Office of Student Life – Page 11 – Partners in Student Success

Jaclyn Ferguson: The 2021 P.J. and Hilda W. Hill Award Recipient

Posted on April 8, 2021 by Bre Castaneda

Congratulations Jaclyn Ferguson, the 2021 P.J. and Hilda W. Hill Award recipient.

The P. J. and Hilda W. Hill Award was established from a gift from P. J. Hill, a 1920 graduate of Indiana University. The $5000 award is presented to the outstanding senior on the IU Bloomington campus who has done the most to “better race relationships on the IU campus” during his or her undergraduate career.

Jaclyn’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here at Indiana University includes her leadership and service as the founding editor of Black Voices, a section in Indiana Daily Student, the president of the Indiana University chapter of National Association of Black Journalists and the founder of the diversity recruiting team for the Media School within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Jaclyn’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

As the founding editor of Black Voices, Jaclyn has played a major role in amplifying the voices of minority students on the IU Bloomington campus through the Media School. This IDS section highlights BIPOC student leaders and why their voice is a significant force. The Black Voices team published 115 pieces in the inaugural semester, including stories on the impacts of the election on communities of color and how Black Lives Matter protests shaped racial justice initiatives. Black Voices gives students a space to feel comfortable sharing their work and art, especially in a publication that historically was not inclusive of their voice – by conveying the depth and diversity to Black students amidst this tumultuous political climate. James Kelley, Director of Journalism at the Media School, highlights the importance of Black Voices within student media: “As I look over the long, long list of articles published this semester, I cannot help but wonder how much we white folks have missed by not having a Black Voices section: where IU students of color could speak plainly about the issues of the day. Seeing Black Voices in the paper makes me happy and hopeful.”

The impact of this section in Indiana Daily Student reaches far beyond the IU Bloomington campus. During a city council meeting, Jim Simms, a member of Bloomington City Council commended Black Voices for being a concrete way people can work towards unity and racial justice.

Jaclyn *(second from the right)* with friends at a Black Lives Matter protest in Indianapolis during the summer of 2020.

Mark Cuban donated $250,000 to help build the section, which has allowed Black Voices to create even greater change. This semester, a scholarship was created to award to a Black Voices contributor in the spring to help fund internships. Oftentimes, students are unable to complete internships due to no pay and consequently are unable to gain valuable professional experience. Black Voices is also working on a yearly awards ceremony, to recognize outstanding student organizations on campus doing work for Black IU. This award will be a way for diverse IU students to come together, celebrate change and look forward to work that is still left to be done.

Jaclyn’s involvement in amplifying Black journalists does not stop with her work at IDS. She currently serves as the president of the National Association of Black Journalists. Jaclyn saw a need for multicultural inclusion with the Media School, as there was a lack of diversity in her classes and stepped into action, so she founded a diversity recruiting team for the Media School. During her executive position, the diversity team has held bi-monthly workshops for high schools with marginalized, underrepresented populations to teach them about opportunities with Indiana University and the Media School, as well as mini media workshops.

Jaclyn *(second from the right)* with the 2019-2020 members of the executive board for the National Association of Black Journalists with journalist Bill Whitaker.

Jaclyn’s Academic Achievements

Jaclyn is a 2017 Founder’s Scholar and a Hudson and Holland Scholar. She is earning a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies, with a minor in African American Diaspora studies from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Her Acknowledgements

Jaclyn found her support system both in her family and in the Media School. She said:

I would like to thank my parents for always believing me and pushing me to be the best version of myself. I would also like to thank my Media School faculty for all of the support throughout undergrad. “

Kathryn Petersen: Your 2021 Herman B Wells Award Recipient

Posted on April 8, 2021 by Bre Castaneda

Congratulations Kathryn Petersen, one of the two 2021 Herman B Wells Distinguished Senior Award recipients.

