graduates, here is my challenge to you: start something that scares you, that excites you and that pushes you to become more than you are today,” Breitzke said. “Design your future with intention and step into the extraordinary life you were always meant to live. Start something that changes everything — not because I told you so, but because that is who you have decided to become.”
