To say Peter Nau grew up watching Purdue University Northwest (PNW) grow from his backyard is an understatement. His father and mother were both Purdue graduates. His father was invited to be on the Chancellor’s Council. As a child, he literally lived one street away from PNW’s Hammond Campus on Knickerbocker Parkway.
But that’s not the reason Nau, who is president of Hammond Machine Works, chose to make a major gift in support of the College of Technology during PNW’s Day of Giving.
“I believe as a business owner I have a responsibility to the community to give back,” said Nau. “Giving back to Purdue Northwest is a win-win between students and business.”
As the president of the 111-year-old manufacturer of railroad freight car parts, Nau believes in the vision of College of Technology dean Niaz Latif.
“Dean Latif has some creative ideas that will benefit many companies in the area,” said Nau.
In particular, he cites PNW’s strength in mechatronics engineering technology, which prepares students to design and develop industrial automation systems including robotics, vision systems and computer integration for high speed manufacturing and service industries.
“We are so grateful to have partners like Peter Nau, who believe in Purdue Northwest’s mission and proudly support our programs,” said Latif. “Solid relationships between the college and manufacturers enhance the quality of applied learning for our students and strengthens their competitiveness with the latest techniques.”
“It’s thinking outside the box that is needed in the manufacturing environment today,” said Nau. “While we are a manufacturer, I support all the students going to Purdue Northwest.”
