On Thursday, runners and walkers participated in the Pride Stride at Purdue Northwest’s Westville campus. The 5K color run had t-shirts, music, and food in what amounted to an energetic afternoon. Purdue Northwest staff and volunteers helped facilitate the race on the campus.
“This is something that we broadcast to students, faculty, staff, and the community,” said Mya Methner, Assistant Director for Student Life at Purdue Northwest. “It's a great way for people to form connections. This year it’s really fun because Pride Stride gets to be a part of Homecoming.”
For the students who came, it was a fun activity to do and meet more of their peers.
“I saw a little ad for it on the TV at the Hammond campus, and I thought that they all looked cool,” said Dash Shaw, senior at Purdue Northwest’s Hammond campus. "There are a lot of cool things to do, so you just got to go find it.”
The race also allowed people to get out of their comfort zones.
“It makes me feel more involved with the school and get to know my community,” said Abby Alexander, a junior at Purdue Northwest. “This makes it a lot easier to make friends than right after class. It has been a really good experience.”
Some participants like Shaw and her friend, Mercedes Simmons, ran the full course. Other participants took a slower pace.
“This is not my first time doing a 5K, but I am not an avid runner,” said Alexander. “I like doing it for fun and walking.”
Hosting events like Pride Stride at PNW is a great way to showcase the Student Life experience. Pride Stride is one of PNW’s largest annual traditions. PNW will also have a firework show on Sept. 30 and a Trunk-or-Treat at the Westville campus.
For more information about Student Life at Purdue Northwest, visit pnw.edu/student-life.
