Purdue University Northwest (PNW) welcomed their 7,200 undergraduates back home with their annual Welcome Rally event on Tuesday at PNW's Westville Campus. Clubs, organizations, and local businesses offered new and returning students information, resources, and backpacks full of swag to settle in for another year.
“Purdue Northwest offers students an enriching and full college experience. This Rally connects them with various groups and chances to be a part of campus life,” said Douglas Clark, PNW’s Strategic Marketing & Communications Director. “Seeing all these students out here shows the vibrancy of Purdue Northwest, and the pride our students, faculty and staff have for our university.”
From the American Sign Language Club and student government, to the Equestrian Teams and Boots and Bridles club, the Welcome Rally showcased the many opportunities for PNW students to be involved across the university's campuses in Westville and Hammond. Some alumni also turned out to induct their underclassmen into college life.
“This is my favorite day of the year because when I was a student this was my favorite event,” said Ashley Gerodimos, Executive Director of the PNW Alumni Community and 2008 PNW graduate. “All the cool swag is given out and you can represent PNW pride with it. Plus, you get to meet all the other students and departments. I loved it when I was a student and am so happy and proud that I get to be a part of it as an alumna.”
Gerodimos enrolled in PNW right out of high school and largely credits the school for making her what she is today.
“The quality of education that I received was second to none,” she said. “I was so successful in my former career in the hospitality industry and I attribute all of my success to what I received at Purdue Northwest. I knew that one day I wanted to come back and serve the university in some capacity, to give back just a little piece of what it gave me for so many years.”
While Gerodimos and the rest of the Alumni Community stuffed students' bags with swag, other students, both new and returning, toured booth after booth of clubs and organizations spanning all kinds of interests.
“It’s been so fun, I love the atmosphere and how homey it feels, and the people are nice,” said Ty Beasley, a junior at PNW. “I think this event is great, and compared to my freshman year it’s definitely gotten bigger and better. I like seeing all these groups because the more people you know the better your experience. If you fly under the radar, you’re not thoroughly enjoying the college experience.”
Purdue University Northwest is a premier university located in northwest Indiana, boasting more than 70 fields of study, a 16-to-1 student-faculty ratio, students from 45 countries and 33 states and NCAA Division II athletics. Learn more about Purdue Northwest at www.pnw.edu.
