Advancing Northwest Indiana through community engagement and partnership
Indiana University’s presence in Northwest Indiana began more than 100 years ago when extension courses were offered in Lake County through a partnership with the then-Gary Public School System.
While those courses have changed and are offered in new ways today, IU Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) continues IU’s fundamental mission by serving as a public resource for all; personifyingIU’s 2030 pillarsof the university’s strategic plan — Student Success, Transformative Research and Service to State.
The CURE center was officially unveiled to the community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 7 attended by key stakeholders from Indiana University, government officials and more. “IU Northwest is deeply committed to the third pillar of Indiana University’s strategic plan, which is engagement that enhances the quality of life for all Hoosiers,” IU President Pamela Whitten said. “The Center for Urban and Regional Excellence really embodies that commitment.”
CURE works collaboratively with organizations in all sectors to promote learning, solution-based interactions and mutually beneficial partnerships in our communities. This center offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages with some programs open to 60+ adults.
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Learn more about IU Northwest’s CURE
State Update
The fifteenth week of session marked the third reading deadlines for Senate bills in the House and for House bills in the Senate. Additionally, the State Budget Committee received updated revenue forecast data Wednesday that will drive the final numbers in the state budget bill (HB 1001). We are now seeing a flurry of activity as both chambers work to finalize language in remaining bills through the conference committee process. If all goes to plan, the legislative session could end as early as next Thursday, April 24. By statute, the session must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29.
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Federal Update
Congress is in recess for the next two weeks. The Federal Update will return on Thursday, May 1.
Economic Engagement Update
New co-op opens doors for Tourism, Event and Sport Management students in hotel industry
The hotel industry is booming in Indianapolis after a record-breaking year, hosting events like the NBA All-Star Game, Olympic Swimming Trials and, of course, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Indiana University Indianapolis School of Health & Human Sciencesstudents with theTourism, Event and Sport Management program will continue to play a role in such events through a new co-op with White Lodging, a hospitality company that includes the JW Marriott and four other hotels in the city.
Theco-op is a partnership to give IU Indianapolis students the opportunity to intern at White Lodging hotels and possibly land a job right out of graduation.
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Indiana inches toward 7 million
Indiana added 44,144 residents in 2024 to reach a total population of 6.92 million, the state’s largest annual increase since 2008, as reported by theIndiana Business Research Center (IBRC) at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. In the Spring 2025 issue of The Indiana Business Review, IBRC found 73 of Indiana's 92 counties grew in 2024, the largest number of Indiana counties to show an annual population increase since 1997.
Learn more about Indiana's population growth
IU in the News
Parkinson’s researchers discover “tip of the ICE-berg" on quest for a cure
Scientists know inflammation plays a role in Parkinson’s disease. But instead of being something to fight, could inflammation be part of the cure?
According to theParkinson’s Foundation, nearly 1 million people in the U.S. are living with this degenerative brain disease that causes movement issues which worsen over time. Nearly 90,000 people are diagnosed each year, with an estimated Parkinson’s-related health care cost of about $52 billion annually.
The IU School of Medicine is among just 40 medical centers in the U.S. designated as a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence.
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Luddy School’s 3D printing labs lend expertise to projects both modern and ancient
Art historians and high school robotics clubs are just two of the many groups benefiting from faculty and staff expertise in 3D printing at the Indiana University Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering in Bloomington.
The 3D-printed reproductions were created in ProtoLab, one offour makerspaceson the IU Bloomington campus that comprise the 3D Fabrication and Design Inquiry Labs. ProtoLab, in Myles Brand Hall, is open to people across campus. It includes some of the Luddy School’s most advanced 3D-printing technology, capable of printing larger objects than other printers, with high-quality detail and surface finish.
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IU South Bend to host Journey to College Summit
Families with middle and high school students have an opportunity to learn more about ways to prepare for college during the Journey to College Summit planned at Indiana University South Bend. The free day-long event is planned for Saturday, April 26 from 9 am to 3 pm in the Joshi Performance Hall, 1825 Northside Boulevard in South Bend.
Journey to College is designed to provide families with information about earning college credit in high school, financial aid, college applications and more. A free continental breakfast, lunch and campus tours are included. The effort is a partnership between IU South Bend, the South Bend Community School Corporation and EnrichYou, Inc.
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IU Kokomo offers college prep camp for Marion Community Schools
Middle school students from Marion will get an inside look at college life, at Indiana University Kokomo’s free Ignite Your Future camp June 9-13.
Brandi Keith, adjunct professor of sociology and student success, said incoming sixth and seventh graders from the Marion Community Schools will participate in on campus activities June 9-12, followed by a field trip in their community on June 13. Their goal is for students to start thinking about college early, so they can take the classes they need in high school to be prepared.
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