IU Indianapolis Auxiliary Services – The Auxiliary Services department blog!

Auxiliary Spotlight: Joe Hayes

Posted on September 23, 2025 by danieljo

Little decisions can sometimes lead to major life changes. We make them every day, and, often, the changes they inspire don’t manifest themselves until years later. In some cases, other people’s decisions can have a big effect on our lives as well. In the case of Joe Hayes, both are true.

Hayes grew up in Waterloo, Iowa, a town about two hours northeast of Des Moines. He attended Marquette University in Milwaukee on a Navy ROTC Scholarship with an eye on pursuing a career in finance. Seeking a job, Hayes filled out a general application for Federal Work Study and was matched with the Student Union.

That was Decision #1, and he didn’t make it.

“It was the first time I felt like I belonged on that campus,” says Hayes. “Everyone in that office was nurturing and welcoming, and as I began to go through my own developmental process thinking about what I wanted to do long term, I couldn’t help but reflect on that experience.”

After graduating, Hayes served four years in the Navy and another six in the reserves, including being called up for active duty in the Middle East, which was a wake-up call for a kid from Waterloo. Hayes supervised a crew of 30 sailors who managed the steam plant on the ship. The hours were long and the temperature was high, but the experience was invaluable.

“The Navy just drops you into opportunities and allows you to sink or swim. I had a chief Petty Officer who was a career Navy guy and knew how things were supposed to work. Those Chiefs took a lot of pride in the people under them doing their jobs well because it reflected on them. I’ll always remember Chief Byrzinski. He helped me grow.”

Part of that growth involved going back to school. The early ambitions of being a Wall St. mogul had faded, and Hayes’ experience in the Student Union at Marquette kept coming back to him.

“That feeling of ‘I belong here. I can make a difference,’ is what clicked for me and stayed with me throughout my military service and decided that I want to do that kind of work.”

Then came Decision #2, one he did make.

Hayes was stationed in Mississippi and was looking at grad schools. He ended up at the University of Georgia, where he earned a master’s degree, but another University he visited on a cold February day was IU Bloomington. It was there they he met a woman named Emily, who was on the same tour. Though neither of them ended up in Bloomington, they stayed in touch and eventually married, having two sons, Jackson and Oliver.

After UGA, Hayes went to the University of Missouri, where he worked full time while taking classes at night and earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. His path then led to IU Indianapolis, where he has been since 2012. He took over the helm at Auxiliary Services in the summer of 2025 while also overseeing the day-to-day operations at the Campus Center. It’s a big responsibility, but one he relishes, both for the challenge and the impact it can have on the lives of others.

“Most of what we do (in Auxiliary Services) is providing a service,” he says. “So how do we provide that service to the best of our ability? We’re not in the front of the room teaching a class, but students are learning all day every day and we have a role in that. That’s what satisfies me. I’m committing to something bigger than myself.”

Joe Hayes is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Services. It all started when a kid from Waterloo, Iowa needed a job. Along the way, he served his country, found a career, and a family.

The Adventures of the CYC: Traders Point Creamery

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Maggie Hoppel

On Tuesday, June 17, my workday as an Auxiliary Services intern looked like this: ate ice cream, check, met a baby cow, check, played duck duck goose, check! All the while, I was taking photos and videos to promote the IU Indianapolis Center for Young Children as Indianapolis’s premier daycare. The CYC’s Multi-Age classes were visiting Traders Point Creamery to learn about local dairy production, and as the CYC’s social media manager, I was invited to ride along. It was a great day. I always love hanging out with the CYC classes, and Traders Point was the perfect place for them to get outside, explore, and have fun. Along with some photos I took, here are 5 things we did on our trip!

1. We toured the dairy farm.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about preschoolers, it’s that nothing fascinates them quite like a tractor. They were captivated. The whole class had to get a picture next to it. We also saw a new barn under construction, which would be to house the nursing mother cows at night. The workers had finished the frame and were laying the beginnings of a roof, and a couple of them waved at the kids from way up high. Our tour guide taught the kids some cow facts—did you know a cow has four stomachs?—and informed us that the farm also has bees, chickens, and a garden. Then, we checked the chicken coop to see if anyone was home, but it was too early in the morning for the chickens to be out. We also passed by The Loft, a restaurant where Traders Point Creamery serves their vegetables and dairy products in a farm-to-table experience. I was amazed at the size of the farm. I wish I could have captured it in a picture. There was just green and blue, grass and sky, as far as the eye could see.

2. We visited the chef’s garden.

In addition to dairy production, Traders Point also grows their own vegetables to serve at The Loft. Their garden is beautiful and diverse, and our tour guide gave the kids a few minutes to walk through the aisles and look at all the different plants. They saw lettuce, strawberries, and peppers, often crouching down to take a closer look. Then, our tour guide handed out sugar snap peas for the kids to try. I could tell a few were a little wary at first, but after a moment of silent crunching, everyone was asking for seconds. As a former farm kid, I thought this was a good call. Sugar snap peas are always a winner.

Our tour guide also picked a carrot to show the kids how they grow underground. The kids marveled at the way an unsuspecting plant could hide one of their favorite vegetables. Before we knew it, one little boy had uprooted two more carrots, holding one in each fist with a victorious grin. I don’t think he was supposed to do that, but the pictures turned out hilarious. I guess visitors at The Loft just had some extra carrots that week.

3. We met some baby cows.

What’s a trip to the dairy farm without meeting the stars of the show? While most of the Traders Point dairy cows were out in the distant pasture, our tour guide took us into the nursery barn to visit some calves. These guys were only a few months old. Some were very calm and sleepy, but one was really excited to see us, bouncing all around his pen. The kids were ecstatic. A patient few were approached by the calves and got to pet them. Parent chaperones got tons of cute pictures of their kids cheesing with baby cows. I had a harder time since everyone was moving around so much, but it was fun to be in the middle of all the action.

I especially loved seeing how much the kids wanted to connect with the animals. It was endearing. One little boy waited several minutes, arms reaching through the gate, for a calf to wander within arm’s reach. Finally, one did. When he felt the soft fur under his hand, his eyes lit up. “Hi, cow,” he said.

