PNW Today

On this episode of PNW Today, host Kale Wilk highlights the latest opportunities, research initiatives, and upcoming events at Purdue University Northwest. The program begins with a conversation about undergraduate research and the annual Days of Discovery event, featuring Dr. Michael Zimmer, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Faculty Fellow for Undergraduate Research, along with PNW electrical engineering senior Kate Kilmer. They discuss how students can get involved in research, the benefits of working closely with faculty mentors, and how hands-on projects help students build real-world skills. Kilmer also shares her journey from pre-veterinary studies to electrical engineering and explains her research on machine fault detection using machine learning and AI. In the second segment, admissions leaders Dr. Julie Wieczak and Raven Chant discuss upcoming admissions and campus preview opportunities for prospective students and families. The conversation covers Parent University, Preview PNW open house events, financial aid guidance including FAFSA, and how families can navigate the college search process with confidence. Plus, the show highlights key campus updates, including the PNW Day of Giving, the Best of the Region voting campaign, and a celebration of the PNW ACHA Division I Men's Hockey Team qualifying for its third straight national tournament appearance. Tune in to PNW Today for campus news, student success stories, and resources that help students and families discover what makes Purdue University Northwest a powerful place to learn, research, and grow.

Welcome to PNW Athletics Today, the official athletics podcast of Purdue University Northwest, hosted by Director of Athletics Rick Costello. In this action-packed episode, we celebrate a decade of academic excellence and nine years of NCAA Division II competition as the Pride continues to thrive under the "students first, athletes second" model. With 23 sports and over 530 student-athletes, PNW Athletics is building a championship culture both in the classroom and in competition. 🏆 Featured Highlights Include: ⚾ A historic jersey retirement for MLB pitcher Chad Patrick of the Milwaukee Brewers — former GLIAC Pitcher of the Year, All-American, and the first PNW athlete drafted into a major professional sports organization. 🏒 Hockey dominance as the Pride defeats Hope College and advances in postseason tournament play. 📚 20 consecutive semesters with a 3.0+ department GPA, marking 10 years of academic achievement. 💥 Stunt Team Spotlight Head Coach Marshall Smith and student-athletes Maggie Underwood and Leah DeCeser break down the fast-growing sport of collegiate stunt — a dynamic blend of competitive cheer and gymnastics structured into a four-quarter head-to-head format. Ranked Top 12 in Division II, the Pride are pushing toward national playoff contention as stunt earns championship status at the NCAA level. 🏈 Flag Football on the Rise First-year Head Coach Micah Lowe joins team leaders Marilyn Myrick (QB1) and Morgan Ellis to preview the inaugural season of PNW Flag Football. With the sport gaining national momentum and Olympic recognition, the Pride prepare to compete at the collegiate level — including games at Hallas Hall, the Chicago Bears' practice facility. 🏀 Plus updates on: GLIAC men's basketball playoff push Record-breaking track & field performances Baseball, softball, and tennis season openers The expanding impact of women's athletics at PNW From NCAA tournament aspirations to emerging sports status for stunt and flag football, PNW Athletics is building something special in Northwest Indiana. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly updates, student-athlete stories, championship highlights, and everything happening across Pride Athletics. Go Pride!

PNW Today is your official source for campus news, alumni success stories, career development insights, and community impact from Purdue University Northwest. In this February 12, 2026 episode, host Cale Wilk spotlights the upcoming PNW Alumni Hall of Fame and 10th Anniversary Gala, celebrating distinguished graduates who continue to shape Northwest Indiana and beyond. Featured guests include Director of Alumni Engagement Katie Holderby and 2026 Emerging Leader Award recipient Spencer Summers, Economic and Business Development Manager at Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO). Learn about: The PNW Alumni Hall of Fame and its impact on the Hammond and Westville campuses 2026 inductee Dino Yankees and alumni award winners making a difference in business, hospitality, and community leadership Spencer Summers' journey from PNW student to regional economic development leader How PNW alumni are driving workforce growth, high-wage job creation, and generational wealth across Indiana The episode also highlights major campus updates, including: Spring admissions preview events National rankings for PNW's online nursing programs by U.S. News & World Report PNW Athletics milestones, including ACHA Division 2 Hockey qualifying for regionals The upcoming 10th Anniversary Gala at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana In the second segment, the PNW Career Center team shares expert advice on internships, networking, LinkedIn strategy, career exploration, resume building, employer expectations, and how students can leverage career services from freshman year through graduation—and even as alumni. Topics include career fairs, the Spring Career Expo, nursing meet-and-greet events, the Professional Clothing Closet, and lifelong career support for PNW graduates. Whether you're a prospective student, current Pride member, alumni professional, or Northwest Indiana community partner, this episode of PNW Today showcases how Purdue University Northwest prepares students for meaningful careers and regional impact. 🎓 Learn more about alumni engagement: pnw.edu/alumni 💼 Explore career services: pnw.edu/career-center 🏆 Hall of Fame details: pnw.edu/hall-of-fame Subscribe to PNW Today for weekly updates on PNW academics, athletics, alumni achievements, workforce development, and student success stories.

Check out PNW Today as we highlight opportunities to get involved on campus through Student Life and university housing

In this episode, we highlight Men's and Women's Soccer as well as Sports Fest happening September 13th

Join PNW Today with your host, Kale Wilkins as he kicks off the 2025-2026 school semester with season 2 episode 1 of PNW Today 

The stories and student experiences of several 2025 candidates for graduation are highlighted in this end-of-spring program.

Members of PNW's division of Institutional Advancement expand on the annual PNW Day of Giving fundraiser.

Director of Athletics Rick Costello is joined by student-athletes and coaches from PNW Pride Cheerleading and Women's Tennis, as well as new women's flag football coach Micah Lowe.

Director of Athletics Rick Costello is joined by student-athletes and coaches from PNW Pride Baseball and Softball.

The Feb. 13 PNW Today program features guests Mary Beth Fraser Connolly, Monica Rubio, and Katie Holderby to help preview PNW's Women's History Month events. Following that, guests Shreya Bhandari, Brittney Autry Cole, and Robin Miller highlight PNW's new Master of Social Work program.

Purdue University Northwest Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford reflects on his inaugural year as chancellor of the university.

Director of Athletics Rick Costello is joined by student-athlete and coach guests from PNW men's ice hockey and STUNT.

The Jan. 23 PNW Today program brings on guests Yvonne Lopez, Courtney Locke, and Debbie Bachmann to preview the Mane Event and the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame. Then, guests Darien Thompson, Britt Hudson, and Rose Boyd join to preview Black History Month programming.

Four standout PNW candidates for fall 2024 commencement join Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford to talk more about their PNW student experiences. Student guests include Mohammad Attallah, Mary Buksa, Oona Kintscher, and Kosta Nicolaou.

PNW students, faculty and staff join the program to talk more about Study-Away opportunities and the Honors College.

PNW Athletics Director Rick Costello brings on student-athletes and coaches from PNW Pride women's and men's basketball.

PNW campus leaders join the show to share more about the admissions process, how to learn more about financial aid, and the resources available for first-generation students.

PNW Athletics Director Rick Costello brings on guests from PNW Pride women's and men's golf.

PNW campus leaders join the show to share more about the university's Hispanic Heritage Month programming and its new designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

PNW Director of Athletics Rick Costello previews the annual Homecoming Sports Festival and brings on guests from Pride men's and women's soccer.

PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford and Provost Marie T. Mora share what they're excited about for the university and Northwest Indiana during the 2024-25 academic year and beyond.