First-generation college students represent an important part of the Indiana University (IU) and O’Neill School community. Their experiences reflect the resilience, hard work, and determination it takes to navigate new academic paths and seize opportunities for success. This First-Gen Week, we’re spotlighting the stories of four outstanding first-gen O’Neill students who are shaping their future… Read more »
Undergraduate Education
Empowering Bloomington: IU students research keys to unlocking nonprofit success
Understanding the keys to a thriving nonprofit is crucial—not only for academic insight but for building stronger, more connected communities. At Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, students are diving into this challenge by engaging directly with nonprofits in the heart of Bloomington. Supported by AmeriCorps, the Observing Civic Engagement (OCE) project… Read more »
Sustainability in action: O’Neill students’ Costa Rica Summer Program experience
This past summer, a group of students from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs embarked on an unforgettable 10-day journey through Costa Rica, immersing themselves in the country’s rich biodiversity and sustainability efforts. From hands-on experiences at local coffee farms and fisheries to eye-opening lessons on environmental policy, the trip offered students the… Read more »
Ethan Fragoso: Building a brighter future through public service and advocacy
Ethan Fragoso’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and an unwavering commitment to community service. Originally from Lake Station, Indiana, a suburb of Gary, Fragoso has overcome numerous challenges to become a dedicated advocate for underserved communities. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of leadership. Fragoso’s life took… Read more »
From dreams to degrees: The inspiring journey of Alex Sanchez, first-generation college graduate
Born and raised in Hanover Park, Illinois, Alex Sanchez embarked on his college career in 2019 at the College of DuPage. Initially uncertain about his path, he dreamt of a career in healthcare to help others on a larger scale. Reflecting on his roots and his parents’ sacrifices as immigrants from Mexico, Sanchez felt a… Read more »
NextGen Leadership students get crash course in pedestrian safety, advocacy
Undergraduate students got a crash course in pedestrian safety at the third annual year-end retreat of the NextGen Leadership Program. Then, they used what they learned to develop a plan to make campus safer for walkers and bikers. Throughout the year, NextGen students participate in programming designed to strengthen their leadership skills, explore public service,… Read more »
Castellanos, Leary receive inaugural O’Neill Student Leadership Awards
The O’Neill School is proud to name Daniela Castellanos and Zsofia Leary as the inaugural recipients of the O’Neill Student Leadership Award. This new award celebrates students who have demonstrated leadership, impact, and a commitment to O’Neill’s core values of learning, diversity, meaning, excellence, and well-being. The award will be presented at the O’Neill Expo,… Read more »
O’Neill students engage in community projects, research as IU Eclipse Scholars
As communities across the state of Indiana prepare for the upcoming total solar eclipse, three O’Neill undergraduate students are using the opportunity to engage in hands-on research. Environmental management majors Elizabeth Kuebel, Maleeha Mahbub, and Brooke Martoccia were selected as IU Eclipse Scholars by the IU Center for Rural Engagement (CRE). The students received a… Read more »
Transfer student Erin Kemp on campus size, counting credits, and collaborative learning
To celebrate National Transfer Student Week, we asked sophomore Human Resource Management major Erin Kemp about her decision to transfer to the O’Neill School at IU Bloomington. Why did you choose to transfer to IU Bloomington? I wanted a university with more of a campus culture and more career-building opportunities. What brought you to the… Read more »
High-impact practices for learning and leadership: O’Neill’s commitment to excellence through internships
This post is part of our series outlining O’Neill’s commitment to excellence in undergraduate education by R.J. Woodring, Associate Dean for Educational Programs, and Andrea Need, Director of Undergraduate Academic Affairs. Students need more than just textbook knowledge to thrive in today’s complex, interconnected world. They need practical experience, real-world problem-solving skills, and a global… Read more »