It was so cute, I forgot to take the picture.

4. We ate ice cream!

At the end of our tour, the kids got to sample some delicious Traders Point homemade ice cream. While we were waiting for our ice cream cups, I taught the four-year-old student next to me how to clink spoons. It was a fun game. Then, our ice cream arrived, and it was time to dig in. My scoop of vanilla was the most flavorful I’ve ever had. It was very dense and reminded me a little bit of raw cookie dough. I was so engrossed in it, I almost forgot to take photos of everyone. But I think the pictures turned out great! It was a barn full of sticky fingers and big smiles.

Here is a testament to how good the ice cream was. While I was snapping pictures, the girl next to me finished about half the cup and then put the lid back on. “I’m saving it for later,” she explained.

“But it will melt,” I said.

She considered this. “Oh,” she said. “Okay.” And finished the rest.

With ice cream this delicious, anything else would have been a crime.

5. We frolicked.

After their ice cream, the kids had some playtime in the grass area outside the loft. They picked flowers, played freeze tag, and rolled down the hill, at least until the chaperones saw their grass-stained pants and put an end to that particular activity. The kids’ favorite playmate was a teacher who picked the kids up and swung them around before setting them back down on the grass. I could hear their maniacal laughter from my shady spot at the bottom of the hill. A few kids showed me the clover or dandelion they picked, or how fast they could run. I think these were my favorite pictures of the day. It’s fun to just be outside in a beautiful place in warm weather. While we saw lots of fascinating and exciting things at Traders Point, that was the heart of our day there. Soaking up the Indiana summer with good friends in a great community.

One of my favorite things about the CYC is how it encourages students to get outside and experience their community. We walk to baseball games and schedule field trips to local museums and farms like Traders Point. It reminds me that there’s always something new to discover in my own backyard. I’ve lived in central Indiana my whole life, and I had no idea we had such a historic dairy farm so close by.

The relationship that Auxiliary Services has with the greater community inspires me to keep building my knowledge and network within this area. It’s strengthened my love for my home and helped me see it in a new light. When I say my Aux internship has helped me grow, this is what I mean—not just getting seriously adorable photos of kids holding little flowers. But that definitely helps too. Like, seriously, what employer is going to say no to that portfolio?

To keep up with all the amazing things going on at the CYC, visit their Instagram or Facebook page!

The Adventures of the CYC: Hunter’s Honey Farm

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Maggie Hoppel

I think college should have more field trips. I mean, how many chances do we get to hop in a school bus and spend an entire day exploring a farm or museum with our friends? I got to buy homemade soap and learn some cool facts about bees, all while developing my portfolio as a social media intern for Auxiliary Services. This is the dream. IU Indy professors, if you’re looking to refresh your syllabi, look no further than the Center for Young Children for inspo.

On Thursday, May 29th, the CYC’s Multi-Age classes visited Hunter’s Honey Farm in Martinsville, Indiana. As the preschool’s social media manager, I tagged along to get some photos. It’s one of my favorite parts of my internship here at Aux. The kids are fun and spontaneous. When the school bus lurched into motion, they squealed and giggled like it was a rollercoaster ride. As we drove through the budding cornfields, the farmhands working outside would look up and wave at the bus. That’s the CYC experience—they just bring joy and excitement wherever they go.

Hunter’s Honey Farm offers a variety of interesting tours, and ours was called the “Worker Special Tour.” We saw the honey house, rolled our own beeswax candles, and each child filled up a plastic bear bottle with honey. I joined Ms. Adria’s class for the tour. Our tour guide, a college-age girl with overalls, quizzed the kids about bees. “What do you call the biggest bee in the hive?” “The queen!” Then, the questions got tougher. Did you know that drones, unlike worker bees, have no stinger? The kids did! Ms. Adria told me that her class has been studying bees for two weeks to prepare for the trip.

We started off with the candle making section of the tour. According to our tour guide, beeswax candles absorb bad smells while avoiding the overpowering or artificial scent of a store bought candle. The teachers and parent chaperones helped the kids line up the wick and slowly roll up their candles. They waved the candles in the air to show each other when they were done. Then, they stood in line to fill their honey bears at the clover honey spigot. Since it was a little tall, each kid had to stand on tiptoe and stretch out one arm to put their bears under the tap, and I stood nearby to get some video footage. Their faces lit up as the first bit of honey settled in the bottom. I was surprised nobody tried to sneak a sample. It looked delicious.

Then, the group moved into the honey house. We started in a warehouse area with these huge barrels stacked from floor to ceiling. Our tour guide said these were filled with over 650 pounds of honey. “That weighs a lot more than you guys, huh?” she said to the kids. They laughed. She walked us through the process of extracting and straining the honey to produce the stuff we put in our mint tea during allergy season. After that, we met some bees, buzzing around an enclosed hive room with a huge viewing window. The kids didn’t seem as wary of them as the adults, just pressed their faces and hands to the glass to get a closer look. I got some really hilarious photos of this. One little girl asked the tour guide to open the door so she could go in the room with the bees. I guess fear of insects is a learned behavior? Or, she’s just a lot braver than me.

We also learned a lot about the benefit of bees to their environment. The Bee Conservancy reports that bees pollinate a third of our food supply, with honeybees in particular contributing 15 billion dollars per year to the U. S. agricultural industry. They promote biodiversity through a variety of fruit, flowers, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. I’ve always viewed them as one of the many perils of outdoor recreation, but visiting the honey farm with the CYC showed me a new perspective on their importance. I think it’s a good lesson to learn alongside preschoolers—that everybody can make the world a better place, no matter how small.

As a four year old, I remember my only interests were Elmo and toaster waffles, but the CYC students amazed me with their curiosity and excitement to learn more. Visiting the honey farm applied and expanded the things they were already learning at school, and it was a great opportunity for them to practice asking questions. The CYC always inspires me in the way I approach learning. As a college student, it can be easy to get lost in the motions of my degree requirements. However, the reason I chose to attend the IU Indy School of Liberal Arts is the same reason many parents enroll their kids in the CYC: to create, explore, and grow. Attending CYC field trips through my internship with Auxiliary Services reminds me why I chose IU and brings me closer to accomplishing this goal.

