Healthy Steps: A New Walking Plan for Lake County

Northwest Health has named Michael Okray, a seasoned paramedic with three decades of experience, to head its Emergency Medical Services team. Okray is celebrated for his results‑oriented approach, patient care focus, and commitment to enhancing service quality. The county health department has just awarded Northwest Health a five‑year contract to manage 911 and ambulance services across multiple townships, handling more than 8,000 calls annually.

Purdue University Northwest Gains National Spotlight

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has earned national recognition for its graduate nursing programs.

Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice are listed among America’s best graduate nursing schools.
The MBA program also ranks on the list of top business programs, equipping students for leadership roles that demand strong managerial and analytical skills.

Path to Wellness: Free Walking Series

Franciscan Health partners with the Lake County Health Department to offer a free six‑week walking series titled Path to Wellness.

Sessions occur every Friday, 10 a.m.–11 a.m., starting at the Pennsy Greenway Trail in Crown Point.
Participants receive short wellness talks, light stretching, and a group walk.
Inclement weather cancels the event.
Interested individuals can contact Franciscan Health’s community coordinator or Lake County’s health program manager for details.

Valparaiso University Earns Accolades

Valparaiso University (VU) continues to impress:

Its MBA program ranks among the best in business analytics and management.
The Occupational Therapy course appears on national top‑program lists.
VU’s online MBA was named one of the best online options by U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review earlier this year.

PNW’s Upcoming Fundraising Day

On April 29, PNW will host its largest fundraising day—a 24‑hour online event encouraging donations for scholarships, student resources, athletics, academics, and campus life improvements.

VU’s New Online Master Program

In the fall, VU will launch an online Master of Organizational Leadership—a 30‑credit program tailored for busy adults. The curriculum emphasizes ethical leadership and draws on VU’s Carnegie Foundation recognition for public‑purpose leadership.

Faculty Promotions at PNW

PNW celebrated eight faculty promotions, spanning departments such as English, Statistics, Nursing, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Biochemistry, Criminal Justice, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

Family Express Recognized as a Top Workplace

Family Express, a family‑owned convenience store chain founded in Valparaiso (1975), was named one of USA TODAY’s Top Workplaces for 2026. Employees cite low turnover, meticulous hiring, structured onboarding, and clear pay growth as key strengths.