Herman B Wells was a leader of uncommon vision and generosity. As the architect of IU’s rise to greatness, his legacy continues to permeate every corner of the university. Created in 1961 by the Indiana Memorial Union Board of Directors, the esteemed Herman B Wells Distinguished Senior Award honors seniors that have excelled academically and are established leaders within the IU community.

Kathryn’s Academic Accomplishments

Kathryn is an Internal Wells Scholar, a Phi Beta Kappa inductee and a former Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellow majoring in International Studies and Spanish Linguistics. She will also graduate with a management certificate through the Liberal Arts and Management Program and a minor in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures. She has served since 2019 as the Co-President of the Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honor Society and was honored as the 2019 AATSP Indiana Outstanding College Student of Spanish.

Through her Spanish studies, she has studied abroad in Mérida, Mexico and Alcalá de Henares, Spain. Aside from her academic engagements, she also spent her summers at the Middle East Institute in Washington D.C. as a research assistant investigating energy geopolitics in Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council. She also interned in the Relocation Department at the International Center in Indianapolis where she assisted expatriates in their move and acclimation to Indianapolis.

Kathryn’s academic and career interests encompass a broad range of topics, including education, language, cultures, energy geopolitics, and law.

Kathryn’s Student Involvement

Kathryn served as the President of the 99th Board of Aeons, a student research and advisory organization which advises President Michael McRobbie on issues of importance to the university. With incredibly talented peers and university stakeholders, Kathryn has researched two large-scale projects to confront issues facing Indiana University and presented recommendations to President McRobbie.

Kathyrn *(top left)* with the 98th Board of Aeons during their final presentations to President McRobbie.

Kathryn worked as Resident Assistant in Collins Living Learning Center for two years, which has informed her involvement on campus and her love for education. At IU, she was also involved in the Hutton Honors Council Association and worked as a manager at the IU Auditorium.

Kathyrn in the Collins LLC during her second year as a Resident Assistant

Off campus, Kathryn volunteered in the Monroe County Community School Corporation as a first and second grade dual-language teaching assistant for two years. She furthered her passion for teaching as a tutor with the Volunteers in Adult Learners, working with adults in the English as a Second Language program. Off campus, you can typically find her on a hike or a run, enjoying the beautiful trails Bloomington has to offer.

Kathryn’s Post-Graduation Plans

Kathryn will be moving to New York City to teach through Teach for America after graduation. She is grateful for the opportunities provided by Indiana University to grow and realize her passion in education, and she is looking forward to her continued learning as a teacher in NYC.

Her Acknowledgements

Kathryn would like to extend her gratitude to her family and friends for their unconditional love and support. She would like to specifically thank her parents, Tom and Anne, for their constant support and encouragement, which has allowed her to further her curiosity, cherish her public education, travel the globe, and enjoy many laughs and family dinners along the way; and her IU mentor, Professor Israel Herrera, for his support in learning the Spanish language and for opening up to her so many opportunities beyond the classroom.

Asmaa Mahoui: Your 2021 Herman B Wells Award Recipient

Posted on April 6, 2021 by Bre Castaneda

Congratulations Asmaa Mahoui, one of our two 2021 Herman B Wells Distinguished Senior Award recipients. Herman B Wells was a leader of uncommon vision and generosity. As the architect of IU’s rise to greatness, his legacy continues to permeate every corner of the university.

Created in 1961 by the Indiana Memorial Union Board of Directors, the esteemed Herman B Wells Distinguished Senior Award honors outstanding seniors that have excelled academically and are established leaders within the IU community.

Asmaa’s Academic Accomplishments

A Herman B Wells Scholar and Phi Beta Kappa Initiate, Asmaa Mahoui will graduate from the College of Arts of Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. Her multifaceted approach to academia is reflected in her diverse research experiences in a range of molecular biology, cellular biology, and biochemistry-based laboratories with accompanying publication recognition. Asmaa’s recent research internship in Dr. Hongxia Ren’s lab at the IU School of Medicine allowed her to investigate the role of a specific receptor in energy homeostasis and metabolism as a potential therapeutic strategy for metabolic obesity. Her research efforts fostered her interest in the intersectionality between basic science and medicine and was recognized by the annual Stark Neuroscience Symposium Undergraduate award.