As our bus bumbled along the country roads on the way back to school, I saw the same farmer wave at us again. This time, I waved back, and several of the kids did, too, or maybe they were just swinging the plastic bags the farm gave them to carry their honey and candles. I opened my phone to sift through the photos and videos I had taken. They made me smile. Looking through pictures of the kids rolling candles, filling their honey bears, and exploring the honey house, it didn’t feel like just another marketing gig—it felt like capturing memories that, just like childhood, are precious and worth holding onto.

To keep up with all the amazing things going on at the CYC, visit their Instagram or Facebook page!

Senior Spotlight: Congratulations to Hailey Prasopoulos

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Maggie Hoppel

Before Hailey Prasopoulos decided to pursue photography, her first love was soccer. Her dad has been a soccer coach for over 30 years, and 3-year-old Hailey used to sit with him on the sidelines. Now, she’s at almost every Indy Eleven game—this time with a camera, representing Auxiliary Services as Carroll Stadium’s official photographer.

She describes the moments she captures as precious and unique. “It’s special,” she said. “No one else is getting that picture.”

A photo by Prasopoulos at a 2024 Indy Eleven game.

This year, Prasopoulos is graduating IU Indy with a degree in marketing. Since 2023, she’s excelled as a photography intern at Auxiliary Services, attending soccer, basketball, and lacrosse games as well as field trips for the Center for Young Children. Going into college, her goal was to choose a major that complimented her passion for photography, allowing her to pursue it professionally or as a side business. Now, she hopes to continue on with sports photography.

Hailey and I scheduled a meeting at Caribou Coffee to talk about her time interning for Aux, but I actually ran into her at the bus stop that morning. We had a good laugh about it. Without any morning classes, Hailey was making the trip to the Campus Center just to see me. Her thoughtfulness is evident in her photography style, but also in her friendship and presence in Auxiliary Services.

Prasopoulos got her first camera at 13 and developed her photography skills on the yearbook club in high school. She remembers loving the equipment she borrowed from her high school. Now, using money she saved from her Auxiliary Services internship, she owns it. Her background in soccer allows her to anticipate the best action shots. “Being around sports makes me feel at home,” she said. “I’m able to follow the game really well from my experience in the past.”

A Kelley student, she heard about Auxiliary Services through her friend Jacqueline DuBois, who encouraged her to reach out and apply. Her first event was the 2023 Jaguar 5K. Prasopoulos remembers working with DuBois and Via Keith, another 2025 graduate. They took photos and enjoyed the event. DuBois and Keith also told Prasopoulos more about the internship program and what she could expect. For Prasopoulos, this was a special moment. “I was super excited to hear that I could cover sports through this position,” she said.

At first, the size and significance of the events intimidated Prasopoulos. From IU Indy’s D1 basketball games to professional soccer at Carroll Stadium, Prasopoulos worked alongside media professionals from across the state, striving to create masterful photos of incredibly skilled people in their respective sports. Over time, however, she made IU Indy athletic events her natural habitat. “I think it’s important to just get out there, get out of your comfort zone,” she said.

A Prasopoulos photo at a 2024 men’s basketball game.

Prasopoulos says sports photography is uniquely challenging. “It’s in the moment,” she said. “You have to be quick and take as many as you can and hope for the best. Some games, I take 500 to 700 photos and end up liking maybe 20 or 30.” However, she also says that she has grown in her editing style and upgraded her equipment and softwares. While taking the photos requires speed and flexibility, her improvement over time is strategic—exactly like an athlete.

Another milestone in Prasopoulos’s Aux journey was the 2024 USA Lacrosse Experience, hosted by Carroll Stadium in the fall of 2024. This event hosted international men’s and women’s lacrosse teams from Great Britain, Columbia, and Puerto Rico to challenge the USA teams in a monumental three day Olympic-style tournament. As the official photographer for Carroll Stadium, Prasopoulos got a front row seat to all the action. “It’s really cool that I was able to cover the lacrosse games at Carroll Stadium,” Prasopoulos said. “I feel like I’ve been able to go to a variety of events and try some different techniques out.”

A photo by Prasopolous at the USA Lacrosse Experience.

During her Aux internship, Prasopoulos has covered soccer, swim, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, and flag football. She’s also attended fun campus events like the Jaguar 5K or the Riley Fun Walk. However, Prasopoulos’s internship includes more than sports photography: she’s also the official photographer for the IU Indianapolis Center for Young Children.

The CYC is a preschool and daycare located right on campus at the corner of New York St. and Limestone St.—right across from Carroll Stadium. Throughout her internship, Prasopoulos visited the CYC and photographed events and field trips with the kids. I tagged along for quite a few of them as well. The kids absolutely love Hailey, and she knows several of them by name. They’re fascinated by her camera. It’s fun to watch—she’ll have a student pose or make a silly face, then crouch down and show them her camera screen so they can see their photo. Their faces always, always light up: “That’s me.” Prasopoulos says she loves working with kids. “I love being around them and capturing their genuine selves and everything they do,” she said.

We have a LOT of cute photos of Hailey doing this. Like, so many. The kids love her.

Prasopoulos has accompanied the CYC to local apple and bee farms, museums like the Indiana State Museum and Newfield’s, and, of course, the iconic Children’s Museum. The field trips are usually a half-day, and Prasopoulos says they’re a great way for her to de-stress and live in the moment. She gets to explore and photograph Marion County alongside its youngest residents, who are playful, creative, and curious. She says it’s been a joyful part of her campus life. “It’s relaxing and makes me feel like a kid again,” she said.

A photo by Prasopoulos of a CYC student eating apples at Anderson Orchard.

When I asked Hailey what her advice might be for future interns, she had a few thoughts. She said to ask questions, evaluate your strengths, collaborate, and apply constructive criticism. However, she especially encouraged future interns to have fun with their Aux experience. After all, it goes by fast, and there’s lots to learn. “Enjoy every last minute of it. Go to as many events as you can,” she said.

