At Indiana University Northwest, award-winning professors teach classes in 70 disciplines. Its medical school is near many medical facilities, offering the opportunity for real-world experience.
Seventy student clubs and organizations and nine athletic teams round out the offering at the 43-acre campus.
Personalized support services help students navigate the college experience, including more than 28,000 IUN alumni around the world.
The university also strives to partner with communities to promote social, economic and cultural development.
“The Best of the Region award is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, the determination of our students and our unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. We take great pride in creating an environment where adult learners can thrive, grow and achieve their goals,” said interim Chancellor Vicki Román-Lagunas.
Purdue University Northwest transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement.
It is the largest Hispanic-serving institution in Indiana; a First Scholars institution with more than half of its student body as first-generation; and the only public regional university in the state to be designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and boosts regional development.
PNW has innovative and knowledgeable faculty, staff and students involved with researching the challenges and opportunities of local communities. It plans the Roberts Impact Lab in Hammond and major sponsored research initiatives to help Northwest Indiana move forward.
PNW has nationally recognized academic programs to prepare students in areas including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, engineering, technology, nursing and psychology. It also is a recognized doctoral-granting institution.
Dance is always evolving, says Rebecca Zimmer of DBD Redefine, a continuation of Donna Brum Dancers.
“We learn all the new moves. Hip hop moves are super popular. There’s more use of gymnastic moves, so we offer classes in acro, a fusion of classical dance and gymnastics,” says Zimmer.
The studio also offers classes for all ages in tap, ballet, tumbling, jazz and more.
Zimmer says students grow in dance knowledge, performance skills and working with others. “They also learn how to deal with all sorts of emotions and social skills because we use those in dance.”
Zimmer says many of DBD Redefined students have used their dance education in their personal and professional lives, and former students work in television, on the dance competition circuit as judges and teachers and as performers in Disney World, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and the Chicago Luvabulls cheerleaders.
SECOND PLACE
Patti's All-American Gymnastics, Dance, Ninja and Swim
Patti's All-American offers classes in gymnastics, tumbling, All-American Ninja, swimming and dance. It teaches gymnastics to boys and girls 6 months-18 years old and runs an educational preschool called Gym-N-Learn.
“We believe encouragement is very important. As we work with the kids, we smile and have music playing while they’re exercising,” says owner Patti Komara. Upon achieving a skill, the child rings a bell and the whole staff claps for him or her. The slogan for the business reflects that: “Creating happiness for 50 years.”
Komara’s series of instructional videos for staff are sold worldwide.
Patti’s also offers private lessons and hosts gymnastics parties, birthday parties and holiday events.
“We take pride in the care we provide. Our teachers and staff go through a rigorous process to join our team, including background checks,” says Jorge Gutierrez, co-owner with wife, Erika, of the family-owned, independent and state-licensed facility.
The most important thing for parents looking for day care is knowing that Wonder Years staff understands that every child is different, says Erika Gutierrez. “For example, a child may be shy coming in, so we help the child be comfortable,” she says.
“There are cameras in the classrooms so parents can log in and see how their child is doing. Grandparents love that, too,” Jorge Gutierrez says, adding that Wonder Years is a place where kids learn, setting the stage for school.
He says safety and caring have earned the 16-year business the community’s trust and respect. “The success we have is because of our team of 45 employees, who are passionate and loving.”
Wonder Years Learning Center also was voted Best Child Care Center.
"This honor is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our amazing faculty and staff, the commitment of our students and families and the strong support of our alumni and the community," said Bishop Noll Institute President Paul Mullaney.
For 104 years the Catholic school has been rooted in faith and dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals, he said.
Bishop Noll’s commitment to progress shows in its enhanced facilities and curriculum, said Mullaney. There’s a new, state-of-the-art athletic stadium, featuring a football and soccer field with the highest grade of artificial turf, a grandstand, a concession stand and an eight-lane track.
"It’s an exciting time here. We are ensuring our students have every possible opportunity and the resources to succeed,” Mullaney said.
There are advancements in the STEM program and growth of faculty and staff for an increasing enrollment. The school’s STREAM Lab focuses science, technology, engineering and math along with religion and art.
Bishop Noll offers advanced placement, dual college credit and honors courses and offers more than 40 varsity sports, clubs and academic teams.
Principal Brent Martinson has plenty to crow about including the Chesterton High School graduation rate of more then 98%.
Students can choose from 60 dual credit courses that go toward college credits, and 23-plus advance placement courses are offered. The international baccalaureate program recognizes students who gain a global mindset.
“We believe strongly that our kids should participate in activities that enhance their learning,” Martinson adds, pointing to opportunities for internships. Sixty-five percent of the senior class is learning jobs in the career field of their interest. “We want our kids to be prepared for life after high school. If they like the job, great. If not, they save money before going into a college major that may not suit them.”
The 135-year-old school also has a strong athletic program that puts students first, says Martinson, encouraging them in good sportsmanship, great effort and serving the community when possible. That means being available for volunteer projects such as helping at a local park. “That’s only possible because we live in such a supportive community.
“We re really proud of our student body. They’re just the best kids,” says Martinson.
It’s about more than moves at Famous Athletics, where co-owners Dru Downen and Brittany Edmonds encourage building confidence, positivity, teams, respect and perseverance. “We also have a lot of fun. We plan events throughout the year and have a banquet with awards,” says Downen.
The business teaches choreography all summer to the kids from 5 to 18 years old, who compete in events from Indianapolis to Florida. In Orlando in April the team’s senior level five won gold at the Allstar World Championship.
“Our mission is training good athletes and training good heroes,” says Downen. An example is its Trunk or Treat event, “A really big one for the community. It also gives our kids a safe space to enjoy Halloween and creatively decorating the trunks.”
In its seventh year, she says, readers voted Famous Athletics in first place because the kids’ families, the staff, everyone, are dedicated to the program.
