A Celebration of Learning: investing in the future of education

Investing in the future of education means investing in the people who will shape it. This year’s theme, “A Celebration of Learning,” beautifully captured the spirit of the annual Northwest Indiana Teachers Scholarship Reception hosted at Calumet College of St. Joseph. The event honored the winter and fall cohorts of the 2025–2026 Transition to Teaching program at Calumet College of St. Joseph and Valparaiso University, recognizing their dedication as they prepare to serve in classrooms across our Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana network schools. 

Special recognition and honors were given to students awarded the Northwest Indiana Teachers Scholarship, funded in collaboration by Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana, the Diocese of Gary, Calumet College of St. Joseph, and Valparaiso University. This joint effort reflects a shared commitment to developing, recruiting, and retaining high-quality educators for our supported schools. Through both financial assistance and strong institutional partnerships, these future teachers are equipped with the skills, confidence, and mission-driven purpose needed to lead vibrant classrooms. 

The reception also provided an opportunity for future educators to network with principals within the Diocese of Gary who are recruiting and hiring for the spring and fall.  

In the spirit of “A Celebration of Learning,” the evening highlighted not only academic achievement, but also the relationships and collaboration that strengthen our schools. Together with our partners, we are building a strong pipeline of talented educators and investing in a bright future for values-based education in Northwest Indiana.