Embracing opportunities to grow and be creative is something that Hailey embodies. She taught me that, actually. This fall, I bought my first camera and took a photography class, and Hailey invited me to flag football and basketball games to help me improve. We caught up on each other’s lives between camera clicks and celebrated each other’s best photos. She was always encouraging me to get closer to the sideline, to keep trying, to test out new camera settings. With only a few months of photography experience, she sat with me at basketball games and made me feel like I belonged out there.

The next professional community to welcome Hailey Prasopoulos has no idea just how lucky they are.

A photo by Prasopoulos during the 2024 IU Indy flag football season. I was at this game!

Moving forward, Prasopoulos hopes to continue with sports media and marketing, though she hasn’t made a final decision yet. Her internship with Aux has expanded her portfolio across a variety of sports and built her resume to uniquely compliment her major. Prasopoulos is one of those driven students who leaves college with exactly what she came for—a deep knowledge and understanding of a field she’s been passionate about since childhood. As a member of her creative team, I’m grateful I got to be a part of that journey.

Auxiliary Services congratulates Hailey Prasopoulos on her graduation, and Hailey, I am so grateful for the person you are and the creativity and joy you’ve brought to this team. Thank you for being here. Thank you for being my friend. I’m so excited to see the amazing things you accomplish in the years ahead.

Senior Spotlight: Congratulations to Via Keith

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Maggie Hoppel

If there’s one thing Via Keith could tell future Auxiliary Services interns, it would be this: “Get ready for Aux to change your life.”

Keith entered IU Indianapolis as a health science major planning for a career in the medical field. While she graduated with this degree in 2025, it was her experience as an Auxiliary Services intern that shifted her trajectory. Keith, the official photographer for the IU Natatorium and IU Indy Bookstore, discovered passion and purpose in sports photography.

This spring, she and I met in the Campus Center to talk about her Aux journey. She let me try a sip of her matcha, and we said hello to some of our mutual friends as they passed by. She’d planned a photoshoot for the bookstore right after. Despite the few weeks left until graduation, Via wasn’t losing a second of her momentum.

“I love putting my everything into something,” she explained.

As a teenager, Keith loved doing photoshoots with her friends. She got her first camera in high school. In spring 2023, she applied to Aux “out of the blue,” as she put it, using a portfolio of photos she’d taken at Greek life events. Her experience, as she described, was “how to click a button.” However, her passion motivated her to continually challenge herself on the job. She learned editing softwares, honed her equipment, and refined her creative eye.

One of the first events that put her skills to the test was the 2023 Indy Spring Cup—Keith’s first experience in the IU Natatorium and with sports photography entirely. “I was excited to be a part of it and grow,” she said. She surprised herself with the results. Her natural talent combined with her love for learning produced thoughtful, well-edited photos. For Keith, it was legitimizing. It showed her, for the first time, that she was up to the task.

A photo by Keith at the Indy Spring Cup 2023.

That same year, the Phillips 66 National Championships taught her another aspect of sports photography: a strong understanding of the sport. Keith laughed as she remembered unwittingly photographing swim legends like Gretchen Walsh, Kate Douglass, and Katie Ledecky. “At the time, I was more excited about the person who was interviewing for NBC, a previous Miss America,” she said. “I was so naive about the swimming world.”

A photo of Katie Ledecky by Keith at the Phillips 66 National Championships.

As Keith continued improving, she grew passionate about swimming as a sport and looked forward to photographing each new event. In 2024, she applied for a media pass to represent the IU Natatorium at the 2024 Summer Olympic Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium—and got in. It was the highlight of her time at Aux. She rented new equipment, networked with sports media professionals from across the nation, and built her portfolio with photos of world class athletes. However, most importantly, it was the Olympic Trials that solidified her decision to pursue photography full time. “I love the fast paced environment, I love being around high level athletes, I love the crowds, I love the venues,” she said. “I upgraded all of my equipment immediately after. It was like, ‘I have to take this seriously.’”

A photo by Keith on night two of the 2024 Olympic Trials.

I asked Keith to list all the events she’s photographed for Aux over the years. Her portfolio is strikingly diverse—everything from Indy Eleven games to field trips for the Center for Young Children to a concert at Carroll Stadium. When the restaurant Copperhead Jack’s first opened in the Campus Center, Keith was there with a camera and a burrito. However, in addition to her passion for sports photography, there’s another avenue for her talent at Aux that remains near to her heart: the IU Indy Bookstore.

When Keith began her internship at Auxiliary Services, Marketing Coordinator Intern Jacqueline DuBois had the idea to use student models to expand the IU Indy Bookstore’s social media presence. Where sports photography relies on candid shots, the bookstore photoshoots challenged Keith to effectively stage her photos. “This is where I gained confidence in portrait photography,” Keith said. In the following years, this skill would empower her to photograph graduations and weddings for her peers at school.

A photo from Keith’s first bookstore photoshoot in 2023.

The bookstore photoshoots also offered Keith a lens into the marketing world. After DuBois graduated in 2024, Keith stepped into the Marketing Coordinator position, managing the Auxiliary Services and IU Indy Bookstore social medias. At the same time she was updating her photography equipment following the Olympic Trials, Keith was also building her leadership and marketing experience. And people took notice—even other IU campuses. This spring, Keith helped grow the new IU Bloomington bookstore social media by regularly visiting their campus for photoshoots. “We’ve been able to get noticed by the other IU campuses to the point where Bloomington felt like they needed a social media presence as well,” Keith said.

A photo by Keith featuring an IU Bloomington model.

As she reminisced on her Aux experiences, Keith emphasized the importance of her team. DuBois mentored her in the early days of her internship, and by her senior year, she was regularly collaborating with photography intern Hailey Prasopolous and sports social media intern Sawyer Skaggs. “Our differences and creativity styles make the team efficient,” she said. “We balance each other out.”

The exploratory and collaborative nature of her Auxiliary Services internship revealed Keith’s lifelong passion and empowered her to pursue it. Currently, she’s in the process of applying for photography positions with the NFL, MLB, and NBA while continuing her event photography business, Via Creations Photography. Her diverse portfolio has made her a top candidate. “With Aux, I have the ability to attend any event across the Natatorium and Carroll Stadium,” Keith said. “We’re able to cover volleyball, basketball, soccer, track, swimming, diving. There’s so much.”

