The University of Indianapolis Magazine is produced by the Office of University Communications and Marketing. This cornerstone publication shares stories, impact, and achievements of students, faculty, staff, alumni, as well as friends and supporters of the institution.
Magazine Spring 2025 //
4 A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES Embedded study abroad with Irish university helps future teachers deepen a global mindset 6 SCIENCE WITHOUT BORDERS Diana Jimenez ’25 studies the environmental impact of tourism and geohazards in Guatemala & Mexico 8 AMBASSADORS TO THE WORLD Recent grads use prestigious Fulbright scholarships to gain new perspectives 10 LEADING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES Cole Varga ’10 feels the weight of the world as he leads Exodus Refugee Immigration 12 BUILDING DREAMS Andrew Walker ’16 ’18 is transforming communities one life at a time
14 DRIVE TO WIN Isaac Johnson ’22 pursues his racing dream 18 MONUMENTAL MATCHUP UIndy and Marian reignite gridiron rivalry 21 LEGACY OF IMPACT UIndy alumni stay connected by giving back 24 A LIFELINE FOR OTHERS Inspired by her brother’s care, Kierra Mitchell ’25 pursues pediatric nursing 26 HELPING THE HELPERS UIndy launches new trauma certificate to help mental health professionals be better prepared 28 THE COLORS OF CALM UIndy opens new groundbreaking Biofeedback & Meditation Center
30 BUILDING BRIDGES Jesutofunmi Oyeleke ’26 thrives with support from UIndy community 32 EXPANDING HORIZONS Three UIndy students share their study abroad experiences 34 SOWING SEEDS OF CHANGE Monica Eastway ’21 pioneers the field of eco-gerontology to help people age better 36 A JOYFUL RUCKUS Hullabaloo Press celebrates nine years at UIndy 41 GLOBAL CONNECTIONS UIndy expands reach by forming new partnerships with universities in India 42 BEYOND THE GLASS CEILING UIndy’s bold vision for women in leadership 43 CLASS NOTES Latest news from UIndy alumni
Magazine
The University of Indianapolis Magazine is produced by the Office of University Communications and Marketing. This cornerstone publication shares stories, impact, and achievements of students, faculty, staff, alumni, as well as friends and supporters of the institution. The magazine was relaunched in 2024 and reaches nearly 40,000 individuals including alumni, donors, friends, and community and business leaders. The magazine’s digital issue can be found at magazine.uindy.edu. President Tanuja Singh, DBA Provost Christopher Plouff, EdD Board of Trustees John C. Adams; Kevin Armstrong; Annetta C. Beauregard; Carolyn Coleman; Deborah J. Daniels; Murvin S. Enders; Stephen F. Fry; Rev. Aleze Fulbright; Dan Fulmer; Sue Anne Gilroy; Adolf Hansen; Emmanuel D. Harris; Sarah Hempstead; Dr. Tricia Hern; Barry S. Howard; Laura Jacquin; Charles Edwin Johnston; William R. Kiesel; Rev. Tracy Malone; Thomas C. Martin; Ersal Ozedmir; Edwin O. Qualls; David Resnick; Dawn Scott; David G. Sease; Yvonne H. Shaheen; Sean Smith; Johnny Smith, Jr.; Richard E. Stierwalt; Laura Strain; Phillip A. Terry; Derek VanEmon; Michael J. Watkins; Gordon D. Wishard; C. Daniel Yates President’s Cabinet Garrison Carr; Cyndi Carrasco, JD; Rick Graycarek; Ryon Kaopuiki; Andrew Kocher; Kimberly Pate; Christopher Plouff, EdD; Philip Thornton Contributing Staff Garrison Carr, Dan Klein, Lauri Shillings, Ryan Thorpe, and Troi Watts
Cover image created with the help of Hullabaloo Press, student Aidan “A.J.” Habing, and professor Katherine Fries.
