The Purdue University North Central athletics program has received a $25,000 corporate sponsorship from IU Health LaPorte Hospital, the largest single gift in the program's history.
"On behalf of Purdue North Central, I thank IU Health LaPorte Hospital for this generous sponsorship," said PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin. "This sponsorship will help provide scholarship funding for our student-athletes and will support the program overall. Our athletic program is an essential part of Purdue North Central. It not only provides our student-athletes with the opportunity to participate in a first-class intercollegiate sports program, but it also gives our students a chance to enjoy the essential collegiate experience of attending games and supporting the PNC Panther teams."
The PNC Corporate Sponsorship Program provides an opportunity for Northwest Indiana companies to support PNC Athletics and publically display their commitment to the community.
"IU Health La Porte Hospital is proud to sponsor PNC athletics. Athletic activity plays an integral part in improving health and we want to ensure that happens at all stages of life," said Neil Mangus, La Porte and Starke Indiana University Health, director of Marketing. "Supporting athletics programs like those at PNC helps IU Health achieve our mission of improving the health of our communities. We are honored to be a part of this long-standing partnership."
John Weber, PNC director of Student Athletics added, "PNC is proud of its successful and long standing relationship with IU Health LaPorte Hospital. Our athletes' experience at PNC and our overall program is enhanced because of the sponsorship support of companies like IU Health LaPorte Hospital. Our corporate sponsorship program provides local companies an opportunity to increase their visibility among our athletes, students, fans and community supporters."
The funding from IU Health LaPorte Hospital will provide scholarship funding for PNC athletes and assist in supporting the growing needs of the PNC Athletics Department.
PNC fields teams in men's basketball, baseball and golf and women's softball and volleyball. A women's cross country team is planned for 2013 - 14. The number of student-athletes has nearly tripled since 2007. This has led to increased student accomplishments in the classroom and on the field/court. PNC competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.
To learn more about the PNC athletic program, visit www.pncathletics.com or contact John Weber at (219) 785-5273.
Photo: From left to right: John Weber, PNC director of Student Athletics, Dr. James B. Dworkin, PNC Chancellor, Neil Mangus, La Porte and Starke Indiana University Health, director of Marketing and Melissa Westphal-Benefiel, PNC director of Development. Photo credit: Kristen Wozniak/Panther News Network