Before I knew her story or became her friend, Via Keith was the first person I met as an Auxiliary Services intern. She was taking my headshots at the Campus Center. I remember being nervous to meet the other creative interns because I didn’t have any marketing experience—just liked writing stories. When I told her this, she laughed and smiled at me. “You don’t have to be in marketing to be a part of this team,” she said. “Just build personal experience. If you have a passion, you can do it here.”

Auxiliary Services congratulates Via Keith on her graduation, and Via, thank you so, so much for being a part of our team and making it a better and more beautiful place. I can’t wait to see all the amazing places your passion and dedication will take you.

April’s Feel-Good Food: Leafy Greens!

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Via Keith

As the spring semester blooms, it’s the perfect time to refresh your diet with April’s feel-good food: leafy greens. These vibrant vegetables are not only packed with essential nutrients but also offer a variety of health benefits that can keep you energized and focused during your college days. Let’s dive into why leafy greens are an important and healthy addition to your everyday meal and how they can be affordable. Plus, we’ll explore where you can find them on IU Indianapolis’ campus.

The Health Benefits of Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Here are some key benefits:

Nutrient Density: Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are loaded with vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate, iron, calcium, and fiber. These nutrients are essential for various bodily functions, including immune support, bone health, and blood clotting.
Cancer-Fighting Properties: Many leafy greens contain compounds like glucosinolates and flavonoids that have been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers. For example, kale and other Brassica family vegetables are known for their anti-cancer effects.
Heart Health: The high fiber content in leafy greens helps lower cholesterol levels and supports heart health. Additionally, the potassium found in these vegetables can help regulate blood pressure.
Brain Health: Consuming leafy greens regularly can slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The antioxidants in these greens protect brain cells from damage.
Weight Management: Leafy greens are low in calories but high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for those looking to manage their weight. They help you feel full longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating.

Making Leafy Greens Affordable

As a college student, budgeting for groceries can be challenging. However, incorporating leafy greens into your diet doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips to make leafy greens affordable:

Buy in Bulk: Purchasing leafy greens in bulk can save you money. Stores like Costco and Trader Joe’s offer larger packs of greens at a lower cost per unit. You can also find affordable options at local farmers’ markets.
Choose Budget-Friendly Greens: Some leafy greens are more affordable than others. Romaine lettuce, cabbage, and beet greens are cost-effective choices that still provide a wealth of nutrients. These greens can be used in salads, soups, and stir-fries.
Grow Your Own: If you have a little space and some time, consider growing your own leafy greens. Spinach, kale, and lettuce are relatively easy to grow and can provide a fresh supply of greens throughout the season.
Frozen Greens: Frozen leafy greens are often cheaper than fresh ones and have a longer shelf life. They retain most of their nutrients and can be used in smoothies, soups, and casseroles.
Meal Prep: Preparing meals in advance can help you save money and reduce food waste. Plan your meals around leafy greens and buy only what you need. This way, you can make the most of your grocery budget.

Where to Find Leafy Greens on IU Indianapolis’ Campus

IU Indianapolis offers a variety of dining options where you can find leafy greens on the menu. Here are some spots to check out:

Panda Express: While known for its Asian cuisine, Panda Express offers dishes like the Super Greens, which include broccoli, kale, and cabbage. It’s a great way to get your leafy greens fix.
Pizza Hut: Opt for a veggie pizza or a side salad with spinach and arugula. You can customize your pizza with extra greens for added nutrition.
Chick-fil-A: Chick-fil-A’s salads, such as the Market Salad, feature a mix of greens like romaine lettuce and baby spinach. Pair it with grilled chicken for a balanced meal.
Caribou Coffee: Grab a spinach and egg white sandwich or a salad with mixed greens. Caribou Coffee offers healthy options that are perfect for a quick bite between classes.
Einstein Bros Bagels: Try their Veggie Egg White Sandwich, which includes spinach and other fresh veggies. It’s a nutritious way to start your day.
The Den: The Den offers a variety of salads and wraps that include leafy greens. Customize your order to include extra spinach, kale, or romaine lettuce.
Sushi: Many sushi rolls and bowls include seaweed, which is a type of leafy green. Look for options that include spinach or other greens for added nutrition.

Leafy greens are a versatile and nutritious addition to your diet, offering numerous health benefits that can support your academic performance and overall well-being. By making smart choices and exploring affordable options, you can easily incorporate these feel-good foods into your meals. Whether you’re dining on campus or preparing meals at home, leafy greens are a delicious and budget-friendly way to stay healthy and energized throughout the semester.

So, next time you’re at IU Indianapolis, be sure to check out these dining spots and enjoy the benefits of leafy greens. Your body and mind will thank you!

The IU Natatorium: A Legacy of Aquatic Rehabilitation and Innovation

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Via Keith

If you haven’t heard about the IU Natatorium yet, you’re in for a treat. Nestled right here on the Indiana University Indianapolis campus, this place is a big deal in the world of swimming and aquatic therapy. The IU Natatorium, located on the campus of Indiana University Indianapolis, is a beacon of excellence in the world of aquatic sports and rehabilitation. Since its completion in 1982, this state-of-the-art facility has not only hosted numerous prestigious events but has also been at the forefront of aquatic rehabilitation and innovative pool technology. Some cool events the Nat has hosted includes the Olympic Trials (swim and dive) and the NCAA Championships. There is no shortage for how many Olympians have competed in this facility!

One of the coolest things about the IU Natatorium is its focus on aquatic rehabilitation. Imagine recovering from an injury or surgery in a pool where the water supports your body, making it easier to move without pain. That’s what aquatic rehab is all about. It’s perfect for anyone dealing with joint issues, recovering from surgery, or managing chronic pain. Plus, it’s a great way to build strength and flexibility without the strain of traditional workouts. The facility’s commitment to aquatic rehabilitation is evident in its comprehensive programs that cater to a wide range of needs. From improving balance and strength to enhancing flexibility and endurance, the IU Natatorium provides a supportive and therapeutic environment for all its participants.

