Purdue University Northwest celebrated its 10th Founders Day on March 8 by honoring staff and students.
The annual tradition celebrates the university's anniversary and recognizes excellence. Students, faculty and staff members were recognized for their commitment to service and leadership in PNW's educational community. Winners were nominated by their peers or for years of service.
Award winners
Outstanding Undergraduate Student
- Naman Goyal, senior computer science student
Outstanding Graduate Student
- Mary Buksa, Master of Business Administration candidate
Outstanding Faculty Awards
- Grethe Hystad, associate professor of statistics — scholarship
- Michael Tu, professor of computer information technology — scholarship
- Deanne Shimala, clinical assistant professor of accounting and finance — teaching (non-tenure)
- John Durocher, Nils K. Nelson Endowed Professor of Integrative Human Health — teaching (tenure)
- Shontrai Irving, clinical professor of business law — engagement
Outstanding Administrative Leadership Award
- Brian Miller, director of public safety
- Lyndsey Schaap, associate director of student success and special populations
Outstanding Support Staff Award
- Amy Bugg, administrative assistant for facilities services
- Jennifer Lynn Marynowski, administrative assistant for the department of computer science
Outstanding Service Staff Award
- Eric Montealegre, custodian
- Will L. Lewis, service worker
Outstanding Management and Administrative Professional Award
- Kim Frazier, registration and enrollment services administrator
- Heather Runyan-Starzak, recruitment manager
PNW has more than 70 areas of study at two campuses in Hammond and Westville.




