PNW’s online program lauded
The Purdue University Northwest College of Nursing online programs received top national recognition through U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs rankings, according to a release.
PNW’s RN-to-BSN online program was included among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in the 2026 rankings, placing No. 38 among 359 surveyed online bachelor’s programs. The ranking was an increase from No. 51 on the 2025 listing, the release said. PNW’s Master of Science in Nursing online program ranked No. 88 nationally among 209 surveyed programs included in the best online MSN programs, up 10 spots from last year’s rankings, the release said.
To learn more about PNW’s online nursing programs, visit pnw.edu/nursing-online.
Rotary hosts networking event Feb. 12
Rotary Means Business Northwest Indiana is bringing Rotary Clubs from Merrillville, Schererville, Hammond and Valparaiso together for a networking event from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at NIRPC, 6100 Southport Road, Portage.
The event is designed to connect and empower business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders from across the
area, while also introducing the mission and advocacy work of Rotary Clubs throughout Northwest Indiana, a release said.
The event is open to the public and ideal for business owners, nonprofit leaders, and professionals seeking purpose-driven connections, the release said. Email jskibbie@jrsmarcom.com for more information.
VU online MBA program named
The Master of Business Administration program at Valparaiso University recently earned a spot in U.S. News and World Report’s most recent list of best Online MBA programs, as well as being named on the Princeton Review’s Top 50 Online MBA Programs for 2026, a release said.
The College of Business focuses on a “triple-bottom line” or “people, planet, profit” approach to education. In addition to recognition from
U.S. News and World report, dedication to the public good also earned the College of Business’s masters program a No. 4 ranking from Washington Monthly magazine, the release said.
For more information about the Valpo MBA program, visit.valpo.edu/mba/. Schools in the U.S. News and World Report list are ranked based on their success at meeting a wide variety of excellence indicators.
MAAC Foundation donates $50K to K9 agencies
The MAAC Foundation has awarded $50,000 in grants through the S50 K9 Fund, providing financial support to first responder agencies to strengthen K9 units.
The S50 K9 Fund, created to ensure that K9 teams have access to the essential training and resources needed to serve their communities effectively, honors the legacy of the late Valparaiso Police Department Sgt. Steve Kobitz, a release said.
Departments receiving a combined $50,000 in funding include: Cedar Lake Police Department, Crown Point Fire Department, Hobart Police Department, NWI Search and Recovery, Porter County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan City Police Department and the Valparaiso K9 Association. For more information about the S50 K9 Fund, visit www.maacfoundation.org/S50K9Fund
Braun adds to state boards, commissions
Lake and Porter county residents were recently named by Gov. Mike Braun to various state boards and commissions. Appointments include:
Lake County resident Shawn Kelly of Involution Inc. has been reappointed to the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation Board through
June 30, 2029.
Joining the Ports of Indiana Commission, Lake County resident Randy Palmateer, of the Northwestern Indiana Building & Construction Trades Council, has been appointed through Dec. 31, 2029.
Porter County resident Thomas Collins, of Luke Oil Co., has been named to the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority Board of
Directors. His term expires Jan. 31, 2030.
The Gary Metro Center Station Revitalization Project Board has added Troy Woodruff, BW Construction of Hamilton County. His term expires June 30, 2028.
Porter County Sheriff Jeff Balon has been reappointed to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Board of Trustees. His term expires Dec.
31, 2029.
Judith Schoon, of Lake County and the LFE Group Investments & Insurance LLC, has been named to the Indiana State Commission on Aging for a term that expires June 30, 2028.
VU German prof wins state teaching honor
Timothy Malchow, professor of world languages and cultures at Valparaiso University, was recently named Teacher of the Year by the Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association and the Collegiate Teacher of the Year by the Indiana Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of German, according to a release.
The Teacher of the Year award is given to a state teacher of any language to recognize “outstanding effort and achievement in foreign
language instruction and professional service in the state of Indiana,” the release said.
Fashion, philanthropy celebrated at March event
A fundraising event set for March 4 will combine fashion with philanthropy as ticket holders compete for a chance to win name-brand purses and designer sunglasses while supporting the advancement of women in the area, according to a release.
The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association’s Designer Purse & Sunglass Bingo supports the organization’s mentorship program, which brings together women leaders as mentors and pairs them with rising stars, the release said.
The Designer Purse & Sunglass Bingo will be held 5-8 p.m. March 4, at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church & Pavilion, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville. Tickets are $20, not including bingo, and available on NWIIWA’s website. In addition to games, the bingo event will feature a light dinner, cash bar and opportunities to network.
PNW professor recognized
Purdue University Northwest Nils K. Nelson Endowed Professor of Integrative Human Health John Durocher has been named a 2026 Fellow of the American Physiological Society, a release said.
Durocher was recognized with esteemed member status from the American Physiological Society in the category of Teaching of Physiology. As a member of the FAPS class of 2026, he joins others honored for their outstanding scientific contributions, significant impact on physiology and dedicated service to the society, the release said.
Fellowship status in the APS is awarded selectively across the society’s 12 sections, typically with only one or two individuals per
section being recognized each year. At PNW, Durocher focuses on teaching, research and service in integrative human health and
kinesiology. Durocher is the founding director of the PNW Integrative Physiology and Health Sciences Center and serves as coordinator of the Integrative Human Health Bachelor of Science Degree and Kinesiology concentration.