Now, let’s talk about the moveable pool floor! Before 2010, the Nat had a “stand-out” feature that made the facility bring in all kinds of audiences. Partnered with IU Health, the IU Natatorium brought in a moveable floor to their training pool. The floor could be adjusted to different depths, making the pool super versatile. Whether you were training for a swim meet, practicing your dives, or doing rehab exercises, the pool could be customized to fit your needs. It was also a big win for safety and energy efficiency, accommodating different skill levels and age groups.

The Nat has undergone several renovations, including a significant $20 million upgrade in 2015, which aimed to enhance its facilities and maintain its status as a world-class venue. Currently, the IU Natatorium’s main competition pool features two movable bulkheads, which allow for flexible configurations to accommodate various events such as long or short course swimming, water polo, and synchronized swimming.

Looking forward, the IU Natatorium is looking to bring back its rich history of aquatic rehabilitation and exercises to the pool once more!

The IU Natatorium isn’t just a pool; it’s a hub of innovation and excellence. With its rich history, experience in cutting-edge technology, and top-notch rehab programs, it’s a place where athletes and anyone looking for aquatic therapy can thrive. So, next time you’re on campus, swing by and check it out. You might just find your new favorite spot!

A Seat at the Table: Tower Dining strives to create an inclusive mealtime experience for all

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Maggie Hoppel

Let’s start with a personality quiz…

When you visit the dining hall, are you:

(a) catching up with friends

(b) enjoying some solo time with a podcast

Are you looking for:

(a) vegan options

(b) comfort food

Whatever your answers, Tower Dining is here to make your experience all about you.

Lora Popov is the General Manager of Residential Dining for Chartwells, the food service company behind all things campus dining. She’s a Tower Dining expert—not only does she lead the team, but she’s also eaten lunch there every single workday since joining Chartwells in 2021.

“Our number one focus is student satisfaction,” Popov said. “Anything we can do to make it a better experience or be there for the students, we’re going to do that.”

Imagine a space where students come together over colorful, delicious meals. Now, imagine a table where everyone has a seat regardless of their dietary needs or preferences. That’s the heart of Tower Dining: making sure every student can find something they love.

“We feed around 2000 people a day from open to close,” Popov said. “I think we offer a great variety for everyone.”

The buffet area is the centerpiece, offering different dishes and sides daily. It always includes vegan and halal protein options alongside traditional meats. Popov shared that Tower Dining continues expanding its halal menu as more providers bring their businesses to Indianapolis. Ever tried halal chili? At last fall’s chili cook-off, one of Tower Dining’s chefs used halal beef to ensure everyone could enjoy the event together.

If you’re into made-to-order meals, Tower Dining’s stations offer personalized options:

Create Station: Daily fresh pizzas (including gluten-free crust on request) and grill favorites like burgers and chicken. Student faves? The apple strudel dessert pizza.
Chef’s Table: Stir fry and deli sandwiches your way. Occasionally, local restaurants host “station takeovers,” like the vegan nachos from an Indy eatery last year.
Innovation Kitchen: Pasta bar perfection, with gluten-free pasta and halal meats available. Watch your meal come to life exactly how you like it.

Transparency is also key at Tower Dining. For students with dietary restrictions, or anyone curious about their food, the Dine On Campus app makes life easier. Browse menus, plan your meals, and check out ingredient lists anytime. Popov says they keep it simple: fresh fruits and veggies are prepped daily, and balanced meals are always on the menu.

“We really try to offer nutritional, balanced options to every student who visits,” Popov said.

But Tower Dining isn’t just about food. It’s about creating community. From dance-offs to cooking classes, to study sessions that end with waffle ice cream sandwiches, it’s a space where connections are built. It’s where new roommates share their first meal, study groups come together over late-night snacks, and club members bond over inside jokes.

The IU Indianapolis campus thrives on inclusivity, and Tower Dining is an extension of that spirit. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between classes or hosting a group dinner with friends, there’s always room for you here. Auxiliary Services and Chartwells are committed to making Tower Dining more than a dining hall—it’s a place where every student feels at home.

There’s always a seat at the table for you at Tower Dining. Come join us.

AUX interns represent the Nat at Olympic Trials

Posted on September 4, 2024 by Maggie Hoppel

During the spring semester, Sawyer Skaggs and Via Keith carried Crimson Cards, like any IU Indy student. During the Olympic Swim Trials, however, they carried media passes.

Skaggs and Keith are both Auxiliary Services interns. If you follow the Nat on Instagram or Facebook, you’re following Skaggs. He’s the sports media intern at Auxiliary Services, and his job includes covering local events, spotlighting student athletes, and marketing IU Indy’s sports facilities. Keith’s internship is a combination of social media and photography, so while her work can be found across Auxiliary Services marketing, she also takes photos for the Nat’s social media accounts. Together, they represented the Nat as media professionals at the Olympic Swim Trials in June.

“It was more than a swim meet,” Skaggs said. “It was like a movie.”

The Olympic Trials were held at Lucas Oil Stadium, a mere half mile from the Nat. Following a press conference, the interns joined other media professionals for an early look at the facility.

“We walked in to scope out the pool, and at the time we were the only ones in the stadium. It was really neat to have a first look at everything before it actually happened,” Keith said.

On the first night of Trials, Skaggs had one goal in mind: promoting Indianapolis as a swim city with the Nat as its central hub.

“Our audience is swimmers and swim fans, and that’s all the people involved with this event,” Skaggs said.

Achieving this goal started with Keith’s photography. The photos had to be edited as quickly as possible to post the same day—and, often, the same hour. Skaggs wanted the Nat accounts to be the first to spread the word.

“Something that I learned in this industry is that you have to post things right away to stay relevant,” Skaggs said. “I was posting all the major news that happened.”

For Keith, the Trials were an opportunity to develop her skills as a photographer and build her portfolio for a future career in sports photography.

“I was always challenging myself to get an action photo better than the last one,” Keith said.

The Trials also had a sentimental impact on Keith. It took her back to the first major swim event that she attended alongside IUPUI alum Jacqueline DuBois.

