Casino Supports Suicide Prevention Efforts

In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana has contributed $25,000 to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This donation aims to support the foundation’s Out of the Darkness Northwest Indiana Walk, scheduled for October 3 at Wicker Park in Highland. The donation was formally presented on September 10 at the casino located in Gary.

Visit the walk’s website at: afspwalks.donordrive.com/NWIndiana

Valparaiso University Receives Significant Grant

Valparaiso University, together with Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, has been awarded an Institutional Impact grant from the Educating Character Initiative. This program is part of The Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University. The grant of $492,703 will aid the Building Lives for Good initiative. This project fosters character formation through narrative pedagogy, using storytelling to help students form consistent, internal narratives for personal development. The initiative will pilot various stages and incorporate lessons into their programs.

Women’s Fund Announces New Grants

The Women’s Fund of Porter County is providing $65,000 in grants to three organizations addressing pressing needs for women and children. The Northwest Indiana Food Council and Parents as Teachers of Porter County will each receive $25,000, while the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will receive $15,000. Since its founding, the fund has contributed over $1 million to support local programs assisting women and children in the area.

More information can be found at: pccf.gives/womensfund

Promotions at CLH, CPAs & Consultants

CLH, CPAs & Consultants in Michigan City has promoted Allison Leffert, Seth Bedwell, and Ashley Boyan to managerial roles. Leffert, originating from LaPorte, becomes senior manager having started her career with internships in 2014 and 2015. Bedwell, also a LaPorte native, joined CLH full-time after internships and a degree from Trine University, advancing to senior accountant before his manager role. Boyan’s progression to assistant manager of the client service team marks a new position within CLH, helping shape the firm’s future. She began her career with the firm in 2018 after graduating from LaPorte High School.

Car Seat Safety Events Scheduled

Franciscan Health Trauma Services is offering free car seat safety assessments during National Child Passenger Safety Month. Events are scheduled for September 23 at Franciscan Health Michigan City’s Legacy Campus, and September 25 at Munster Fire Station No. 2. A safety check takes around 30 minutes per child, providing caregivers with valuable education. Reservations are required.

Contact for details: 219-488-1380

Registration Open for SHE Conferences

The Strong, Healthy, Empowered (SHE) Women’s Health Conferences by Franciscan Health are now accepting registrations. The first conference is set for September 26 at Purdue University Northwest, focusing on “The Evolution of the Empowered Woman.” It offers expert-led discussions on numerous health topics. A second event is scheduled for October 23 at Purdue’s Alumni Hall in Hammond, titled “Take Charge of Your Health through Every Transition.”

Learn more or purchase tickets at franciscanhealthfoundation.org/events

Purdue Northwest Student Enrollment Statistics

Purdue University Northwest marked the start of the 2026-27 academic year with 1,653 new undergraduate students, showing a record 70.8% retention rate. This is a close to 5% increase compared to two years ago. The university attracted many first-year students from local high schools, comprising approximately 80% of overall undergraduate and graduate students. The total enrollment reaches 6,103, including online learners.