PFW earns state recognition for its support of military-affiliated students

Purdue University Fort Wayne has been chosen by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs as a Collegiate Purple Star recipient for the 2024–25 academic year. Wednesday’s full announcement can be read by clicking here.

According to its mission statement, the Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana initiative recognizes an eligible postsecondary institution that has successfully demonstrated a supportive environment for its United States military-affiliated student population from application to graduation.

This is the first time Indiana has conferred the Collegiate Purple Star recognition. The list includes 28 total institutions and campuses. Furthermore, Purdue Fort Wayne was identified as one of only six to achieve a Tier 1, 90% achievement level.

Representatives of the university’s Center for Military and Veteran Student Success, formerly called the Office of Military Student Services, worked to achieve the designation.

“We are proud to be the only four-year institution in northeast Indiana to earn a Tier 1 designation,” said Giang Petroviak, PFW’s director of student success initiatives. “This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of our staff, faculty, and the entire university community to supporting veterans and military-affiliated students.”

Read the news release to learn more about criteria and find quotes from Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery and Gabrielle Owens, general counsel and chief of staff for the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs.