$3M donation helps fund Purdue-NW economic development lab

Associated Press

*Courtesy of Purdue University Northwest*

HAMMOND, Ind. (AP) — A $3 million donation to Purdue University Northwest will be used to develop an “impact lab” that's expected to contribute to economic development in the region.

The school last week announced the lab will be a place for entrepreneurship, innovation and education collaboration.

Alumnus David Roberts and his wife Susan Roberts made the donation. It matches $5 million from the recent $50 million awarded to Northwest Indiana by the Indiana Economic Development Corp.

David Roberts said the impact lab will be “a place for students, educators and entrepreneurs to collaborate on innovative ideas and concepts that will strengthen the manufacturing base in Northwest Indiana.”

Purdue is evaluating potential sites near the Hammond campus for the lab. Chancellor Thomas Keon said he is hopeful the lab will open by the end of 2022.

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