Asmaa *(right)* presenting her research on energy homeostasis and metabolism during the annual Stark Neuroscience Symposium in the summer of 2019.

Along with her academic engagements at home, Asmaa had the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Oxford. Through the Biochemistry Pre-Medical Program, she was able to gain an in-depth understanding in the fundamentals of biology and biochemistry through the rigorous tutorial program, an educational approach that only Cambridge and Oxford employ. Her experience abroad inspired her International Studies thesis which focuses on the role of international healthcare systems in implicit physician racial bias in the United States and the United Kingdom. Asmaa’s background in both the life sciences and the social sciences has cultivated her academic passion for engaging scientific discovery in the pursuit of improving the health outcomes for society’s most vulnerable populations.

Asmaa’s Student Involvement

On campus, Asmaa’s has served as a curator for the last four years with TEDxIndianaUniversity, a student organization that holds an annual TEDx conference to bring together innovative thinkers to share ideas and spark conversations. As a member of the curation board, she personally worked with speakers such as NASA scientist, Dr. Giada Arney, to bring world-class learning experiences right to the IU community. She has also served as an editor on the social sciences board of the IU Journal of Undergraduate Research, a student-led publication that offers a united forum for the publication of undergraduate research. In addition, Asmaa’s involvement in Advocates for Science @ IU has positioned her to advocate and promote the accurate representation of science in policy and the media. She has also served as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for both organic and inorganic chemistry courses and has been an active member of the Epsilon of the Alpha Chi Sigma Professional Chemistry Fraternity. During her time at IU, Asmaa was also involved in the Wells Activism and Volunteer Effort as a volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington. Her student involvement has also extended abroad through her involvement and volunteer efforts with Jacari Oxford and St. Anne’s Black and Minority Ethnic Students group.

Asmaa *(far right)* with the rest of the intern class after the annual TEDxIndianaUniversity conference in the fall of 2018.

Asmaa’s Post-Graduation Plans

Asmaa is currently deciding on the next step in her academic and professional journey. She has been accepted into graduate school programs at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge as well as a professional role at a biotechnology company. As an aspiring physician-scientist, she hopes to pursue medical school after gaining additional experience after college.

Her Acknowledgements

While reflecting on who has made an impact in her time at IU, Asmaa said:

My college experience would not be the same without the Wells Scholars Program, so to Christoph and Elspeth: thank you for supporting and guiding me throughout the ups-and-downs and pushing me to always strive for a higher standard. To my sisters Iman & Ilhaam, your friendship and unconditional love bring me light and joy in an otherwise bleak world. To become half the women you two are would be my life’s greatest accomplishment. And finally to my parents, there is no way to describe my love and appreciation. Your sacrifices and examples will forever inspire and drive me to think of others and strive for excellence in everything I do.

2020 Kenneth R. R. Gros Louis Scholarship Recipient

Posted on February 19, 2021 by James McHaley

McAndrews addressing classmates at Nanjing University.

Awarded the Kenneth R. R. Gros Louis Scholarship last fall, Ethan McAndrews took to finishing his degree from the Hamilton Lugar School early majoring in International Studies and East Asian Languages & Cultures, as well as a member of the Chinese Flagship Program. As a 2019 Boren Scholar in China, he enrolled in graduate courses at Nanjing University while researching the impact of sports diplomacy on US-China relations. He has completed multiple internships at the intersection of global exchange and culture, namely with the International Trade Administration, PGA Tour’s International Team, and most recently, with Battery Dance Company in NYC.

While in Bloomington, Ethan also served as a Job Search Coordinator at Beacon Shelter. He is the inaugural champion of the Nanjing University Tennis Open.

