2022 spring grads ready to celebrate
Purdue University Northwest will recognize 976 candidates for graduation on May 14 during its spring commencement ceremony in Hammond.
Meet a few of PNW’s outstanding graduates and learn more about their student experiences, academic achievements and passion for their metropolitan university.
Josh Phillips
Josh Phillips originally started his college career at PNW with the mindset of attend class, leave and repeat.
“That quickly became old and I decided to get involved,” he said. “It’s when I started to join organizations and participate that my college career took off and it was amazing!”
An Honors College student and peer mentor coordinator, Phillips received the Honors College Citizenship Award in April 2021. He was also the first PNW student elected to the executive board of the Mid-East Honors Association (MEHA), one of only four scholars chosen from approximately 35 colleges and universities.
“Being a member of the MEHA executive board was definitely a great learning experience, as was serving in several leadership positions in the Honors College,” said Phillips. “These experiences allowed me to sharpen my leadership skills which will serve me well in my career.” He was also a member of TRIO where he served as a peer mentor.
In addition to working on campus as a student desktop technician for PNW’s Information Services department, the Gary native completed two internships. “My internships helped me take the things I learned in class and apply them in a real-world setting — bringing those lessons to life.”
Phillips is scheduled to graduate with a degree in Computer Information Technology from PNW’s College of Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity and a certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and is hoping to find a position in the cybersecurity field.
Ana Lopez
Ana Lopez has always known she wanted a career in the medical field. She is set to graduate this spring with a degree in Health Studies from PNW’s College of Engineering and Sciences, with an eye on becoming a physician assistant.
“My desire to become a physician assistant is motivated by my parents, who are uninsured, as well as the millions of vulnerable individuals in disadvantaged populations who have limited access to health care resources,” said Lopez.
The Michigan City native has been working part-time as a medical scribe at the Franciscan Health Michigan City Hospital, which helped solidify her decision to become a physician assistant.
“Working as a medical scribe is a great experience,” Lopez said. “I was able to apply the lessons I learned in class, like all the medical terminology, in the real world. It also gave me insight into a career in the medical field.”
Lopez, a first generation college student, acknowledges that TRIO helped her navigate her college years at PNW and motivated her to get involved in campus organizations. In addition to being a TRIO peer mentor, she served as the vice president of the Medical Careers Club and president of the Unidos Club.
After graduation, she will be applying to physician assistant graduate programs, hoping to start her graduate studies in 2023. “Once I receive my graduate degree, I would really love to work in an underserved community helping those individuals get the care they need.”
Andrew Morris
Andrew Morris, of Valparaiso, says he has often been complimented that he’s a caring person.
“I know it sounds cliché, but if you want to help people, nursing is a great career,” said Morris.
Morris took his skill sets to PNW’s College of Nursing and is graduating with a BSN. But even before he walks the commencement platform, he’s already beginning work in the Intensive Care Unit at Franciscan Health Michigan City. He served a previous clinical rotation at the same hospital.
“I would say for almost anyone who chooses to go into nursing, you have something special inside you. You’ve got something in your heart that calls you to make a difference and help people. That’s something that nurses do every day. You know the living you’re making is honest.”
Morris served in various roles in PNW’s Nursing Club during his four years, and has been a student leader by assisting with supplemental instruction of Pathophysiology courses.
Morris said what helped draw him to PNW’s College of Nursing was its reputation for its instructors, who are often embedded elsewhere too in the local community, and its quality clinicals and job placement prospects. He says the program has helped him develop the necessary teamwork skills he can take to the ICU floor and beyond.
“Once you’re in the Nursing program, you’re in a cohort. You’re with the same group of people all the way through. You become really amazing friends, you work on projects together, do clinicals together. That experience of teamwork and camaraderie was huge for me.
“When you’re working as a nurse, you have to collaborate with people. No person is an island. That teamwork you learn at PNW is going to translate to the professional field. It will translate to the hospital and make you a better nurse.”