Notes of Distinction: News from around IU Northwest

Local Government Cooperation Award

During the recent Association of Indiana Counties conference, it was announced that the Local Government Cooperation Award was presented to Lake County and IU Northwest (Center for Urban and Regional Excellence) for their partnership in the Churner Parcel project.

A documentary featuring the project can be viewed here.

Dr. Jonathyne Briggs

Dr. Jonathyne Briggs, professor of history, was informed that his article, “From Collaboration to Resistance: The Family Dynamic in Autism Literature in Contemporary France,” was selected as the Outstanding Article/Chapter published in 2022, by the Disability History Association (DHA).

Per the DHA, “Committee members praised the essay for featuring the voices of disabled individuals while also considering the experiences of parents and families, successfully placing the story of autism literature within the longer history of 20th-century psychiatry.”

Dr. Anja Matwijkiw

Professor of Professional Ethics and Human Rights Dr. Anja Matwijkiw’s signature is listed among the 180 distinguished signatories for an open letter to the Council on Foreign Relations.

The open letter, which was dated September 2023, urges the Council to put off their panel with Ebrahim Raisi due to his notorious role in the 1988 massacre of political prisoners.

Additional signatories include current and former UN experts, Nobel laureates, international judges and human rights and legal experts and institutions.

Dr. Kate Gustafson

Associate Professor of English and Adjunct Associate Professor in Women’s and Gender Studies Dr. Kate Gustafson has accepted the role of interim IU Northwest Dean of Students.

As the Dean of Students, Dr. Gustafson will support students during times of crisis, complexities or emergencies.

In her role, she will focus on student support services related to academics, intervention services, health, emotional, psychological and financial hardship, and family and social relationships.

Dr. Gustafson’s interim role is effective immediately through the start of the fall 2024 semester.

John Hanson

John Hanson joins the IU Northwest and IU South Bend campuses as the Northern Division Director of Emergency Management and Continuity.

In his role, he will lead both campuses in developing and improving emergency response plans, preparing and delivering training materials for emergency personnel, and providing educational information to campus faculty and staff.

He will also conduct periodic assessments of natural, technological and human hazards and threats on campus and develop strategies for mitigation.

Hanson joins IU after a 25-year career in fire service. In 2021 he retired as a deputy fire chief.