Women honored at annual event
The 14th annual Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards Banquet recently recognized leaders and rising stars, according to a release.
Organized by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association, the event recognized 258 finalists chosen from 517 nominees, who were submitted by peers and members of the public. During the banquet, two winners, one Up and Coming and one Influential, in each of 13 industry categories were announced. Special awards were also given to an Overall Influential and Overall Up and Coming Woman of the Year, Supporter of the Year and Community Leader of the Year, the release said.
Overall Up and Coming Woman of the Year was Shelby Case, Diversified Marketing Strategies, while the Overall Influential Woman of the Year was Kim Roller (Dray), bp, the release said.
A complete list of the 2025 finalists is available online at https://nwiiwa.org/influential-women-award-finalists/.
Opportunity Enterprises CEO appointed to committee
Opportunity Enterprises President & CEO Neil Samahon has been appointed to serve on the Family and Social Services Administration’s Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Committee, according to a release.
This committee plays a critical role in the broader Medicaid Advisory Committee which will provide feedback on current and proposed program policies to help shape the future Medicaid program, the release said.
The BAC is composed of current Medicaid recipients or their family members/caregivers. For more information, visit IN.gov/fssa.
Valparaiso University marks national attention
Valparaiso University has recently gained notice nationally in rankings by the U.S. News & World Report, Forbes Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and others, according to a release.
Washington Monthly magazine placed Valparaiso University as the fourth highest-ranked master’s university in the nation, based on the university’s dedication to the public
Good, the release said. Valparaiso University maintains its three-decade-long legacy of being recognized as one of the best choices in higher education by the U.S. News & World Report, as well as remaining on the 2026 Forbes America’s Top Colleges list. For online education,
Online U has recognized Valpo in its rankings of the 2025 Best Online Colleges in Indiana list, the release said.
The College of Nursing and Health Professions, College of Business, and College of Engineering have continued to be listed among the top choices for undergraduate education in their fields by U.S. News and World Report.
Hematologist/medical oncologist joins Franciscan
Dr. William Bae, a hematologist and medical oncologist, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Michigan City, according to a release.
Bae earned his medical degree from Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, Korea. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Kaiser Permanente Hawaii in Honolulu and completed his fellowship in hematology oncology at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
He is accepting new patients for in-person visits at the Franciscan Health Woodland Cancer Care Center Michigan City at 8955 West 400 North. Call 219-861-5800.
Braun names new members to state boards, commissions
Gov. Mike Braun recently announced new appointments to various state boards and commissions, according to a release.
Among those named to the Indiana Gaming Commission is L. Scott Pejic, of Pejic Law in Porter County. His term expires Sept. 30, 2029. Named to the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust Project Commission is Kristopher Krouse, of the Shirley Heinze Land Trust. Representing Porter County, his term expires June 30, 2029. Mike Simpson, also of Porter County, was named to the Great Lakes Commission. His term expires Dec. 31, 2026.
State Fair Board will have a member from Newton County, Nathan Schleman, of Belstra Group Farms, will serve through Sept. 30, 2028, the release said.
Franciscan Michigan City hosting Trunk or Treat event
Franciscan Health Michigan City is hosting a free Trunk or Treat event for the community, a release said.
The event is scheduled to take place from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the hospital’s legacy campus at 301 W. Homer St. in Michigan City.
DJ Jammin’ D will provide entertainment and food trucks will be available for attendees wishing to purchase food. Call Franciscan Health Michigan City Volunteer Coordinator Audrey Schram at 219-877-1421 for information.
Food Bank accepts $10K donation
United Way Northwest Indiana recently presented a $10,000 check to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.
The partnership highlights the shared commitment of both organizations to building healthier communities through collaboration and compassion, a release said.
According to United Way’s ALICE Report, more than one in three households in Northwest Indiana struggle to afford basic needs such as housing, childcare, healthcare, and food. Many of these families earn above the Federal Poverty Level but not enough to cover the rising cost of living — making them especially vulnerable to food insecurity, the release said.
United Way Northwest Indiana’s investment in the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana underscores its commitment to building Healthy Communities, one of the organization’s core pillars, the release said. For more information, visit unitedwaynwi.org or foodbanknwi.org.
Seminar to explain pelvic floor health
Pelvic floor issues will be the topic of a free seminar from 5:30-6:30 Oct. 20 in the Northwest Health – Porter’s Community Room, 85 E. U.S. 6, Valparaiso.
Studies show nearly a third of all women will have at least one pelvic floor disorder at one time in their lives. Research also shows approximately 16% of men also have pelvic floor disorders, a release said.
Physical therapy specialist Erica McMahan will lead the session, covering the essentials of pelvic health and how you can feel better, move better and live better. Registration is encouraged. For more information, call 219-262-6446. Register for this session at NWHinfo.com/HealthyU_PelvicFloor.
