News Highlights: New Appointments, Safety Events, Scholarships, Funding, and Networking

Indiana University Northwest Welcomes New Executive Vice Chancellor

As of June 1, Andrae Marak joins Indiana University Northwest as Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Marak brings decades of leadership and teaching experience from diverse higher education institutions nationwide. His recent role was as Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Roosevelt University in Chicago. Previously, he held positions such as Dean of Graduate Studies and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Governors State University, Division Head of Liberal Arts at Indiana University Columbus, Interim Director of the Honors Program, and Chair of the Department of History and Political Science at California University of Pennsylvania.

Marak replaces Cindy Roberts, the retiring Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Latin American Studies, History, and Political Science from the University of New Mexico.

Franciscan Health Hosts Car Seat Safety Check

Franciscan Health Trauma Services offers a free car seat safety event on May 28, from 3-9 p.m., for Indiana residents. The event, located at Franciscan Health Michigan City, will feature a certified child passenger safety technician demonstrating proper car seat installation techniques. It requires the attendance of the child using the car seat for tailored guidance. Free reservations are mandatory, and registration is possible online or by calling 219-488-1380.

Scholarships Awarded to LaPorte County High School Seniors

Jennifer Serrano and Alyssa Tracy, Michigan City High School seniors, received 2023 Franciscan Health Michigan City Medical Staff Memorial Scholarships. Tracy plans to study at Saint Mary’s College and pursue a career as a pediatrician, while Serrano aims to attend Valparaiso University, majoring in health sciences to become a physician’s assistant. These scholarships are sponsored by the Franciscan Health Michigan City medical staff in collaboration with the Franciscan Health Foundation.

Law Enforcement Funding Approved for Northwest Indiana

U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, reported the approval of the House Appropriations Committee for his law enforcement Community Project Funding requests for Indiana’s First Congressional District. The Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations measure includes funding for:

• Cedar Lake Police Department: $300,000 for radio communication equipment
• Gary Police Department: $187,000 for tactical gear upgrades
• Hammond Police Department: $772,700 for equipment and technology upgrades
• Highland Police Department: $475,000 for portable radio communication equipment
• La Porte Police Department: $500,000 for portable radio communication equipment
• Lake Station Police Department: $170,000 for in-car computer replacement
• Long Beach Police Department: $65,000 for portable radio communication equipment
• Merrillville Police Department: $500,000 for equipment and technology upgrades
• New Chicago Police Department: $250,000 for equipment and technology upgrades
• Portage Police Department: $772,700 for portable radio communication equipment
• Porter County Sheriff’s Office: $105,000 for body-worn cameras
• St. John Police Department: $80,000 for 3D scanner for crash reconstruction

The measure awaits approval from both the House and Senate, followed by presidential approval to become law.

Networking Event at Steel Yard

The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association sponsors “Women Take the Field,” planned for June 15, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at US Steel Yard in Gary. The event includes a private suite game experience featuring the South Shore RailCats versus the Chicago Dogs, a unique walk or run of the bases, a group photo opportunity, ballpark food, and a cash bar. Organizations can register for free and distribute a custom link. Individual tickets sell for $25 with no guest limit requirements. For details and to purchase tickets, visit the event website.