6 honored with 2026 Walk the Talk Awards

Six members of the Purdue community were honored at the 2026 Walk the Talk Award reception April 13. The award is presented annually to those who demonstrate commitment to the principles outlined in the university’s Statement of Integrity and Code of Conduct.

The recipients are:

• Katie Brown, IT director, digital learning solutions, Information Technology, Purdue West Lafayette
• Victor Romero Gómez, PhD, assistant professor of practice, School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue Northwest
• Justin Hess, PhD, associate professor of engineering education, School of Engineering Education, Purdue West Lafayette
• Anna Ochs, PhD, lead academic advisor, student services, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue West Lafayette
• Yu Ouyang, PhD, department chair, history, philosophy, political science and economics, Purdue Northwest
• Mohit Tawarmalani, PhD, executive associate dean of strategy, research and innovation, Mitch Daniels School of Business, Purdue West Lafayette

Colleagues, friends and family members celebrated the honorees at a reception at Dauch Alumni Center.

The Walk the Talk Awards are presented to those individuals who exemplify strong ethical character in their dealings with others, champion ethical practices or programs, or apply personal values in a manner that demonstrates integrity and high standards of excellence.

The Purdue community is encouraged to nominate a member of the Purdue faculty, staff or student body who demonstrates a commitment to ethics, integrity and compliance for the Walk the Talk Award. Nominations are accepted year-round and may be submitted by completing the nomination form on the Office of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance’s Walk the Talk webpage.

Each year, the Office of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance reviews and screens nominations and then selects awardees.