Welcome to the Center for Urban and Regional Excellence
The Center for Urban and Regional Excellence engages Indiana University Northwest and the community in partnerships that jointly formulate programs and policies to support thriving Northwest Indiana communities. The center works collaboratively with organizations in all sectors to address challenges and co-create solutions in diverse areas including economic development, government efficiency, nonprofit leadership development, public safety, transportation policy, environmental sustainability, health disparities, and arts and culture.
Please browse our web pages for more information about our partnership in the community, programs and events. Contact our staff to learn more about ways the center can work with your organization to drive positive change.
Projects
The Center for Urban and Regional Excellence at Indiana University Northwest engages the university and the community in partnerships that jointly formulate programs and policies to support thriving Northwest Indiana communities. Current projects include:
- Leadership IU Northwest
- Transportation (Hobart, Indiana)
- President's Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge
- Fiscal Analysis for Lake County, Indiana
Events
Members of the Northwest Indiana community are welcome to join us for a variety of educational and culturally enriching events. Click on the links below for more information.
- Arts/Theater
- Kids College
- Senior University
- IUN Community Garden Planting Day
Faculty Fellowship Program
The Center for Urban and Regional Excellence supports Indiana University Northwest faculty, through funded research fellowships to advance studies of regional relevance in the following areas:
- Education
- Economic Development
- Environmental Sustainability
- Health Disparities
- Arts
- Culture
Congratulations to the 2012 Faculty Recipients
Peter Avis, Assistant Professor of Biology
Andrea Tamburro, Assistant Professor of Social Work
Jennifer Anderson, Clinical Assistant Professor of Social Work
Raj Selladurai, Associate Professor of Business and Economics
Bala Arshanapalli, Professor of Business and Economics
Don Coffin, Professor of Business and Economics
Kelly Knaga, Lecturer of Fine Arts
Student Internship Program
Modeled after standards set forth by the National Society for Experimental Education, the Center of Urban and Regional Excellence's Internship Program fosters inquiry-based as a meaningful process of applied experience.
Our Student Interns serve in communities throughout the region, while receiving hands-on experiences as they work alongside Faculty Fellows in the disciplines of:
- Education
- Economic Development
- Environmental Sustainability
- Health Disparities
- Arts
- Culture
Congratulations to the 2012 Student Recipients
-
Fine Arts
Justin Lattz
Meghan Martinez
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Business and Economics
Jerred Zukonovich
Randall Urbanik
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Social Work
Tawana Rodgers
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Biology
Jessica Gomez
Catrese Abrons
Brittany Evans
Klizabeth Ladauke
Amalia Meile-Shanks
Carli Demeter
Vivekanand Doddaguri
Adult Education
The Division of Continuing Studies has developed a series of non-credit courses that are educational and fun for any adult learner. Graduation from high school, college, or admission to the university is not required.
IU Northwest Community Garden
A campus-community partnership transformed a vacant lot on campus grounds into a blossoming array of colorful native plants and vegetables. A portion of harvest yielded from the garden will be donated to various community organizations, including local shelters and a food pantry. The IU Northwest Community Garden is located on the southwest side of the Gary campus, behind the university’s Lindenwood Hall.
Kids College
Kids between the ages of 10 and 13 are invited to attend Kids College at IU Northwest in July, with two-week sessions planned on the topics of citizenship and law enforcement. If athletics is more their interest, kids can choose to attend a basketball and leadership camp.
Senior University
Classes for local senior residents include arts and crafts, writing, computer classes, and other enriching topics.