“They played this video with the song ‘Champions Never Die’ in the background, and the video was created from the Phillips 66 swimming championships a year ago, which Jacqueline and I were there for,” Keith said.

Meanwhile, Skaggs found that one of the most exciting things about Trials was meeting new people, especially those within the sports media industry.

“I talked to people from Sports Illustrated, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and some really big swim media companies, and made a bunch of connections,” Skaggs said.

The only way to understand the scope of Skaggs and Keith’s experience that week is to visit the Nat’s page yourself. They captured world records. They watched swimmers rising up from the pool to discover that they were Olympians, had been for a whole second, and didn’t even know it. They watched those same Olympians achieve greatness at the 2024 Games, and then pointed to the TV and said, I saw them first. The impact was monumental.

“After this weekend, I realized that being in sports media is what I want to do, whether photography, videography, social media management, or possibly the broadcast side like a camera operator or director,” Skaggs said.

As a senior, Keith’s time at Trials and in her internship have accumulated into a unique and striking portfolio. But they’ve also been a confidence builder—a reminder that her dream career isn’t so far out of reach.

“If I can do well at sports photography with the Natatorium and Carroll Stadium, then maybe I can shoot really high and dream really big and hopefully become an NFL sports photographer,” Keith said.

With the Fall 2024 semester already upon us, Skaggs and Keith have stashed their Crimson Cards in their wallets again. They go to morning classes. They hang out with friends. But there’s still evidence of the incredible summer they had at the Olympic Swim Trials. Skaggs hangs his media pass on his backpack. Keith carries her drinks in a cup with the Trials logo. She says she got it for free on the first day, and it’s accompanied her all over the city ever since. The memories they made at Trials follow them everywhere—just as their job experience from Auxiliary Services will follow them into their future careers.

Auxiliary Services offers a variety of marketing and communications internships. For more information, visit our website.

Let’s talk Olympics and the IU Natatorium

Posted on July 23, 2024 by Maggie Hoppel

The USA team has earned 257 Olympic medals in swimming, leading the world in the sport. Last month, the best swimmers in the country—and the world—gathered at Lucas Oil Stadium to try out for the team. Since the city’s first Olympic Trials in 1924 (100 years ago!), Indianapolis has been a hub for both men’s and women’s competitive swimming. And, for the last 40 years, so has the IU Natatorium, due to its central location and impressive size. In preparation for the 2024 Olympic Trials, this article reviews the past trials held at the Nat and a few of the pieces of history held within its walls.

Los Angeles, 1984

Nancy Hogshead poses with her Olympic medals.

Olympic Trials arrived at the IU Natatorium for the first time in 1984. Seven athletes who qualified here would go on to win three Olympic gold medals, including Nancy Hogshead, Mike Heath, Tracy Caulkins, Mary T. Meagher, Carrie Steinseifer, Rick Carey, and Rowdy Gaines.

When Nancy Hogshead became the most decorated swimmer at the 1984 Olympics, The New York Times called her a loser. Back in 1981, the article claimed, Hogshead was so weary of her losing streak that she tried to quit the swim team at Duke University. Its narrative was one of an athlete doomed to mediocrity suddenly finding fame at the 1984 Olympics.

But The New York Times got it wrong.

Hogshead came forward with the truth years later. In the spring of 1981, she was jogging on campus when she was violently attacked by a man who was never found. The PTSD she experienced was so severe that she believed she would have to quit swimming forever. That spring, she left the Duke swim team.

However, the team made a plan to help Hogshead return to the pool. Her coach offered her a scholarship and a place on the team for simply showing up to competitions. So the next fall she showed up. In 2019, she told The Guardian that she poured all of her rage toward her attacker into every swim stroke.

This was the Nancy Hogshead that walked through the doors of the IU Natatorium in 1984, armed with a second chance and a lethal freestyle. First, she won a spot on the Nat’s Olympic Wall. Then, she won three Olympic gold medals and one silver medal, capturing the attention of the world.

After that, she got a law degree.

Those involved with the fight against sexual misconduct in sport cite Hogshead as one of the earliest and most prominent advocates for women in sports. Her work helped create and pass the 2018 Safe Sport Act. Her nonprofit, Champion Women, continues to protect and empower athletes everywhere from after school extracurriculars to the Olympic podium.

When swimmers and divers compete at the Nat, the name NANCY HOGSHEAD hovers above them like a guardian. It reminds them that she was here—the attorney, Olympian, and survivor that is always working, even today, to make athletics a safe space for everyone who enters the pool.

Barcelona, 1992

Janet Evans offers a thumbs up from the pool.

Less than a decade later, the Olympic trials returned to the Nat. 1992 Olympic gold medalists present included Nelson Diebel, Pablo Morales, Nicole Haislett, Mike Barrowman, Janet Evans, and Melvin Stewart.

With her small frame and awkward swim stroke, ten-year-old Janet Evans was the girl everyone laughed at in the pool.

For the freestyle stroke, most swimmers curve their arms inward. Janet straightened her arms and rotated them at a much faster pace, an unusual motion that observers called “the windmill.” However, while her peers made fun of her, coach Bud McAllister studied Janet’s freestyle technique. “The windmill” allowed her to have significantly more control over her speed in the water. It was also a better fit for her small build.

So, instead of stopping the habit in its tracks, he encouraged her to perfect it as a technique.

As a teen, Janet became a swimming star. She held three simultaneous world records in the sport before the age of 18. She first qualified for the 1988 Olympics at 17. When she entered the Nat to qualify again in 1992, she was already an Olympic celebrity.

However, the 1992 Olympics ended with a difficult loss for Evans in the 400m freestyle, a close second after a substantial lead for the majority of the event. In interviews she expressed the difficulty of upholding the high standard set by her teenage self in 1988.

She retired after the 1996 Olympics, where she passed the Olympic torch to Muhammad Ali. Life went on—she got married and had two kids. But something still felt unresolved. So, 20 years later, she returned to the pool, and in 2012, her kids watched in the stands as she attended another Olympic qualifying.

And didn’t make the team.

