Over the years, Purdue University Northwest has seen hundreds upon hundreds of graduates walk across its stage and into the next chapter of their lives. The December Commencement on Friday evening was truly a show of university pride as students celebrated the culmination of all of their hard work along with faculty, family and friends.
The 2017 PNW Fall Graduation ceremony was held at the Westville campus in the H.D Kesling Gymnasium, with a celebration afterwards in the Great Hall at the James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex.
Dr. Daniel Wilbur, professor of communication and creative arts and co-chair of the faculty senate at Purdue University Northwest, couldn’t be more excited to open the ceremony.
“I am so thrilled with our students,” Wilbur said. “The school spirit and the school pride has grown so much. I love commencement, it’s where it all comes together.”
The ceremony honored new graduates from every college of Purdue University Northwest, including the College of Business; College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences; College of Nursing; College of Technology and College of Engineering and Sciences.
Lori Feldman, Associate Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, said she has attended more than 50 graduations in her more than two decades at the university, and each year keeps getting better and better.
“Purdue Northwest has changed substantially in very positive ways in the last 26 years,” Feldman said. “Every year we grow, and we become a stronger, better part of the community. I am proud to be a part of this college.”
The guest speaker, Robert Johnson III, is the president/CEO and founder of Merrillville-based cyber security company Cimcor Inc. The Purdue Northwest alumnus has grown his company into a global player, servicing the U.S. National Airforce and NASA, and been recognized several times for his achievements, including Cimcor Inc.’s No. 75 ranking in CyberSecurity Venture’s top 500 information security companies to watch in the world.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to address you, as a native of Northwest Indiana and graduate, I consider this a particularly special and significant privilege,” Johnson said. “When it came time to select a university, Purdue University Northwest was the logical choice for me. The university has an outstanding computing information systems department that was very tightly aligned with the needs of the industry. It seemed like a great fit because it allowed me to work and consult as I attended the university as a full-time student.”
When Johnson went on to graduate school at Purdue University Northwest, he found the School of Business was “equally impressive.” Johnson reminisced about his first day in class on the campus and how his professors impacted his life from day one. He had some crucial advice to the graduating class about pursuing their dreams, and never letting the idea of failure stop them from that.
“In summary, never stop trying,” Johnson said. “I’m cheering for you. I’m confident that you all are going to do amazing things. We need you. The world needs you, Northwest Indiana needs you, your talent and unique skills. You are the hope that’s being released into the world that can ultimately solve some of our most significant challenges, from poverty to climate change, to inequity to human rights. Above all, seek knowledge, find your passion and embrace the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. And never stop.”
Griselda Montanez, fresh Purdue University Northwest graduate with a major in communications and minor in sociology, is making way to do just that. She is the first person in her family to graduate from college.
“It was just so surreal,” Griselda Montanez said of graduating. “As a first-generation student, and being Latina, this meant so much. I want to give back to the community, and put a foot in the door for my nieces and nephews.”
Her father, Raymundo Montanez, couldn’t be prouder of his daughter’s accomplishments.
“I’m so excited, and my wife is so excited,” he said. “She has a lot of passion, no one can do it like her. I’m glad she still wants to go up and up. I love her very much.”
Cameron Mcfarrin’s graduation marked a standing family tradition of being Purdue University Northwest alumni. He is the sixth person in his family to graduate from Purdue University Northwest and third generation to attend the university.
“I feel honored and privileged to go to Purdue,” Mcfarrin said.
His grandmother, Catherine Sori, chimed in, “We are the quintessential Purdue family!”
Jasmine Urosevic received her B.S. in nursing and said she was so overcome with emotion at the thought of graduation that she cried on her way home after class.
“We are a big family,” Urosevic said. “I am going to miss everyone when I leave. It’s going to be hard without them.”
As the reception, filled with cake, food, refreshments and music, came to close, robed students and their families slowly filtered out- leaving behind their time as students, but taking with them the memories and lessons they gained in their time at Purdue University Northwest. Once a member of the Pride, always a member of the Pride.
For more information about Purdue Northwest, go to www.pnw.edu.
