The Society of Innovators at Purdue University Northwest hosted its first SPARK Summit, welcoming around 150 high school students from six Northwest Indiana schools in May at PNW’s Westville campus. This day aimed to ignite creativity and leadership in students. It featured keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and discussions centered around problem-solving and collaboration. Students engaged with notable speakers such as INDYCAR driver Charlie Kimball and branding expert Olivia West. Key sessions addressed overcoming challenges, building personal brands, and fostering an innovative mindset. Find more details at pnw.edu/soi.
The 2026 SPARK Summit speaker roster included Matthew Jones, Faith N. Spencer, Charlie Kimball, Olivia West, Emmani Ellis, and Jason Williams. (Photo by Purdue Northwest)
NWIBRT Announces 2026 Leadership
The Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable (NWIBRT) announced its 2026 Executive Committee officers, focusing on promoting safety, workforce development, and excellence in construction and industry. Robert Joseph from ArcelorMittal USA Research takes the Chair position. Jacob Lenson, Adam Fauth, Dewey Pearman, and Andrea Pearman round out the leadership team as Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Executive Director, respectively.
The 2026 Board of Directors includes representatives from various organizations such as Steel Cities Steels, Franciscan Health, and Ivy Tech Community College. This diverse board strengthens NWIBRT’s mission across different sectors.
HealthLinc Opens Newton County Office
On June 5, HealthLinc will celebrate the opening of its Newton County office with a community event in Morocco. From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 102 E. State St., the event will offer free health screenings, provider meet-and-greets, and family activities. As a federally qualified health center, HealthLinc provides affordable healthcare services to all, emphasizing accessibility regardless of a patient’s financial situation. For more information, contact Jodie Wexelberg at [email protected].
Franciscan Launches Suicide Prevention Courses
Franciscan Health, alongside Sounds of Sarah and the Lake County Health Department, will offer QPR Suicide Prevention Courses to the public. These free sessions aim to reduce suicidal behaviors through effective training. The courses will take place on June 17 and August 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at Sounds of Sarah in Griffith. Registration is required and can be completed at fran.care/qpr.
PNW Big Sell 2026 Winners Announced
Purdue University Northwest has recognized three entrepreneurs during the 2026 PNW Big Sell pitch competition. Ten finalists delivered live pitches after advancing from video submissions. GlucoCare by Simrah Khan won first place with a $10,000 prize. Low Angle from Kenneth Webster and The ANT Tool by Aaron Farrer secured second and third places with $3,000 and $1,000 prizes. More details on entrepreneurship opportunities at PNW are available at pnw.edu/entrepreneurship.
Free Community Baby Shower Announced
Franciscan Health and partners will host a free community baby shower for expectant mothers at the Gary Public Library and Cultural Center on June 27. The Tea and Tiny Kicks Community Baby Shower will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., providing educational sessions, gifts, and resources. The event includes information about the Count the Kicks app for pregnancy health monitoring. Registration is required and can be done online at the registration page.
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