McAndrews in-between class at the Hamilton Lugar School

“I need to emphasize this award is less reflective of my personal ability, and more of the love and support I’ve received from my parents, sisters, friends, teachers, and mentors. I want to especially thank Lev Sviridov, Paul Fogleman, Adam Liff, Mark Minton, Sue Murphy, Yea-Fen Chen, Marc Chien, Paul Helmke, and Mark Demario. Your encouragement in my life continues to inspire me, both personally and professionally.”

33rd Annual IU Division of Student Affairs Awards

Posted on July 6, 2020 by James McHaley

Congratulations to this Year’s Winners!

By Abby Bainbridge

While this year’s ceremony could not be held in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are so many students, staff, faculty, and programs who elevated the Division of Student Affairs and were dedicated to improving the Indiana University experience. Read about this year’s award recipients as well as those members of the Division who are experiencing a milestone for their service at Indiana University.

Here are the recipients of the 33^rd Annual IU Division of Student Affairs Awards:

Division Graduate Student Award – Sara Perry

Student Involvement and Leadership Center, Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, and Office of Student Conduct

This award is given to a graduate student for their contribution to the Division’s mission, vision, and values while serving the Division as a student employee.

Sara Perry significantly contributed in multiple ways in three of the Division’s departments. Sara’s leadership skills were evident from the many initiatives she led, students she advised, and the hours she put into her work to advance the Division’s mission.

Sara has demonstrated strong initiative and dedication to the Division through her roles as a Graduate Advisor for the Indiana Memorial Union Board within the Student Involvement and Leadership Center, as a Graduate Intern with the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, and as a hearing officer for the Office of Student Conduct. She received this award for the empathy, compassion, innovation she demonstrated within these various roles.”

– Nominator Teresa Weimann, Student Involvement and Leadership Center

Division Undergraduate Student Award – Kelley Wellman

Student Advocates Office

This award is given to an undergraduate student for contributing to the Division’s mission, vision, and values while serving the Division as a student employee.

During her time at the Student Advocates Office, Kelley demonstrated dedication to her role as the Bachelor of Social Work Advocate Intern. She did exceptional work and demonstrated adaptability and passion after the COVID-19 pandemic moved the remainder of the spring 2020 semester online.

Kelley’s dedication to SAO and its mission has been exemplary. She values hard work and passionately provides personal leadership.”

– Nominator Darrell Stone, Student Advocates Office

McKaig Student Award – Kurtis Smallwood

Office of Student Conduct

This award is given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student for contributing to the Division’s mission, vision, and values. This award is specifically for a student NOT employed within the Division.

Kurtis has worked diligently during his three years with the University Conduct Board. As a third-year appointee to the conduct board, he has worked hard to better himself and the campus community through his exemplary leadership.

It is clear to all those present in hearings that Kurtis values the success of the students alleged, our community, and upholding student rights and fair process. Kurtis has consistently surpassed my expectations.”

– Nominator Jackie Stelmasczcyk, Office of Student Conduct

Goldsmith Division Support Staff Award – Renee Hill

Health Center

This recognition award is given annually to that member of the Division’s support staff who has done the most to foster the mission of the Division of Student Affairs during the preceding year.

Renee Hill has demonstrated resourcefulness and patience within her role in the Financial Operations Department at the IU Health Center. She is a team player who handles new and difficult situations with grace.

(Renee) is a fantastic asset to the IU Health Center because she works diligently to help others, represent her department in the best light possible.”

– Nominator Heather Eastman-Mueller, Health Center

Division Service Maintenance Staff Award – Maria Arias Martinez

Biddle Hotel, Indiana Memorial Union

This recognition award is given annually to that member of the Division’s maintenance staff who has done the most to foster the mission of the Division of Student Affairs during the preceding year.

Maria has been a vital employee in the Biddle Hotel’s Housekeeping Department for 10 years. First as a guest room attendant and now as the lead laundry attendant, Maria has always come to work with a positive attitude and has been instrumental in maintaining the high-quality work expected of her department.

