Community Updates and Initiatives in Indiana

New Academic Leader at IUN

Indiana University Northwest has appointed Andrae Marak as the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, effective June 1. Marak brings extensive experience from various higher education institutions nationwide. Most recently, he served as the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Roosevelt University in Chicago. His past roles include 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, and other significant positions.

Marak replaces Cindy Roberts, the Interim Executive Vice Chancellor, who is retiring. Marak holds a Ph.D. in Latin American Studies, History, and Political Science from the University of New Mexico.

Car Seat Safety Event in Michigan City

Franciscan Health Trauma Services is organizing a free car seat safety event for Indiana residents on May 28, from 3-9 p.m., at Franciscan Health Michigan City. A certified child passenger safety technician will demonstrate proper car seat installation techniques. The child using the car seat must attend the appointment for accurate guidance. While the event is free, registration is mandatory. Interested individuals can register online or call 219-488-1380.

Scholarships Awarded to Aspiring Healthcare Professionals

Jennifer Serrano and Alyssa Tracy, seniors from Michigan City High School, have been awarded the Franciscan Health Michigan City Medical Staff Memorial Scholarships. Tracy will attend Saint Mary’s College with ambitions to become a pediatrician, while Serrano plans to study health sciences at Valparaiso University, aiming for a career as a physician’s assistant. These scholarships are supported by local physicians and the Franciscan Health Foundation.

Law Enforcement Funding Secured

U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced that the House Appropriations Committee has approved law enforcement funding requests for Indiana’s First Congressional District. This funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations measure.

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

Women’s Networking Event at Steel Yard

The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association will host ‘Women Take the Field’ on June 15, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at US Steel Yard in Gary. The event includes a private suite game experience with the South Shore RailCats facing the Chicago Dogs. Guests can participate in an exclusive field walk or run, a group photo, and enjoy typical ballpark food. Organizations can register for free to promote the event to their members. Individual tickets are $25, with no guest limit.