New Advocates Sworn in and Innovators Recognized at Purdue Northwest

Four new Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults were officially sworn in at a ceremony held on October 15 at the Lake Superior Court. This initiative is a collaboration between Franciscan Health and the Lake County Courts, aimed at providing essential support to elderly and incapacitated individuals who cannot advocate for themselves.

During the ceremony, Lake Superior Court Probate Commissioner Ben Ballou welcomed the new advocates: Blanca Aranda from Crown Point, Francine Gildon from Merrillville, Christopher Mignogna from Cedar Lake, and Lauree Pondinas from St. John. These trained volunteers will serve as court-appointed agents, assisting vulnerable adults within the community.

The program is partially funded by grants from the Indiana Supreme Court, Legacy Foundation Inc., and various local, state, and national donors, including contributions to the Franciscan Health Foundation. For those interested in learning more or becoming a volunteer, further information can be found at www.franciscanhealth.org/VASIA.

Innovators Honored at Purdue Northwest

In a separate event, the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest has announced the winners of the 2025 Innovators Awards. The winners will be inducted into the Society during the annual luncheon scheduled for October 29 at Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville.

Registration is currently open, with individual tickets priced at $50 and corporate table sponsorships available for $600. More information can be accessed through the Purdue Northwest website or by contacting Jason Williams via email.

The 2025 class of inductees includes notable figures such as Jose G. (Lupe) Valtierra from Purdue Extension in Lake County, Sean Liu, founder and CEO of PingCares, and Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City. Other honorees include representatives from local organizations and educational institutions, underlining the diverse contributions to innovation within the region.

Healthcare Initiatives and Community Support

In healthcare developments, Dr. Ailia Ali, a new rheumatologist, has joined the Franciscan Physician Network in Dyer, where she is now accepting new patients. Dr. Ali earned her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Health Medical Center. Her fellowship in rheumatology was completed at the University of Chicago School of Medicine.

Additionally, the Legacy Foundation has partnered with the bp Foundation to assist organizations in Hammond, East Chicago, and Whiting that were affected by the August storms and flooding. The new Community Fund Grant will offer up to $5,000 per organization to aid recovery efforts and enhance preparedness for future emergencies. Applications for the grant are due by 3 p.m. on November 21, with winners notified on December 19.

U.S. Representative Frank J. Mrvan has also announced that his office is accepting applications from high school and college students interested in attending U.S. military service academies. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. on November 3. Interested applicants can contact Tom Kubon for more details.

Finally, Purdue University Northwest will host College Goal Sunday on November 9. This free event will assist students and their families in applying for financial aid, specifically helping with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Events will take place at both the Hammond and Westville campuses from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

With these initiatives, organizations and individuals continue to make significant contributions to community welfare and innovation across the region.