(Maria) keeps the laundry team on task and makes sure that all laundry, both RPS and hotel, is completed in a timely manner. Maria does all of this hard work with an extremely positive attitude.”

– Nominator Meagan Need, Indiana Memorial Union

Campus Program Award – Lotus in the Meadow

Indiana Memorial Union

This recognition award is given annually to a campus program that has done the most to foster the mission of the Division of Student Affairs during the preceding year.

Lotus in the Meadow was a first-time event this past fall led by Kaila Messerli, Program Coordinator in the Student Involvement and Leadership Center. This event was a collaboration between the Indiana Memorial Union Staff, the Indiana Memorial Union Board, Lotus Festival staff, and Student Affairs Marketing. This event brought the diverse culture and music of the Lotus Festival directly to students on Dunn Meadow.

The success of Lotus in the Meadow and rekindling of the Lotus partnership was due to the efforts of Kaila Messerli. She spent many hours working with students, Lotus staff, and colleagues to kick off the Lotus Music and Arts Festival here at the Indiana Memorial Union. Kaila provided students an accessible experience to explore world culture on campus and expose students to this annual Bloomington tradition.”

– Nominator Teresa Weimann, Student Involvement and Leadership Center

Gordon Faculty Award – Tim Lemper

This recognition award is given annually to one faculty member on the IU-Bloomington campus for contributing to the Division’s mission, vision, and values through interacting with and attending to students in both the curricular and co-curricular areas.

Tim Lemper, an IU alumnus and professor at Kelley School of Business, has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to student engagement and learning. In addition to being a leader in the classroom, he has also served students through faculty positions with IU Golf Club, the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honors Society, the Supreme Court of Indiana University Student Government, Out @ Kelley, and Indiana Memorial Union Board. Tim asks difficult questions while also being a caring advisor for many IU students.

Tim Lemper has redefined what it means to invest in students as a faculty member, often going beyond the role description to cultivate engaging, inclusive communities where students can develop and thrive. Tim Lemper values the contribution of his students and strives to ensure the students receive the support they need and recognition they deserve.”

– Nominator LaSabra Williams, Student Involvement and Leadership Center

Non-Division Staff Award – Jackie Kennedy-Fletcher

This recognition award is given annually to one University staff member outside the Division of Student Affairs in recognition of his/her efforts in promoting the mission of the Division. This category includes all University staff members and University faculty members presently serving in an administrative capacity.

Jackie has undoubtedly upheld the mission of the Student Advocates Office and the wider Division of Student Affairs through her role as Director of the Office Of Student Financial Assistance. She has been especially vital to handling the COVID-19 Emergency Funding response and brings the utmost compassion to every case.

Jackie’s compassion and commitment to student affairs is nothing less than outstanding. And then COVID-19 happened: Jackie Kennedy-Fletcher’s leadership was integral to the success of the Student Advocates Office and Division of Student Affairs COVID-19 Emergency Funding response!”

– Nominator Darrell Stone, Student Advocates Office

Non-Division Staff Award – Brittany Hubbard

Brittany Hubbard has been an invaluable partner for the Student Involvement and Leadership Center through her position in the University Bursar Office. She is an effective communicator and team player who has been vital to maintaining continuity through the closure of the Student Organization Accounts Office.

One key to Brittany’s success is her strength in effective communication. Whether it was during Information Sessions for student organization leaders, planning meetings with colleagues, or discussions with challenging faculty advisors, Brittany had a knack for clearly relaying information as well as the history and underlying rationale for policy decisions.”

– Nominator Jim Johnson, Student Involvement and Leadership Center

Shaffer Professional Staff Award – Brandon Shurr

Crimson Cupboard, Student Involvement and Leadership Center

This recognition award is given annually to that member of the Division’s full-time professional staff who has done the most to foster the mission of the Division of Student Affairs during the preceding year. All appointed ten-month or twelve-month employees of professional rank are eligible with the exception of Division directors, who are excluded from consideration.

