HONORS COLLEGE NEWS
JULY 2023 ISSUE
The Honors College at Purdue University Northwest enhances the learning experiences of highly motivated and academically exceptional students.
Honors College students engage in advanced coursework, experiential learning, substantive research, and collaboration with the University’s most outstanding faculty. These opportunities foster academic excellence, leadership skills, social and civic responsibility and other virtues required of outstanding citizens and innovators.
Dear Honors College Families, Friends, and Supporters,
As the we reach the end of another academic year, we are happy to share with you some of the wonderful things that have happened in the Honors College since our last newsletter.
The 2022-23 academic year was a remarkable one. Last fall we welcomed the largest incoming class in the history of the Honors College as over three hundred new students joined the Honors family. At the same time, we became the most racially and ethnically diverse Honors College in the state of Indiana and even more diverse than the PNW student population as a whole!
This group of dynamic, high-performing students were successful both in and outside the classroom. They excelled academically, gave back thousands of hours of service to the community, and served as leaders on campus and beyond. This newsletter highlights some of the ways our students have excelled in the classroom and laboratory—and beyond. It also features profiles of some of our recent graduates and their outstanding accomplishments. I hope you are as proud and inspired by them as I am.
Thank you for all your support for the Honors College. We wish the best for relaxing and wonderful summer!
Best regards,
Carey is a Co-Owner and Financial Advisor of TrueWealth Advising Group where she acts as Chief Financial Officer, the Chair of the Legacy Foundation Board of Directors, and is the coauthor of "Push Through -- Your Ultimate Success Playbook" and "Daily Push Journal."
Carey graduated from Northwestern University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Social Policy. Her experience in financial guidance spans 20+ years.
On February 1st, we held a guest speaker event in YJean Chambers Hall where Carey lead an inspiring discussion on her journey as a leader and how she achieved success. Shortly thereafter, she returned to PNW to host our Honors Book Club!
Honors Makes a Gameplan for Success with Push Through: The Ultimate Success Playbook and Daily Push Journal
The Dean’s Book Club, held each semester, provides an opportunity for Honors students from all majors to gather in an informal, relaxed setting for engaging conversations.
In celebration of Women's History Month, the Dean’s Book Club transformed into the Honors Book Club, featuring coauthor Carey Yukich as the host, who shared her wisdom from her book Push Through: The Ultimate Success Playbook. This special 2-day event was open to all PNW students, faculty, and staff, expanding our audience from previous semesters.
The Honors Book Club sessions took place in Founder's Study, providing an intimate setting for two afternoons. Participants enjoyed a delicious lunch while delving deep into the topic of success. They read and discussed Push Through and engaged in activities from the Daily Push Journal, aiming to explore the material thoroughly and identify personal barriers, hopes, and goals.
Be on the look out for next semester's book selection and sign up to join the discussion!
THE INDIANA STATEHOUSE | INDIANAPOLIS, IN
This semester was no exception. Students signed up for a bus ride down to the, ever so beautiful, Indianapolis to learn about the Indiana State House.
Students participated in a tour to learn about the historical significance of the establishment and even got the opportunity to sit in on a legislative session for a behind the scenes look at how decisions are made and laws are passed by Indiana's leaders.
We strongly believe that demonstrating civic responsibility and striving to make a positive impact on the community are essential qualities of an outstanding citizen and leader.
In line with this mission, we organized our 3rd annual 5K community walk fundraiser. Each year, the Honors College chooses a not-for-profit organization to support. Students, faculty, staff, and community members unite in walking for the cause. This year, we proudly chose the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana as our beneficiary organization.
Unfortunately, this year's walk was cancelled due to severe weather. However, despite the setback, we successfully raised $5,000 to donate to the food bank. Our students also generously volunteered their time at the food bank's warehouse, assisting with sorting and distributing donations to families in need.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce that that the Honors College 5K Community Walk is scheduled for April 6, 2023, and it will be held to benefit the Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center.
We sincerely hope to see you there!
