Two former faculty members recently died.  

Mathematics Department Chair Emerita Catherine M. Murphy died on January 14, 2025. She was 84. Murphy dedicated 56 years to Purdue University Northwest, retiring in August. During her career, she served as a Mathematics professor, chair of the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics, and associate dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences. Murphy enjoyed cooking, reading and traveling. She is survived by four children, Jennifer Arrieta, Sean Copp, Barbara Sparks and Cheryl Copp and eight grandchildren.

Former professor Dennis Lauer, who taught Mathematics and Physics at Purdue North Central, which became part of PNW, died on Jan. 11 in Hobart. He was 86. Lauer was an an accomplished violinist who performed with various orchestras in the Region, including the LaPorte Symphony, Valparaiso University Orchestra, Memorial Opera House and the South Shore Orchestra. He also played music with his wife Lillie and children in The Lauer Strings quintet. Lauer is survived by his wife, three children, Ryan, Jeanine Ratterman and Christian, nine grandchildren and his brother, Laurence.