To this day, Janet Evans is known as one of the best distance swimmers in the world. She set seven world records and achieved four Olympic gold medals. Yet she never stopped reaching for more. It was as if once her full potential revealed itself—once Bud McAllister sat her down at ten years old and told her that everyone else was wrong about her—dreaming big was a habit she could never break.

Janet Evans’s name on the Olympic Wall at the IU Natatorium pushes swimmers to achieve excellence on their own terms. Because, at the end of the day, passionate people aren’t there for the medal. It’s all for the thrill of the chase, for the excitement of progress and problem solving, and every new day they get to try again.

Atlanta, 1996

The 1996 Olympic Trials were the second of three consecutive Trials to be held at the IU Natatorium. Olympic gold medalists who would qualify here included Tom Dolan, Amy Van Dyken, Brad Bridgewater, Beth Botsford, and Brooke Bennett. 1996 also saw the debut of the women’s 4 x 200 m freestyle relay at the Olympics. The first Olympic gold medalists in this event were from the U.S. team as well.

For Amy Van Dyken, swimming was more than an athletic career. It was therapy.

Van Dyken was diagnosed with severe asthma at 18 months old. At the age of six, her doctor recommended swimming to strengthen her lungs and better regulate her breathing. In an interview with CNN, she said that she was unable to swim the length of the pool until she was 12.

However, swimming was a deeper commitment for Van Dyken than most people. Her health depended on it. So, she kept going and developed a love for the sport that took her all the way to the Olympics.

Her first time at an IU Natatorium Olympic Trials was in 1992, where she just missed making the team. So, she tried again four years later and was recruited to compete in Atlanta, Georgia. In Atlanta, she became the first American woman to win four Olympic gold medals in the same year.

Her victories that year were full of surprises. Her gold medal for the 100-meter butterfly was the first time Van Dyken had won that event in a major competition. And in the 50-meter freestyle, her final gold medal of the competition, the asthmatic swimmer emerged only once to take a breath.

In the years following, Van Dyken became a sports media personality. Then, an ATV accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. She was told she would never walk again. But, just like in her childhood, Van Dyken refused to allow her circumstances to restrict her.

For the second time in her life, swimming became Van Dyken’s physical therapy. She swam and exercised for hours every week. And, with the help of her doctor she was eventually able to take her first steps anew. She also founded a nonprofit, Amy’s Army, to help those with similar disabilities.

Today, Amy Van Dyken’s name on the IU Natatorium’s Olympic Wall symbolizes strength. It reminds athletes that, with enough determination and resilience, their bodies can do amazing and surprising things.

Sydney, 2000

Tom Malchow celebrates an Olympic victory.

The 2000 Olympic Trials were the last time the IU Natatorium hosted swim trials. The final team of Olympic swimmers on the Nat’s Olympic Wall brought home 15 Olympic gold medals. Medalists included Lenny Krayzelburg, Brooke Bennett, Megan Quann, Misty Hyman, Tom Malchow, Tom Dolan, Gary Hall Jr., and Anthony Ervin. In 2000, the Nat also saw a 15-year-old Michael Phelps make the Olympic team for the first time in his career.

Tom Malchow was about to break the world record for the 200 meter butterfly. Then, they changed the rules.

In 1996, a young Malchow claimed an Olympic silver medal for this category, defeated only by Russian swimmer Denis Pankratov. This wasn’t good enough for him. Malchow, like Amy Van Dyken, was severely asthmatic. Pushing his body to its limits and beyond was part of his daily routine. He often had asthma attacks during his training, but he always dove back into the water.

He was on the cusp of breaking Pankratov’s record. However, following 1996, a new rule was established for all swim events. To even the playing field, swimmers were now required to break the water within 15 meters of the start of the event and after each turn.

To Malchow, it couldn’t have been a bigger setback.

Up to this point, the ability to swim long distances without taking a breath meant the difference between success and failure. Now, his goal of beating Pankatrov’s record—achieved at a time where this rule didn’t apply—felt impossible.

However, for the next four years, Malchow continued to do what he did every day: kept training. And, on June 17th, 2000, at the Charlotte UltraSwim competition, he had his chance. He later said he could hear the crowd cheering him on to break the record. When Malchow finally surfaced, all eyes were on the time clock but his. He already knew.

Two months later, he qualified for the 2000 Olympics at the Nat as a world record holder.

In Sydney, he had a record to defend. He told the Chicago Tribune that he was dedicating his swim to Ryan Weggenman, his girlfriend’s brother who had died in a car accident. And, like clockwork—like the routine he had followed for his entire career—he won the gold.

Tom Malchow put his name on the Nat’s Olympic Wall because he challenged himself like it was second nature. His name reminds swimmers to embrace the obstacles in their path. Now, 24 years later, the Olympic gold medal is only a small part of Malchow’s story. The important part, like it is for all of us, was what he overcame to get there.

Paris, 2024

Welcome to Lucas Oil Stadium, transformed into the largest swim venue … ever.

This year’s Olympic Trials were held at Lucas Oil Stadium, but links to the Nat were everywhere. Of the swimmers who hoped to make the Olympic team, thirty-one were from Indiana University. Lily King, the world record holder for the women’s 100-meter breaststroke, and Blake Pieroni, a three-time gold medalist, are both IU graduates headed to Paris this week.

There’s also something about Indianapolis that empowers young swimmers. Luke Whitlock, a Noblesville swimmer, is the youngest to make the team since Michael Phelps in the 2000 Trials.

Other swimmers who qualified included Aaron and Alex Shackell, siblings from Carmel, Drew Kibler, a world record holder for the 4×200-meter freestyle relay, and Chris Guiliano, from Notre Dame.

The Trials’ historic return to Indianapolis also marks a record number of Hoosiers on the Olympic swim team. If Indianapolis wasn’t considered a landmark in the swim world before, it certainly is now. And a lot of that is due to the Nat’s dedication to providing the best possible facilities for athletes from across the world. Because the Nat doesn’t just empower individual swimmers to be more successful. It empowers our entire city.

As we go into the 2024 Olympics this week, these swimmers are the ones to watch. Seeing international Hoosier representation means so much to our communities, schools, and families, and we can’t wait to welcome them home after a job well done.