Meet Professor Heather Augustyn
I have had the pleasure of teaching Honors Cohort classes for quite a few years now, but the Spring 2023 semester was the first time I had the opportunity to teach a special topics course which was called Catch A Fire: Bob Marley's Lyrics and Life.
Students came from all disciplines—engineering, technology, education, nursing—and somehow it became One Love! Our conversations about some pretty heavy topics like generational poverty, the lasting impacts of slavery and colonialism, and political warfare were always robust and driven by curiosity and the desire to understand. I think many students came into the course thinking it would be a lighthearted romp through songs about peace and love and rainbows, and perhaps there is some of that in Marley's lyrics, but from what I've observed and experienced of my students, it turned out to be a course that applied in many ways to their own experiences, their own social lives, and their own philosophies and meaning they ascribe to aspects of their lives.
We engaged in interactive lectures with plenty of music, class conversations that frequently kept us past the deadline of the clock, and animated small group conversations. This course was enlightening historically, politically, but more so personally as each student brought their own interpretations and made their own meanings from the words of this lyrical poet. Being about to extract something so significant from music that it transforms who we are as people is why I do what I do—as a teacher, and as a writer of several books on music history. I hope to be able to offer similar courses in the future. I learn just as much from my students, and they learn from me, and it has been such an enriching experience for us all.
Harbir Aujla - Computer Science Major and Intern for Omnibus Software LLC
"This spring semester, I received the opportunity to work as a Software Development intern with Omnibus Software LLC, a Valparaiso based software development company. This internship has taught me a lot in the field of Web Development. One of my responsibilities as a development intern is to implement software development skills such as development environment, UML design, and programming in JavaScript. I collaborated with my team and my fellow interns to come up with an effective and productive application. This internship was a great opportunity for me to have a real world experience and teach me about the industry’s functions. The Software Development Intern position was a great opportunity for me to enhance my skills and knowledge and to help me grow as a software developer. The skills that I learned from this internship is going to be helpful for my future jobs and career as it will help make me an effective software developer."
April Roberts - Finance and Accounting Major and Intern for McMahon & Associates
"I had a tax internship at McMahon & Associates Certified Public Accountant in Munster. This was my second tax season with them. I really enjoyed learning how to prepare tax returns, and everyone I worked with was very helpful even with the stress of the deadline. This experience was so great, I am considering becoming a tax preparer when I graduate."
Mya Bell | President
"My name is Mya Bell and I am the President of the HSAB for the 2023-2024 academic year! I have been a member of the Honors College since my freshman year at PNW and I am now in my junior year. I am double majoring in Human Development and Family Studies and Political Science with minors in Human Services, Youth Services, and Sociology. I have loved working on service for our community and creating new opportunities for students in the Honors College!
You will pretty much always find me on campus! Aside from my role as president, I am and have served as a student worker, community service chair, mentor, and teaching assistant for the Honors College. Outside of the Honors College, I am President of the HDFS Group and CHESS Student Advisory Board and Vice President of the PNW Food Pantry Committee. I also love kids so you can catch me flying missions at the Challenger Learning Center on the Hammond Campus! I have met so many of my closest friends and have had many of my favorite moments of college within the Honors College."
Abby Sanders | Vice President
"My name is Abby Sanders, I graduated from Lake Central High School. Currently, I am in my third year as a Social Work major with a minor in Psychology. Last year was my first year on HSAB as the Events Chair, so I am very excited to be more involved as the Vice President this year! The Honors College has a great place in my heart already and I love getting involved. My favorite about the Honors College is meeting new people at events or even just in the Honors Den.
Outside of the Honors College, I will be an RA for housing, I am on the CHESS student advisory board, and I take pictures for the Chick-fil-A social media in Merrillville. I have found a great love for my major and minor, so I spend a great amount of my time focusing on school work.
In my free time I love spending time with friends and family, reading books, and practicing self-care. I can’t wait for this upcoming year and I love meeting new people. Feel free to say hello and introduce yourself when you see me on campus, I can’t wait to meet you!"
