Centier Bank Donates $2,500 to Purdue University Northwest's Archives and Special Collections

Andy Collins, Corporate Historian; Lauren Zurbriggen, Philanthropic Engagement Manager at Centier Bank; Dakita L. Jones, Community Relations Manager at Centier, Bank; Dr. Kathleen Tobin, History Professor at PNW; PNW Reference Librarian Manager and University Archivist Joseph Coates; and PNW Assistant Archivist Alan McCafferty.

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — Centier Bank recently made a $2,500 community donation to Purdue University Northwest’s Archives and Special Collections. The donation will help the library hire a student to do archival work for one semester.

Andy Collins, Centier Bank’s Corporate Historian and graduate of Purdue University Northwest, helped facilitate the partnership.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for a student interested in historical preservation as they will get hands-on experience,” Collins explained. “The Archives & Special Collections at PNW not only archives the history of Purdue University Northwest, but they also play a role in the historical preservation of Hammond and the Calumet Region.”

Dr. Kathleen Tobin, History Professor at PNW, said there is a great need for archival preservation in the Calumet Region and beyond, so developing the skills needed in students who love history is very valuable.

“Maintaining historical records and preserving the history of our institution and the community is essential for remembering our past and establishing our identity going forward,” Tobin said. “The students engaging in archival work while still in college can further explore careers in this field of history. Centier Bank has a great reputation for supporting community projects, and we are very grateful for this new partnership with the Purdue Northwest Library.”