Andrae Marak Joins Indiana University Northwest

Indiana University Northwest (IUN) has appointed Andrae Marak as its new Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, effective June 1. Marak brings extensive leadership and academic experience from numerous institutions nationwide. His most recent role was as Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Roosevelt University in Chicago. Before this, he held multiple positions, including Dean of Graduate Studies and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Governors State University, Division Head at Indiana University Columbus, Interim Director of the Honors Program, and Chair of the Department of History and Political Science at California University of Pennsylvania.

Marak steps into this role following Cindy Roberts, who served as the Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Business and Economics, as she enters retirement. Marak received his Ph.D. in Latin American Studies, History, and Political Science from the University of New Mexico.

Franciscan Michigan City Holds Car Seat Safety Event

Franciscan Health Trauma Services is organizing a free car seat safety event on May 28, from 3-9 p.m. The event is open to Indiana residents and will take place at the Franciscan Health Michigan City location, 3500 Franciscan Way. A certified child passenger safety technician will provide guidance on the proper installation of car seats. It’s necessary for the child who uses the car seat to attend the appointment to ensure accurate instruction.

The car seat safety check is complimentary, though reservations are required. Registration can be made online or by calling 219-488-1380.

Seniors Awarded Medical Staff Scholarships

Jennifer Serrano and Alyssa Tracy, seniors from Michigan City High School, have been awarded Franciscan Health Michigan City Medical Staff Memorial Scholarships. These scholarships support their post-secondary education pursuits. Tracy will enroll at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, aiming for a career in pediatrics. Serrano plans to attend Valparaiso University, majoring in health sciences to become a physician’s assistant. The scholarships are provided annually through funding from the medical staff at Franciscan Health Michigan City, in collaboration with the Franciscan Health Foundation.

Law Enforcement Funding Approved by House Committee

U.S. Representative Frank J. Mrvan announced that the House Appropriations Committee included his funding requests for law enforcement in Indiana’s First Congressional District in the Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations measure. This measure has passed the committee and awaits full approval from both the House and Senate before it can be enacted. The funding distribution includes:

• $300,000 for Cedar Lake Police Department to acquire radio communication equipment.
• $187,000 for Gary Police Department to upgrade tactical gear.
• $772,700 for Hammond Police Department to enhance equipment and technology.
• $475,000 for Highland Police Department to purchase portable radio equipment.
• $500,000 for La Porte Police Department for radio communication equipment.
• $170,000 for Lake Station Police Department to replace in-car computers.
• $65,000 for Long Beach Police Department for radio equipment.
• $500,000 for Merrillville Police Department to improve equipment and technology.
• $250,000 for New Chicago Police Department for technological upgrades.
• $772,700 for Portage Police Department for radio communication equipment.
• $105,000 for Porter County Sheriff’s Office for body worn cameras.
• $80,000 for St. John Police Department for a three-dimensional scanner for crash reconstruction.

Networking Event at Steel Yard

The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association will host Women Take the Field from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on June 15 at US Steel Yard, Gary. The event features a private suite game between the South Shore RailCats and the Chicago Dogs. Attendees can enjoy a walk or run of the bases, a group photo, and classic ballpark food like burgers and hot dogs. A cash bar will be available. Organizations can register for free to receive a custom share link, while individual tickets are $25. No guest limits apply. More information and ticket purchase details can be accessed at https://www.nwiiwa.org/network-chill-1.