Kate Hevner Mueller served Indiana University from 1937 to 1969 as Dean of Women, Senior Counselor for Women, and Professor of Education. Dr. Mueller was a national pioneer for women professionals and developed the Master’s Program in College Student Personnel (Higher Education and Student Affairs) at Indiana University in the early 1950s. The Kate Hevner Mueller Senior Awards were established in 2013 to honor IU seniors who have proven leadership on campus both inside and outside of the classroom and who have improved the IU community through their presence.
This year, Indiana University selected 28 outstanding recipients for the Kate Hevner Mueller Outstanding Senior Award. In this article, we’re congratulating Isabelle deCastro, Caterina DeSantis, Emery Donald, Amangul Hydyrova, Annetta Itnyre, Marsha Koda, and Mofe Koya for their ability to represent Dr. Mueller’s essential goals of the university: to promote intellect, develop personality, and inspire citizenship and leadership to all students.
Isabelle deCastro
Isabelle deCastro is graduating from the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies with a Bachelor of Arts in International Law and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in Cybersecurity Policy and a certificate in Political and Civic Engagement.
Isabelle is a Hudson and Holland Scholar, a Provost’s Scholar, and a David E. Albright Scholar. Isabelle has been involved on and off campus as a member of the PACE Leadership Council and Sigma Iota Rho Honors Society. She has served as an intern for the Hamilton Lugar School, an intern for The White House Office of Public Engagement, a student liaison with the Monroe County Chapter for the National Organization for Women, and a student employee for PACE and the Big Ten Voting Challenge.
Acknowledgments
“Thank you to all the faculty and fellow students who have made all my involvements on campus worthwhile; these are relationships I will cherish forever. Also, thank you to my family—Mom, Dad, Jacob, and Carly—you have made me into the person I am; I’m forever grateful and appreciative!”
Caterina DeSantis
Caterina DeSantis is graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Advertising, a minor in Studio Art, and a certificate in Journalism.
Caterina is a Media Scholar, John Ritter Scholar, Tom Hirons Scholar, and Caine Family Scholar. She has been involved in SEASON Fashion Magazine since her Freshman year doing everything from video content to layout design. She has also been a Resident Assistant at Willkie dormitory for the past three years. Caterina has also worked as a multimedia intern at the Office of the Provost, strategically telling stories about the IU and Bloomington communities. Last semester, she functioned as lead art director for The Beautiful Thinkers Project podcast and is currently continuing her work for the podcast.
Acknowledgments
“Thank you to Ethan Gill, one of my mentors, for nominating me for this award, and to all my professors, friends, and family that helped encourage me to always do my best during my time at IU.”
Emery Donald
Emery Donald is graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in World Political Systems.
Emery is a Dean’s Scholar and has been on the Executive Dean’s List throughout her undergraduate education. She has worked as a Residential Assistant at Willkie Residence Hall, mentoring first-year students and serving on Willkie’s Diversity Board. Emery has also participated as a Peer Educator for the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy. This position allowed her to advocate for survivors of sexual violence and educate students on the importance of consent.
Acknowledgments
“First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest thanks to my parents, Amanda and Nick, for their unconditional love and support. Additionally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my mentors, Marcus, Marie, and Lea, as their guidance and support have been invaluable throughout my college journey.”
Amangul Hydyrova
Amangul Hydyrova is graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.
Amangul is a Wells Scholar and winner of the James E. Moffat Outstanding Economics Major Award of 2023. She is the founder and the president of the Women in Economics club. She has organized meetings with alumni, a coding and career workshop, and career trips to the Chicago Fed and St Louis Fed. Additionally, she served as a Director of Student Life at IU Student Government where she organized philanthropic events and led the procurement initiative for a professional photo booth that provides free services to the IU community. Furthermore, as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board Global Student 7, Amangul helped in organizing the America’s Role in the World Conference and worked on an initiative for atrocities research.
Acknowledgments
“I would like extend my gratitude to the Wells Scholars Program and Director Chritoph Irmcher for being my support system. Additionally, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the incredible professors who believed in me, inspired me, and supported me in every way they could on my journey!”
Annetta Itnyre
Annetta Itnyre is graduating from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental and Sustainability Studies with minors in Gender Studies, Communications, and Public Advocacy.
Annetta has participated in Students for a New Green World, Women in Government, and Democrats at IU, among others. Annetta is proud of her active involvement in IU Student Government, Sustain IU, Education Abroad, the O’Neill Undergraduate Programs Office, Jubilee, the Independent Council of Women, and the All-Campus Choir. Annetta has also participated in field research on biodiversity in Costa Rica and has worked as a Sustainability Analyst for the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in New Zealand.
Acknowledgments
“I want to express my deepest appreciation to Dr. Jon Eldon, Dr. Brenda Weber, and Dr. Shazheen Attari for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my academic journey at IU. Their dynamic teaching styles and infectious enthusiasm for learning have instilled in me a lifelong passion for knowledge. Additionally, I extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Kurt Zemlicka, whose thought-provoking classes have challenged me to think critically and have inspired me to pursue a career in environmental communication. I am forever indebted to these remarkable professors for their unparalleled mentorship and wisdom. And finally, I would like to extend a special thanks to my parents, Ron and Alisa, my family, my friends, and my partner, Grace, for their constant support and love throughout my time at IU. Thank you to everyone who was a part of this remarkable journey.”
Marsha Koda
Marsha Koda is graduating from the Kelley School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business in Marketing.
Marsha is a Hudson and Holland Scholar. She is a highly engaged student leader and served as the 2023-2024 Student Body Vice President of the Indiana University Student Government. Throughout her academic career, she has held positions including Vice President of Outreach for Kelley Student Government, Vice President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Class President of Mu Beta Lambda Business Fraternity, Inc., and Vice President of You See Me—a mental health organization for women of color on campus.
Acknowledgments
“I express my heartfelt gratitude, beginning with a sincere thank you to God, the constant source of strength and guidance in my life. Special appreciation goes to my mother, Jamie Koda, whose unwavering encouragement has inspired me to become the best version of myself. My gratitude extends to my sister and the entire family for their continuous support. I am immensely thankful to the exceptional individuals Alison Miron, Paige Thomas, Maqubè Reese, and Jamie Gathing, who played pivotal roles during my undergraduate years, guided me through the award process, and provided invaluable support in both my personal and professional development. To my cherished family, friends, and Aaliyah Raji, thank you for the enduring love, support, and unwavering faith you’ve bestowed upon me. I am truly grateful and I love you all.”
Mofe Koya
Mofe Koya is graduating from the Kelley School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business in Public Policy Analysis with a co-major in Law, Ethics, and Decision-Making.
Mofe is a Herbert Presidential Scholar, Provost’s Scholar, and Hudson and Holland Scholar. Her leadership and involvement at Indiana University include several leadership roles in the Hutton Honors College, where she served as a two-time Director for the Hutton Honors Council, the largest honors student-led org on campus, the Chief Financial Officer for the Honors College Funding Board, and the Honors College Director of Student Accounts. Mofe’s other experiences include participating as a Research Assistant at the Center for Research on Race and Ethnicity, Peer Coach at Kelley Undergraduate Career Services, and a Member of the 102nd Board of Aeons.
Acknowledgments
“I am so grateful to have had so many professors and faculty to look to for guidance, support, and encouragement during my years here at Indiana University. I would like to thank Dr. Clark Barwick, Dr. Lynn Cochran, Kori Renn, Dr. Lucy LePeau, and Professor Sylvester Makobi for each of their roles in my growth and development during these past four years. I would also like to thank my mom, dad, and sister for their continued support and encouragement, which has made me the person I am.”
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