Northwest Health names EMS Director
Northwest Health has named Michael Okray as the new director of Northwest Health Emergency Medical Services, according to a release. A licensed paramedic who has served as a first responder with Northwest Health for the past 30 years, Okray has earned recognition for advancing outcome-focused policies, prioritizing patient-centered care and fostering a culture of accountability and enhanced overall care quality, the release said.
On Dec. 31, 2025, Porter County awarded Northwest Health Emergency Medical Services a new five-year contract to provide its 911 and ambulance services for many of the county’s townships. Northwest Health responds to more than 8,000 ambulance calls per year.
Northwest Health has named Michael Okray as the new director of Northwest Health Emergency Medical Services. (Photo provided by Northwest Health)
PNW graduate programs recognized
Several of Purdue University Northwest’s graduate programs in nursing and business were recently included in U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings, a release said.
Among top graduate nursing schools, both PNW’s Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice were nationally recognized.
PNW’s masters in Nursing ranked 69th nationally, while the College of Nursing was recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing, the release said. PNW’s Master of Business Administration was also recognized among top graduate business schools. PNW’s MBA program prepares candidates for leadership roles with advanced managerial, financial and analytical skills. To learn more about graduate programs at PNW, visit pnw.edu/graduate-studies.
Franciscan, Lake County team up for walking program
Franciscan Health is partnering with the Lake County Health Department to provide a free, six-week outdoor walking program this spring.
Path to Wellness will take place Fridays from 10-11 a.m. April 24-May 29, according to a release. Registration begins at 9:45 a.m. at Pennsy Greenway Trail, Austin Avenue and Park Street in Crown Point. Attendees should meet at the circle rest area by the bike racks and benches.
In case of inclement weather, the walks will be canceled. The events will begin with brief, wellness-related informational talks followed by guided light stretching and a community walk on the Pennsy Greenway Trail, the release said.
For questions and more information, contact Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Coordinator Stacy Zembala at 219-226-3889 or Lake County Health Department Health First Indiana Program Manager Denice Trulley at 219-755-3655, Ext. 351.
Valpo MBA, Occupational Therapy programs lauded
Valparaiso University graduate programs in the College of Business and College of Nursing and Health Professions have been recognized for their faculty, research opportunities and student outcomes by U.S. World and News Report’s “Best 2026 Graduate Schools” rankings.
VU’s MBA program has made the “Best Business Analytics MBA Program” and “Best Management MBA Program” lists, while the Occupational Therapy program at VU’s CoNHP has been featured on the “Best Occupational Therapy Program” list, according to a release.
Earlier this year, Valpo’s MBA program earned a place on U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Online MBA Programs” list, as well as Princeton Review’s “Top 50 Online MBA Programs,” the release said.
PNW Day of Giving April 29
Purdue University Northwest invites the community to join in changing students’ lives by making a gift April 29 during annual PNW Day of Giving, according to a release.
PNW’s 24-hour Day of Giving is the university’s largest and most successful campaign that benefits student scholarships, academic and athletic programs and other university resources that enhance PNW students’ experiences.
Supporters are encouraged to visit dayofgiving.pnw.edu on April 29 to make a gift of their choice to PNW. Supporters’ contributions help change students’ lives by relieving financial burdens, augmenting the resources that support student learning inside and outside the classroom, the release said. The website lists 108 funds across 17 units. For more information, visit pnw.edu/day-of-giving.
VU introduces online masters for leadership
Valparaiso University is launching an online master of organizational leadership program starting in the fall, a release said.
The program at VU is designed for flexibility, requiring 30 credit hours that can be completed in as little as one year. The new degree builds upon Valparaiso University’s distinction for its commitment to fostering values-based leaders as one of only 25 universities in the United States currently recognized with the Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, the release said.
In the program, students will develop the core competencies needed to lead with integrity and drive meaningful organizational change. Details about the program can be found at valpo.edu/mol.
PNW announces faculty promotions
Eight Purdue University Northwest faculty members recently received approval by the Purdue University Board of Trustees for academic promotions, according to a release.
PNW faculty members promoted to the rank of professor include: Jesse Cohn, professor of English; and Grethe Hystad, professor of Statistics. PNW faculty members promoted to the rank of associate professor include: Jodi Allen, associate professor of Nursing; Manisa Baker, associate professor of Nursing; Matthew Bauman, associate professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management; Farai Gombedza, associate professor of Biochemistry; Omeed Ilchi, associate professor of Criminal Justice; and Aref Yadollahi, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering.
Arash Asrari, an untenured associate professor of Electrical Engineering, was also awarded tenure, the release said.
Family Express named ‘Top Workplace’
Family Express, a family owned and operated convenience store chain, has been named a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplace.
The recognition, based on confidential employee surveys, celebrates organizations that prioritize a people-first culture and exceptional employee experience, according to a release.
Family Express maintains one of the lowest turnover rates in the convenience store industry, driven by a combination of selective hiring, structured onboarding, and a clear long-term wage progression that rewards tenure and commitment, the release said.
Family Express was founded in Valparaiso in 1975 and operates stores throughout Indiana.