Elisha Duda | Peer Mentor Chair
"My name is Elisha Duda and I am a Junior here at PNW majoring in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Health Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Health Studies. Within the Honors College, I have had the privilege of being able to serve as a Teaching Assistant for the Fall 2021 semester and this upcoming Fall I have the privilege of being a Peer Mentor Coordinator.
Outside of the Honors College and PNW, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, participating in outdoor activities, and volunteering and giving back to the community and others.
I am looking forward to this upcoming year as I cannot wait to meet and work with our Honor students so everyone can have a successful school year!"
Chloe Belford | Peer Mentor Vice Chair
"My name is Chloe Belford and I am the Peer Mentor Vice Chair for the 2023-2024 school year. I am in my junior year at PNW, and I am in the Honors College. I am currently a Psychology major and a double minor in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice.
I have been in the Honors College since my freshman year. I am very active on campus. I am also the student body Vice President, a member of Alpha Psi Lambda, and I am in the Criminal Justice Club. I volunteer at the Challenger Center on campus as well. I’m looking forward to this semester and I hope to see you around!"
Cassie Vickers | Events Committee Chair
"I’m Cassie, I’m new to HSAB this year but I’m SO excited! I hold a couple of other leadership positions, mainly in the College of Business, like Women in Business, Economics Club, Finance and Accounting Club, and Information and Analytics Club. I love being a student, especially in the Honors College, and I can’t wait to start my journey with HSAB this year!
A little more about me, I love the outdoors and adventuring. I want to travel the world and learn more about nature. I’m hoping to land an internship with the Dunes or a National Parks Service before I graduate. I also am pretty crafty. I like making friendship bracelets and scrapbooking. I want to learn crochet too!"
Hannah Ingraham | Events Committee Vice Chair
"My name is Hannah Ingraham, and I am the vice chair of the Events Committee for the Honors College. I am currently a sophomore nursing student at PNW along with being in the Honors College. I have been apart of the Honors College my whole time here at PNW.
You will often find me in NILS, the cafeteria, or the Honors Den. Outside of HSAB, I am also a peer mentor, so you will see me at Honors events pretty often wanting to get to know you!
Outside of school, I work at Walgreens and often spend my free time watching New Amsterdam while crocheting or reading while listening to music. I also love the beach and hiking! I’m so excited to meet you all!"
Trevon Brown | Events Committee Vice Chair
"My name is Trevon Brown, I graduated from Amos Alonzo Stagg High School. Currently, I am a sophomore majoring in Electrical Engineering. This is my first year being a part of the HSAB, running as the Events Vice Chair, with Hannah Ingraham and Cassie Vickers as the Events Chair, and I am 100% excited to get started! Being a part of the Honors College has been a great experience for me, and the involvement I've had so far has been rewarding. In the coming year of 23-24, you will be seeing me a lot more in the Honors College Program.
Usually outside of PNW, I live back home in Chicago and work at FairPlay Foods in Hickory Hills, Illinois. I'm also a student leader for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Club at PNW if you wanted to find me elsewhere on campus!
Other than school and work, I love to read, journal, go to church, and hang with family/friends. I do live on campus during the school year so if you ever wanted to say hi or ask questions, I am always available!"
Jacqueline Garcia | Community Service Chair
"My name is Jacqueline Garcia and I am a sophomore majoring in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special Education, along with a Spanish minor. I am super excited to be the Service Chair for the HSAB for this upcoming 2023-2024 school year!
As the Community Service Chair my goal is to help plan, seek and execute many different kinds of community service activities to offer the students of the Honors College. I am looking forward to getting to work with our amazing Honors College students and staff!
I'm currently a student worker for Trio SSS. I also work as a substitute teacher at a local elementary school. Outside of school I like to spend time with family and friends. I absolutely love to bake. I also like to walk my dog, and watch Disney movies."
