The Urban League of Northwest Indiana elected Purdue University Northwest (PNW) Chancellor Thomas L. Keon as chairman of the Board of Directors for a two-year term.
“We are extremely grateful for Dr. Keon’s willingness to continue his long-standing service to the Urban League and provide leadership as we go forward in 2019 and 2020,” said Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud, president and CEO of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana.
Allen-McCloud has worked closely with Keon during the past two years during his service as vice chair of the organization.
The Urban League has devoted considerable time and attention to preparing students for post-secondary educational opportunities, awarding scholarships and providing adults with skills to obtain sustainable employment and financial literacy. In addition, volunteer tax income assistance is offered to individuals with annual incomes less than $54,000.
The Urban League of Northwest Indiana is deeply committed to the promotion of diversity and inclusion throughout the Region. The organization hosts an annual luncheon where individuals, groups and businesses who actively promote diversity and inclusion are honored and recognized.
“I am truly honored and delighted to continue working with Dr. Allen-McCloud and all of the Urban League board members on our shared goals of enhancing both professional and personal opportunities for individuals, families, schools and businesses throughout northwest Indiana,” Keon said.
In addition to Keon, new members to the Board include vice chair, Yolanda Davis of Horizon Bank; treasurer, Kristina Bailey of First Midwest Bank; secretary, Chancellor R. Louie Gonzalez of Ivy Tech Community College.
Originally founded in 1945 in Gary, Indiana, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana serves communities in Lake, Porter and La Porte counties. The organization works locally and nationally to improve social, educational and economic conditions of African Americans and other underrepresented groups.
Keon’s association with the Urban League includes regular participation at national Urban League meetings, most recently held in St. Louis and Cleveland. In addition to serving as vice chair of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, he has been parliamentarian of the Executive Committee of the Council of Affiliate Board Chairs.
“My new service with the Board nicely complements PNW’s active engagement with numerous organizations throughout the Region including Northwest Indiana Forum, One Region, and Legacy Foundation.” Keon said. “Purdue Northwest’s student body has grown increasingly diverse over the years and will continue to do so. We are taking active steps to insure that African American, Hispanic, and other underrepresented groups view PNW as a university that meets their needs and provides an educational experience of the highest quality. The Urban League of Northwest Indiana is a wonderful partner and a great contributor to enhancing quality of life opportunities for one and all.”
Purdue University Northwest Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that values academic excellence, supports growth and celebrates diversity. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, PNW fosters a vibrant academic community through high quality and engaging undergraduate and graduate education. For more information about PNW, visit www.pnw.edu.
