In a salute to Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) upcoming homecoming celebrations Jan. 26-31, local microbrewery Byway Brewing Company is teaming up with the Purdue Northwest Alumni Community to introduce a special PNW inspired beer, “PNW Golden Mane Ale,” in tribute to Purdue Northwest’s lion mascot.
“We’re excited about this. It is the first time Byway has created a cream ale, and it is really important for us to continue giving back to the community and PNW,” said Byway Brewing General Manager Philip Sajn.
Sajn said PNW alumni and fans will enjoy the beer’s flavor, and that with each pour funds will flow back to their favorite school and alma mater. From Jan. 28 through Feb. 3, Byway Brewing will donate 50 percent of the proceeds from Golden Mane sales to the PNW Strategic Initiatives Fund.
Ashley Gerodimos, executive director of the Purdue Northwest Alumni Community said the tribute ale will also be served at the culminating event of PNW’s homecoming—called the “MANE Event”—when PNW women’s and men’s basketball teams play conference rivals Michigan Tech on Thursday night, Jan. 31 at the Fitness and Recreation Center on the Hammond Campus.
“We’ve never done homecoming like this before,” said Gerodimos. “Through the partnership with Byway, we are able to offer alumni the Byway Brewing VIP Experience at MANE Event.”
While PNW Athletics announced free admission to both games, the VIP Experience offers pre-registered alumni and their families access to an exclusive viewing area with free food, beer, and giveaways. The entire event is family friendly, with a special kid zone including bounce houses and other activities.
Gerodimos said, “We welcome everyone—our students, alumni, their families and the entire community—to come out and support the PNW Pride.”
Collaborations are a trend for microbreweries, according to Sajn. Given the proximity to the Hammond Campus, as well as one of their owners being an alumnus, Byway’s partnership with PNW has steadily evolved since the brewery opened three miles away in 2016.
Located at 2825 Carlson Drive in Hammond, the brewery has become a favored hangout before and after games.
“A lot of our guests are Purdue Northwest students, faculty and alumni,” said Sajn. “This is a great partnership for us to have and we look forward to continuing.”
Sajn also said during homecoming week Byway will offer 25 percent off of any food purchase to PNW students, alumni, faculty and staff presenting their Purdue Northwest ID.
Purdue Northwest Homecoming Week Activities A full slate of homecoming activities are scheduled. Highlights include the following.
Saturday, Jan. 26
- Pride Classic 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament - 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. H.D. Kesling Gymnasium, James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex, Westville Campus, 1401 South U.S. Highway 421
Monday, Jan. 28
- Homecoming Carnival - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Library-Student-Faculty Building, Westville Campus, 1401 South U.S. Highway 421 The PNW Homecoming Carnival features free food, photo booth, air brush tattoos, spin art novelties and several carnival style games.
Tuesday, Jan. 29
- Homecoming Carnival - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Student Union & Library Building, Hammond Campus, 2233 173rd St. The PNW Homecoming Carnival features free food, photo booth, air brush tattoos, spin art novelties and several carnival style games.
- The Honors S.T.A.R. Walk - 5 to 7 p.m. (check-in at 4:30 p.m.) Fitness and Recreation Center, Hammond Campus, 2320 173rd St.; James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex, Westville Campus, 1401 South U.S. Highway 421 Walk and honor the remarkable people we have each lost and the incredible heroes we are lucky enough to still have with us today. Sponsored by PNW’s Honors College, the walk is an important time to pause, reflect, appreciate what we have, and remember all who have impacted our lives. The event features s’mores, hot chocolate, a candlelit remembrance walk and stargazing.
Wednesday, Jan. 30
- Mock Rock & Spirit Rally - 6 to 8:30 p.m. Alumni Hall, Student Union & Library Building, Hammond Campus, 2233 173rd St. Twelve student teams will compete in a lip-sync performance for a $500 prize.
Thursday, Jan. 31
- The MANE Event - 5 to 9 p.m. Fitness and Recreation Center, Hammond Campus, 2320 173rd St. The PNW women’s and men’s basketball teams square off against Michigan Tech. Women’s game tips off at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7 p.m. Admission is free. PNW alumni can register for the VIP Experience at pnw.edu/alumni.
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.