Ashley Gomez | Community Service Vice Chair
"My name is Ashley Gomez. I am going into my senior year and I have been a part of the Honors College since my freshman year. I love the community of it and the opportunities that it presents for students to grow and learn both academically and professionally. I am majoring in Elementary Education with a concentration in special education.
This year, I am one of the two vice community service chairs and I am very excited to be a vice chair. I am also currently the president of PNW’s Spanish Club and co-president of PNW’s Aspiring Educators Club. I am the upperclassmen representative for the College of Education of the CHESS Student Advisory Board. In addition to that, I will be mentoring the incoming Honors College students to help guide them during their first year. If you ever need anything, you can usually find me in the honors den or somewhere else on campus. I will always be happy to help in whatever way I can."
Jezelyn Torres | Community Service Vice Chair
"Hello everyone! My name is Jezelyn Torres. I am going into my sophomore year here at PNW and am currently majoring in Psychology while working towards a minor in Political Science. I have been very lucky to have been a part of the Honors College this past and upcoming year and will be serving on the HSAB as Community Service Vice Chair for the 23-24 year. I enjoy staying involved on campus with events and community service opportunities and am dedicated to helping make this year a great one for all our Honors College members. I look forward to working with many of our wonderful Honors College staff and students this year and can’t wait to meet many more of you throughout!
Aside from school, I like to spend my time staying active and being with friends and family. I enjoy listening to music or reading a good book during downtime and also make art when I can.
I am wishing all our PNW students a safe and successful 23-24 year and can’t wait to see great things come from great people."
Luke Peters | Communication Chair
"My name is Luke Peters and I am a senior majoring in Human Resource Management with minors in Business information Analytics and Psychology. As the Communications Chair, I am currently managing the Honors College social media, so do not hesitate to reach out or tag us at any future events you may attend.
Beyond our Honors program, I am involved with various clubs and organizations on campus, and spend a large amount of time at the Hammond Campus. Personally, I enjoy keeping up with new Netflix movies and shows and going on walks. I have been lucky to make lifelong friends within the Honors program, and I am excited for this upcoming year!"
Savannah Benitez | Communication Vice Chair
"I am Savannah Benitez, the Vice Chair of Communication for this 2023-2024 semester! I am so excited to see new and old faces and work with an amazing team of people! I am a junior majoring in Marketing and minoring in Digital Marketing! Besides HSAB, I’m Vice President of Fine Arts Club at PNW and work in the lovely Office of Student Life! Some of my hobbies include embroidery, watching movies, and playing video games! Wishing you all an amazing school year!"
Bradley Bieniak | Communication Vice Chair
"My name is Bradley Bieniak. I am in my third year at Purdue University Northwest and majoring in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. I am honored to be selected as part of the 202 -2024 Honors Student Advisory Board as Communication Vice Chair. I look forward to working with everyone this year. "
Natalie Deel | Integrative Human Health
"I'm moving to Florida in May and plan to attend a Physician Associate (PA) program. As a PA-C, I'd like to study Dermatology/Plastic Surgery and become certified in aesthetic injecting. Furthering my education as a PA is very important to me as I love to learn new emerging medicine!"
Chad Jamrock | Computer Science
I plan to work in a job that involves data science/data analysis. I want to combine my passion in computers and data to something I will thoroughly enjoy and get satisfaction out of. I think that seeing my observations and predictions be used for something bigger is a huge inspiration, and I hope to work further in the field in the upcoming future."
Theodore Mantis | Biological Sciences
I will be working on my master's thesis here at PNW and will be working to eventually move on and earn my doctorate."
Arti Patel | Accounting
I'm finishing up my current tax internship and pursuing a full time opportunity in the Accounting field. Depending on where life takes me, I plan on going back for my master’s either at PNW or another nearby institution. I am open to new opportunities and cannot wait to see what the future holds!"
Foivi Triantafyllou | Biological Sciences
I plan to continue my studies here at PNW and will be starting my master’s in the fall."
Alexander Quilty | Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering
Savannah Yamat | Biological Sciences
I am going to be attending law school in Chicago. I hope to become an intellectual property or health law attorney."
