Crimson and Cream: IU Northwest Hosts Fall 2026 Open House for Prospective Students

At the intersection of Broadway and East 34th Avenue in Gary, Indiana, opportunities are dressed in crimson and cream. Dreams come to fruition. Future goals are realized. And the possibility of becoming an Indiana University Northwest RedHawk is alive and well.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, Indiana University Northwest hosted its 2026 Fall Open House, welcoming a sea of eager prospective students and families for a behind-the-scenes look at what campus life in Gary has in store. Like most days on a college campus, the event brimmed with opportunity, promise and the smiling faces of a proud student body. Indiana University Northwest took Saturday to offset higher-education anxieties and admission-acceptance purgatory with information and encouragement — and for some, that pressure was lifted officially.

One student’s future became a little brighter when the Indiana University Northwest admissions team gathered front and center to deliver her acceptance letter in person. As tears fell, a mother embraced her daughter, and crimson and cream pom-poms waved, the support of university faculty and students filled the halls of the Arts and Sciences Building.

While one student celebrated the beginning of her higher education journey, others explored the possibilities awaiting them at Indiana University Northwest.

Prospective students browsed student activity booths — Student Government, Greek Life, Spirits Literary and Arts Magazine, Nursing and more — and met with faculty, current students and representatives who, though they might not know it yet, will go on to shape their lives and future endeavors for the better.

Especially at a time when the cost of living continues to climb and roads to education become fractured or put off, the faculty and staff at Indiana University Northwest are there to ensure everyone in the region has an equal, fair and fighting chance to earn a diploma.

No barrier or conversation is too big for the welcoming and supportive staff and faculty at Indiana University Northwest, where cost does not define experience and locality does not define quality of education.

“Around 45% of Indiana University Northwest students graduate debt-free, and those who do take on student loans graduate with debt below the national average,” said Dr. Dorthy Frink, vice chancellor for enrollment services and student engagement, who spoke about why the access and resources at the regional campus stand out from the crowd.

“You can have a quality degree at an affordable price. And some people may say affordable is relative, but we can make it manageable,” said Frink. “That takes a lot of pressure off, knowing that you’re gonna come to a school that has a great quality education, but it’s not gonna leave a lot of debt behind.”

Indiana University Northwest caters to students of all circumstances — first-generation students, adult learners and those with niche interests — with more intimate class sizes and direct support from day one.

“They are not alone. If they come here and they don’t know anyone, they’ll know someone by the time orientation comes,” Frink said. “This is a really close-knit community, and I can’t speak enough about how we support students… every step of the way.”

Indiana University has one of the largest living alumni networks in the United States, with more than 800,000 success stories hailing from one of the nine campuses across the state. Global possibilities with regional access create endless opportunities for students, and Indiana University Northwest is an extension of that growing promise. While college admissions nationally have seen a slight decrease, IU Northwest is proud to report a slight uptick, and with that, the university continues to grow and shape the next generation of career-ready professionals.

Frink, like the rest of Indiana University Northwest’s faculty and staff, cares — and her track record is proof that with support anything is possible.

The university credits her with helping lead an enrollment turnaround during her interim tenure, raising new-student enrollment 41% over four years. Frink also secured and leveraged nearly $3 million in external funding for student services, basic-needs initiatives and institutional effectiveness, $33,000 of that went into emergency aid for students facing housing and food insecurities. In her current role, she oversees enrollment growth, student support services, retention and the overall student experience, including athletics.

The student experience plays an integral role in student success. From interactive campus activities to accessible resources, guidance and information, Indiana University Northwest is there every step of the way — reason enough to consider a commuter campus when shopping for colleges.

Yusra Abdelqader and Pascha Campbell, full-time students and admissions office workers, spoke about the experiential learning opportunities on campus and how their experiences continue to shape the next generation.

Campbell works in Admissions as a tour guide, helping incoming students with the high school to college transition and easing some of the worry and first-year jitters. Campbell is studying communications and is involved in several clubs, and with one successful year at Indiana University Northwest under her belt, she looks forward to the semesters ahead.

“I highly encourage students to get involved, get enrolled and take advantage of the many programs and opportunities that we have here,” said Campbell, who credits much of her first-year success to the campus support system. “If you take advantage of the resources here, you’re going to easily succeed.”

Then there’s Abdelqader, a business student who handles social media for the Office of Admissions and keeps finding more clubs — and more reasons to stay on campus after the class day is done. Paving her way to a brighter future started with campus connections.

“Connecting with your professors and the staff here really helped me open up and really take that next step,” said Abdelqader. “Last year I was really used to just leaving after school, but the more I got involved this year and started making friends, it’s really easy to stay connected on campus.”

Students and faculty are well into the fall semester, with bright and promising futures to look forward to, and the next generation is hard-charging to meet them. Whether they’re transferring from community colleges, first-generation students or adults looking to take their career potential to the next level, Indiana University Northwest is a friend in the fight for higher education. A staple in the revitalization of University Park in Gary, the university and its students are supported by their community, by the city and Mayor Eddie Melton himself, making Northwest Indiana better and brighter.

A close-knit community boasting endless career potential, all at an accessible and affordable price — Indiana University Northwest is there for students ready to take that step forward.

For more information on admissions, degree paths, financial aid or future events, visit northwest.iu.edu.