[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 3578-3579]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING PURDUE UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2017

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I take 
this time to recognize Purdue University Northwest as the college 
celebrates the first anniversary of Founders Day, which took place on 
March 6, 2017. The successful unification of two college campuses into 
a single university led to the creation of Purdue University Northwest, 
which is one of the first educational mergers in Indiana. The merger 
creates more choices for students, promotes a regional identity, and 
contributes to economic development in Northwest Indiana.
   In recognition of this day, we honor and commend the outstanding 
contributions Purdue University Northwest has made to the community of 
Northwest Indiana and beyond. A comprehensive regional university, 
Purdue Northwest offers award winning undergraduate and master's degree 
programs, a nursing practice doctorate, a full athletic program, 
student housing, international student programs, and innovative 
research centers and institutes. These programs have been a tremendous 
benefit to the local community through the fostering of a culture of 
innovation, which is so crucial in today's ever-changing economy.
   During World War II, technical classes were offered to region plant 
workers, which was part of a national defense training program.

[[Page 3579]]

Purdue decided to continue to offer courses in Northwest Indiana after 
the war ended, and in 1946, classes were held at various locations 
throughout the area. Over time, two campuses emerged, with some 77,000 
degrees earned by graduates.
   Currently, Purdue Northwest offers more than seventy state-of-the-
art programs to approximately 13,350 students. Additionally, innovative 
and passionate staff, faculty, department heads, and leadership, 
including former chancellors and the current chancellor, Dr. Thomas L. 
Keon, are held in the highest esteem for their unwavering dedication, 
which has contributed to the success of Purdue University Northwest. 
Their expertise in the field of education has been a remarkable asset 
to the region, and their tireless efforts have enhanced the lives of 
Purdue University Northwest's many students and alumni.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating Purdue University Northwest on 
the first anniversary of Founders Day. The merger has improved 
educational opportunities for the institution's current students and 
will positively impact the lives of countless scholars for years to 
come.

                          ____________________