Brandon epitomizes what it means to be an outstanding employee in the Division of Student Affairs through his work at Crimson Cupboard Food Pantry. He has been the driving force behind its growth over the last year and has been dedicated to keeping it open for student use in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brandon was asked to oversee the operations of the Crimson Cupboard food pantry for the campus. We are fortunate to have such an experienced and dedicated person leading this initiative, especially at such a critical time.”

– Nominator Jim Johnson, Student Involvement and Leadership Center

IU Service Milestones: Division of Student Affairs Staff

Numerous colleagues within the Division are celebrating significant service year anniversaries in 2020. Please congratulate these Student Affairs colleagues! We thank each one of them for their years of dedication and service at Indiana University.

40 Years

Leanna Smith, Health Center

35 Years

Monica Flake, Health Center
Mary Nierzwicki, Health Center
Regina Schrougham, Health Center

30 Years

Carol Bonney, Health Center
Donna Dayton, Health Center
Saundra Johnson, Indiana Memorial Union
Hollie Lutz, Indiana Memorial Union
Christine Wilson, Student Legal Services

25 Years

Tina Eck, Health Center
Katie Paulin, Dean of Students Office
Cindy Whitaker, Health Center

20 Years

Jeanalei Matos, Indiana Memorial Union

15 Years

Steven Jacobs, Health Center
Deborah Luers, Health Center
Rachel McCann, Health Center
John Summerlot, Center for Veteran and Military Students

10 Years

Marc Abplanalp, Student Legal Services
Tina Brown, Health Center
Lana Burks, Indiana Memorial Union
Debbie Dalton, Indiana Memorial Union
Denise Hayes, Health Center
Sarah Marvell, Dean of Students Office
Paul McReynolds, Indiana Memorial Union
Andrea Oljace, Disability Services for Students
Joseph Sheese, Health Center
Allison Sparks, Indiana Memorial Union
John Zink, Indiana Memorial Union

5 Years

Debbie Anderson, Disability Services for Students
Drew Bogenschutz, Disability Services for Students
Felicia Cianchetti, Health Center
Joni Fry, Dean of Students Office
Renee Hill, Health Center
James Isom, Health Center
Amy Krouse, Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life
Steven Lalevich, Health Center
Erin Leeseberg, Health Center
Maryjane McNabb, Health Center
Meg Nickless, Health Center
Mary Sexton, Health Center
Catherine Shepherd, Health Center
Charles Stone, Disability Services for Students
Mary Waggoner, Indiana Memorial Union

Patricia Cornejo, Kate Hevner Mueller Award (2020 Senior Awards)

Posted on May 1, 2020 by James McHaley

Congratulations to Patricia Cornejo, one of the 2020 Mueller Award recipients. Patricia is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Spanish Literature, and Political Science. She is also a recipient of the Rosemary Tanner Scholarship – an award to Union Board Directors who exemplify inspired leadership, community service and enthusiastic support of Union Board and the Indiana Memorial Union. Patricia has been a committed member of Union Board throughout her time at IU and has helped the organization be what it is today. She served as a Director of Lectures and helped bring big impactful speakers; like Terry Cruz. In the past year, she served as the President for the 110th Union Board of Directors where she worked with all the culture centers to create a cultural memorandum to ensure the Union Board collaborates with the culture centers to create innovative and inclusive events for the IU community.

