Purdue University Northwest (PNW) hosted its fourth annual Alumni Hall of Fame celebration on Thursday, April 3 to recognize several distinguished graduates of the university.
PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford gave a warm welcome to the audience that came to support the honorees.
“Beyond the accolades and milestones, tonight is about something special,” Holford said. “The collective spirit that unites us is a celebration of what really makes PNW special. It’s truly a privilege to be part of such a vibrant, committed and inspiring community.”
During the program, PNW honored five impactful alumni. Nicole Kupchik and Mitchell “Mason” Macenski were inducted into the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame. Inductees are distinguished as high-achieving leaders in their fields, involved members of their communities and who have engaged with PNW well beyond their time as students.
Kupchik earned her associate’s degree in Nursing from PNW in 1993. She went on to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Nursing from the University of Washington. During her career, Kupchik has earned the Washington State March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Award in Research and Innovation for research on the implementation of therapeutic hypothermia treatment after cardiac arrest. As a critical care educator, she has also earned two Washington State Qualis awards for Patient Safety and Clinical Leadership.
She became the first College of Nursing alumna to be inducted into the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame. She shared appreciation for the many nurses who helped shape her career and her inspiration to gift a scholarship in support of PNW students.
“Every single person is going to need health care or a nurse at some point in life,” Kupchik said. “Nurses are truly the backbone of health care. If you ever have a chance, please thank a nurse. A lot of nurses don’t get the credit they deserve, and it’s extremely hard work. There are some of the most amazing people in this industry, and that’s what makes me honored to be able to start the scholarship program. We can find students who are willing to work hard and put in the time to reach the finish line. It’s all about making it a little bit easier for them.”
Mitchell “Mason” Macenski is a first-generation PNW graduate who grew up in Hammond. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1986 and went on to earn his doctorate in Behavioral Pharmacology from the University of Minnesota. Macenski manages the application process to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Miromatrix’s bioengineered transplantable organs, including a decellularized kidney. He continues to support PNW students through the Michael and Geraldine Macenski Behavioral Scholarship.
“The classes at Purdue Northwest are taught by passionate instructors and there’s a greater attention to student-centered instruction,” Macenski said. “This is a superior educational institution. PNW continues to facilitate opportunities for first-generation students, with more than 50% of their students being first-gen. I'm humbled and proud to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. To everyone affiliated with Purdue Northwest, thank you for what you do.”
New during this year’s program were expanded award categories for alumni who have demonstrated excellence in their careers and who continue significantly contributing to and impacting the PNW community. These honorees included Rick Calinski, Debbie Bachmann and Ayana Clark.
Rick Calinski, the director of Public Affairs and Economic Development for Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), received the Pride of PNW Alumni Award. The award recognizes alumni who embody the values and mission of the university. Calinski credited the skills he brings to his role at NIPSCO to his influential undergraduate and master’s education at PNW.
“It’s truly humbling and I’m honored,” Calinski said. “I absolutely love Purdue Northwest. Coming to PNW allowed me to do what I needed to do and mature. It allowed me to be the person that I needed to be. From my MBA program to the instructors and professors, I’ve learned so much about so many great people here, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Debbie Bachmann received the PNW Campus Pride Alumni Award, which recognizes PNW faculty and staff members who are alumni and who have made significant contributions and impacts for the PNW campus community and student experience. For over 20 years Bachmann has served PNW students, including in her current role as administrator of Honors Student Leadership and Programming.
“PNW has been an integral part of my life,” Bachmann said. “It has given me countless opportunities for growth, and I could not be prouder to be a part of this university’s advocacy. This campus holds a special place in my heart not only for the career it’s given me, but it’s also where I met my husband. My entire family’s connection to Purdue Northwest runs deep, and this community has shaped who I am.”
Ayana Clark received the Power Onward Emerging Leader Award, recognizing alumni under the age of 35 who have demonstrated emerging and unique innovation, creativity and success in their chosen careers. Clark leads Chicago-based A&J Branding, helping politicians, businesses and nonprofits connect with communities.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this award,” said Clark. “It’s not the class sizes or the curriculum that make this university great; it’s the thousands of students like me that have walked through these doors, cultivating our voices on this campus to change the world.”
For more information on PNW’s Alumni Hall of Fame, visit pnw.edu/hall-of-fame.
