Dedicated People: Giang Petroviak

For Giang Petroviak, Purdue University Fort Wayne is more than a workplace; it is a place where lives are changed, futures are shaped, and students discover opportunities they may have never imagined possible.

As executive director of student success initiatives, Giang is deeply passionate about helping students feel connected, supported, and empowered from the moment they arrive on campus through the day they cross the commencement stage. Her work centers on creating experiences and support systems that help students persist, thrive, and truly feel like they belong at Purdue Fort Wayne.

That passion is rooted in her own journey.

Originally from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Giang moved to the United States when she was two years old. Growing up, she often served as the primary translator for her family, helping navigate systems, conversations, and opportunities as her parents worked to build a life in a new country. Those experiences shaped not only her resilience, but also her deep understanding of the challenges many students face when navigating higher education for the first time.

While Giang excelled academically as an honors student in high school, she admits her first semester in college was not easy. Learning how to manage her time, balance responsibilities, and adjust to college life proved challenging.

What changed everything was connection.

Through involvement in Greek life, Student Government Association, serving as an orientation leader, and connecting with campus resources, Giang found community, confidence, and purpose.

"I realized how important it is for students to feel connected early," she said. "Once I became involved, everything changed for me academically and personally."

Today, that experience drives the work she leads at Purdue Fort Wayne. Giang is especially passionate about programs that help students build momentum and confidence before challenges become barriers, including summer bridge initiatives, early success programming, orientation experiences, and proactive student support efforts.

She believes Purdue Fort Wayne has a unique ability to transform lives because of the people behind the institution.

"One of my favorite things about PFW is seeing how faculty, staff, and departments all come together to support students," Giang said. "Everyone genuinely cares. It takes all of us working together to help students succeed, and you can see that commitment across campus every day."

That collaborative spirit is one of the reasons Giang is so proud to work at Purdue Fort Wayne and call Fort Wayne home.

She sees tremendous momentum both within the university and throughout the city itself.

"Fort Wayne is such a hidden gem," she said. "It's growing, it's affordable, it has a strong sense of community, and Purdue Fort Wayne plays such an important role in that growth."

As a proud alumna of Fort Wayne Community Schools, Giang is especially passionate about strengthening connections between PFW and local students and families. She believes the university has an incredible opportunity to continue growing as a regional leader that opens doors for students throughout northeast Indiana.

Her investment in the community extends far beyond campus.

Giang currently serves on the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) Foundation Board and previously served as vice president of social programming for YLNI, where she helped create opportunities to connect young professionals across the region. She has also served as president of the Young Alumni Council for Ball State University, was a former board member for the Girl Scouts of Northeast Indiana-Michiana, and was recognized as a finalist for Greater Fort Wayne, Inc's Champions of Change. In 2023, she was also honored as a Graduate of the Last Decade by Ball State University.

Despite her many accomplishments, Giang says the most meaningful moments still happen on campus with students.

Her favorite Purdue Fort Wayne event each year is commencement.

As one of the university's head student marshals, she has the opportunity to welcome students at the beginning of their college journey and later celebrate with them as they walk across the graduation stage.

"You get to see the entire journey come full circle," she said. "Watching students grow and accomplish something so meaningful alongside their families is incredibly rewarding."

Giang has also helped establish a newer commencement tradition, Senior Selection, that recognizes faculty and staff members who may not always receive the spotlight, but who make a lasting difference in students' lives.

Outside of work, Giang enjoys visiting the YLNI Farmers Market, trying local restaurants, and stopping by Bon Bon's Coffee for her favorite drink-an Iced Toastuccino. She also remains deeply connected to her Vietnamese heritage, speaking the language fluently and sharing a strong love for Vietnamese food and culture with her family.

And if Giang had a walkout song?

"Good Life" by OneRepublic.

It's a fitting choice for someone who has dedicated her career to helping students discover opportunities, connections, and experiences that can change the trajectory of their lives, both at Purdue Fort Wayne and throughout the Fort Wayne community.