PNW Community MLK Day Celebrations 2026: Free Public Programmes and Keynote Speakers

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a public institution with its settings situated within Northwest Indiana, with both of its campuses situated in Hammond and Westville. Furthermore, Purdue University Northwest is an institution recognised for its academic excellence and active participation in dialogue and citizenship.

Based on this mission, the university has announced two community MLK Day activities in January of 2026. These activities will be held on January 15 in Hammond and on January 19 in Westville. These activities will ensure that the community is brought together in remembrance of the legacy that lives after Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. University officials said during the launch of these programs that they will incorporate keynote speakers, performances, and dialogue opportunities, which are part of the broader PNW campus Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance nationwide. Such information is at pnw.edu/mlk-celebration for event info and registration details, where attendees may also download the schedule of the PNW MLK Day event 2026.

Hammond Campus – 15 January

The initial event will be held in Alumni Hall of the Student Union and Library Building on the Hammond campus, running from 12:30 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. The keynote speaker will be Shontrai Irving, a PNW alumnus and clinical professor of Business Law. Professor Irving teaches courses on ethics, justice, and litigation and has been recognised for his work in literacy and civic engagement through the "Leaders in Law, Leaders in Literacy" initiative. He is also a past winner of Purdue University's Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamer Award. This MLK Day celebration PNW Hammond campus is expected to include discussion of the themes of justice, empowerment, and community dialogue.

Westville Campus – 19 January

The second program of this year will take place at the same time as the federal holiday and will last between 7:45 am and 9:30 am at the Great Hall Events and Conference Centre at Westville campus. Activities will include a performance by the Michigan City Krueger Middle School Choir with remarks from Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford and Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, as well as a keynote speech by Kiahna W. Davis.

CEO of Mind Your Business Accounting and Business Consulting, Davis is credited for her role in fundraising for grassroots initiatives and prides her involvement in civic groups like the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and The Links, Incorporated. Davis is also the central region director for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The program will feature a free buffet breakfast-making it a welcoming occasion for the larger community.

University representatives noted that these Martin Luther King Jr legacy events at Purdue Northwest-even for students and staff-are designed to incite civic responsibility, focusing on education and social justice. The celebrations are deemed part of the community engagement events at Purdue University Northwest and add strength to the necessity of honouring King's vision within higher education.

Editor's Note:

Purdue University Northwest, a part of the Purdue University system, is distinguished by its excellence in three key areas: academics, community services, and student focus. In line with its mission and values, and to promote social and community awareness, the university has scheduled two community-wide celebrations for Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January 2026. Hammond Campus – January 15; Westville Campus – January 19. Events are to include keynote speakers, performances, and opportunities to engage in discussions. The objective is to bring them together to reflect on the lasting impact of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. The importance of these Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Events held at Purdue Northwest lies in their ability to be models or examples of justice, equality, and civic responsibility because these events can make a university a place of dialogue and thus ensure that the dreams envisioned by King are realised in generations to come.

Skoobuzz underlines that the "MLK Day" festivities in PNW in 2026 are no longer meaningless commemorations, but rather factor into the realisation of our collective responsibilities, the power of community, and the timeless message of King.

FAQs

1. Does Purdue University hold classes on Martin Luther King Day?

No, Purdue University does not hold classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is observed as a university holiday, and all academic sessions are suspended on that date.

2. What is the final day of classes at Purdue University?

According to the official academic calendar, the Spring 2026 semester ends on 3 May 2026, which is the last day of classes before final examinations.

3. Is Purdue University ranked among the top ten universities?

Yes, Purdue University is ranked as a top 10 public university in the United States, currently placed at No. 8 among U.S. public institutions in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Globally, Purdue is ranked within the top 90 universities.

4. How difficult is it to gain admission to Purdue University Northwest?

Admission to Purdue University Northwest is considered moderately competitive. The acceptance rate is about 72%, meaning most applicants with solid academic records and test scores are admitted. The median SAT score is around 1020, and the median ACT score is 22.

5. Which Purdue University campus is regarded as the best?

The West Lafayette campus is widely recognised as the flagship and most prestigious campus of Purdue University. It offers the broadest range of programmes, particularly in engineering and technology, and enjoys a strong international reputation. However, Purdue Northwest (PNW) is valued for its smaller class sizes, personalised learning environment, and strong programmes in business, nursing and education.