Purdue University Northwest Introduces Challenge Grant

Purdue University Northwest Introduces Challenge Grant

2 supportive alumni collaborate to fund ‘Purdue Day of Giving’ matching opportunity by other graduates

In support of Purdue University Northwest, two esteemed alumni of PNW’s Calumet Campus have established an $18,500 challenge grant to be matched by alumni gifts totaling that amount during Wednesday’s (4/27) annual Purdue Day of Giving.

Collaborating in establishing the grant are Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr. and Kiewit Inc. Executive Vice President Al Sori.

McDermott is a 1996 baccalaureate alumnus in management. His achievements as Hammond’s mayor include that of initiating the city’s innovative College Bound Scholarship Program, which awards eligible students who live in Hammond up to $10,500 a year in tuition to attend an Indiana university of their choice. Sori is a 1989 baccalaureate alumnus in construction management. His firm, one of North America’s largest and most respected construction and engineering organizations, employs more than 50 Purdue graduates.

10 percent of PNW goal

The amount of the challenge grant represents 10 percent of PNW’s $185,000 Purdue Day of Giving goal.

Purdue Day of Giving is designed to provide a convenient, non-stop, 24-hour opportunity for alumni, faculty, staff, parents, friends and students to make a monetary gift of any amount to any Purdue campus.

“We at Purdue Northwest are extremely grateful for the generosity of Mayor McDermott and Mr. Sori,” PNW Calumet Director of Alumni Affairs and Advancement Megan Davis-Ochi said. “Stepping up as they have to offer this challenge grant speaks to their appreciation for the Purdue education they received in Northwest Indiana and the opportunities that education provides them to make a difference in our region.”

All gifts of $10 or more count

All alumni gifts of $10 or more count toward the PNW Alumni Challenge Grant match. Gifts can be made online at www.hellopnw.org in support of PNW strategic initiatives, student scholarships, a specific college of Purdue Northwest or the university’s athletics program. Individuals desiring to make a pledge are invited to phone 219-989-2308 or 219-785-5697.

All gifts made during Purdue Day of Giving are tax-deductible. Donors will receive an e-mail confirmation that will serve as a receipt for tax purposes.

Purdue Day of Giving is scheduled from 11 p.m. CT, Tuesday (4/26) to 11 p.m. CT, Wednesday (4/27).

Purdue University Northwest

With recent approval by the Higher Learning Commission, Purdue University Calumet and Purdue University North Central have unified to become Purdue University Northwest (PNW), a comprehensive regional university within the Purdue University system. When PNW welcomes its first class of students this fall, it will become Indiana’s fifth largest public university, enrolling more than 15,000 students and offering 70+ degree programs. Current students are completing the spring semester as enrollees of Purdue Calumet in Hammond or Purdue North Central in Westville.