I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to my friends, family, advisors, and mentors, especially: Mara Dahlgren, Hank Walter, LaSabra Williams, and Julie Madewell. You all have contributed to my leadership journey in ways that I cannot adequately express. I have learned and grown so drastically these last 4 years, and it could not have been done without the help and support of you all. You all fulfill the mission and vision of Indiana University and inspire me to do the same in my career. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Stephanie Zhang, Kate Hevner Mueller Award (2020 Senior Awards)

Posted on May 1, 2020 by James McHaley

Congratulations to Stephanie Zhang, one of the 2020 Mueller Award recipients. Stephanie is earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environment and Sustainability Studies as well as minors in Spanish, Mathematics and Chemistry. At IU, she was the Co-Editor in Chief for the Journal of Undergraduate Research and the Community Director for Timmy Global Health. Outside of campus, she was an advocacy intern for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, a community organizer for Hoosier Action and a trainer for the Implicit Bias Community of Practice. Stephanie has also had the opportunity to do a medical service trip in Guatemala and study abroad in the Dominican Republic.

Stephanie saw her time at IU as an opportunity to learn and grow, when reflecting back on this experience she said, “To the professors whose classrooms opened up a whole new world of studies and possibilities beyond just the classroom; to my mentors who supported me in my highs and lows and guided me towards finding myself; to the student organizations and advisors who gave me some of my most defining experiences I’ve had in service and leadership; to my peers who embraced, challenged, and grew alongside me; and to my family who support me unconditionally in my frustratingly zig-zagged path, thank you for everything you’ve done in shaping these past four years.”

Carmen Zavala, Kate Hevner Mueller Award (2020 Senior Awards)

Posted on May 1, 2020 by James McHaley

Congratulations to Carmen Zavala, one of the 2020 Mueller Award recipients. Carmen is completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience with minors in Biology and Spanish. Carmen is most proud of using her personal life experiences to craft a passionate career in research and medicine that she believes will give back to those struggling. Her academic involvement consists of being a Student Research Assistant for the Office of the Vice President for Research and a Tutor for the Biology Department.

Carmen’s greatest accomplishment is honoring her mother’s life by conducting research and publishing a first author paper in the area of chronic pain and opioid addiction so that her mom’s legacy may go on to help others in need.

Carmen found mentors here at IU that supported her during these last four years. When reflecting on the significance of these mentors she said, “I would like to thank my mentors at Indiana University for molding me into the well-rounded and career-driven woman I am today. Thank you for always pushing me to reach my potential and constantly believing in

me even when I did not believe in myself. There are not enough words to describe how grateful I am for you and these four years at IU. I will miss you all dearly.”

Brena Wise, Kate Hevner Mueller Award (2020 Senior Awards)

Posted on May 1, 2020 by James McHaley

Congratulations to Brenna Wise, one of the 2020 Mueller Award recipients. Brenna is earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business with a focus in Marketing and Professional Sales from the Kelly School of Business. One of her biggest accomplishments is being a student-athlete on the IU Women’s Basketball team. She also interned in the Excellence Academy at IU with a focus on Leadership and Life Skills. Brenna is proud of being a student athlete and graduating from The Kelley School of Business, both difficult but rewarding parts of her IU journey.

When reflecting on her IU experience she said, “I am incredibly grateful for the endless opportunities Indiana has provided me. I have always been taught to surround yourself with great people, and I am fortunate to have an elite circle filled with family, friends, classmates, faculty, and teammates. A special thanks to my parents, coaches, teammates, and Indiana athletics for believing in me and supporting my dreams.”

Christian Sayers, Kate Hevner Mueller Award (2020 Senior Awards)

Posted on May 1, 2020 by James McHaley

Congratulations to Christian Sayers, one of the 2020 Mueller Award recipients. Christian is completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. He is most proud of his involvement and impact in the Greek community. He was the president of Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity and the founder and director of Men Against Rape and Sexual Assault. Along with his Greek involvement, Christian was also a part of the Indiana Daily Student, IU Student Government, and the Math Club. He also was involved in the Bloomington community as a Volunteer in Tutoring Adult Learners.

When asked who he would like to thank for their support during his four years at IU he said, “Thank you to my family, friends, and faculty who have all helped me along my college journey. Your unwavering support has lifted me through challenging times, and your high expectations have encouraged me to grow. I would not be the man I am today without you all.”