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Dear Friends of UIndy, At the University of Indianapolis, we hold a deeply rooted and inspiring belief: education should transcend borders— whether geographic, cultural, or ideological. In this issue of the University of Indianapolis Magazine, you’ll find examples of how UIndy is embracing diverse perspectives, cultivating service for impact, and nurturing a global mindset—all while continuing to strengthen the communities we call home. Our students are forming connections across the globe by studying abroad, participating in international research opportunities, and welcoming peers from a variety of backgrounds. Here at home, they are also making a meaningful impact—gaining new skills, developing an entrepreneurial mindset, engaging in service, and leading with purpose and heart. These stories reflect the essential role higher education plays in helping individuals grow, communities thrive, and societies adapt to an ever-evolving world. In these pages, you’ll discover inspiring stories of UIndy alumni who are making a tangible difference in the world. Our graduates embody the values of complex problem-solving, compassion, creativity, and leadership. Their work serves as a reminder of the lasting impact a UIndy education can have across generations and across the globe. Many of the remarkable initiatives you’ll read about— international partnerships, cultural exchange programs, and community-focused efforts—are not without their challenges. Evolving federal and state support has introduced a level of uncertainty about the future of some of this important work. In moments like these, we are reminded of our shared
responsibility to advocate for higher education as a vital bridge to understanding, opportunity, innovation, and meaningful progress. This is a time to reaffirm our commitment to higher education. The global issues we face today require thoughtful, compassionate, and collaborative leaders, individuals who are prepared to work together to create lasting solutions. Institutions like UIndy are helping prepare tomorrow’s leaders to do just that. As you explore the achievements featured in this magazine, I encourage you to reflect on the role of universities in fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to the common good. Our mission at UIndy affirms our dedication to lifelong learning through relevant and innovative education grounded in experiential learning, global awareness, and community engagement. The stories you’ll find in these pages are a testament to that mission and to a future full of promise. I hope these stories inspire you and demonstrate the power of a UIndy education. Please join us as we work together to affirm the transformative power of higher education.
With gratitude,
Dr. Tanuja Singh President, University of Indianapolis
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OPENING A WORLD Olivia Mayes ’26 (Elementary Education) had never been out of the country before. Like many students, the idea of traveling to a faraway place, to say nothing of taking classes there, seemed like something other people did, not her. But that all changed thanks to a new partnership in the School we live in a global society. In order to have an understanding of multiple perspectives and have the depth of knowledge to bring into a classroom, you must have global experiences.” Turner said the partnership with
opportunity,” said Reddick. “I want to be the most capable teacher that I can be,” added Mayes. “I want as many different perspectives as I can have and another country’s perspective is one of those.” Those words are music to the ears of Dr. Libby Turner, director of the University of Indianapolis’s School of Education undergraduate studies. Turner feels it is vital for aspiring teachers to have immersive experiences in other cultures. She believes the true impact will be felt by future generations of their students whose young minds are opened to new possibilities around the globe. “As a teacher, these are experiences you can bring into a classroom to help students be engaged and excited about learning and finding real-life connections to lessons,” said Turner. “The reality is that
Maynooth is ideal for UIndy students in many ways. There’s no language barrier. The curriculum matches well enough so that students like Mayes and Reddick can continue to take all education classes, meaning no delays to their anticipated graduation date and no credit transfer required. They even get to teach inside of a classroom as well. But perhaps the biggest benefit of being an embedded program is financial. All scholarships and other benefits provided by the University and other generous donors are included as if they never left campus, meaning the out-of-pocket cost is
of Education that is making it easier for future teachers to be immersed in another culture and better develop a global mindset. Mayes and Lola Reddick ’26 (Elementary Education) were the first Greyhounds to take advantage of a semester-long embedded study abroad program with Maynooth University in Ireland during the fall 2024 semester. Located about 15 miles outside Dublin, Maynooth is Ireland’s second oldest university and traces its origins back to 1795. “It seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime
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OF POSSIBILITIES
exactly the same. Students pay all of their tuition and fees to UIndy directly. “Embedding was a really, really important part, not just financially but academically,” said Mayes. “I wasn’t falling behind or setting back my education in any way. If that wasn’t the case, if credits didn’t exactly correspond with the classes at UIndy, I don’t think I would have gone.” Mayes and Reddick took advantage of the experience as much as they could. They took frequent weekend trips to Dublin, Irish historic sites like the Cliffs of Moher or Waterford, as well as other nearby locales like London. Their biggest adventure was a longer trip to the French Riviera with Turner, including the cities of Nice and Èze, and the principality of Monaco. “Before this, I thought going out of the country was such an intimidating thing,”
said Mayes. “But now that I’ve actually done it, I realize it’s not so big. I feel like I can travel now and I want to visit all these places and continue traveling.” But even more than the places traveled, it’s clear that the biggest journey for both Mayes and Reddick was internal: the growth experienced by being pushed out of their comfort zones, far from home, and discovering new things about themselves. Reddick learned a new appreciation for small things like the warm sun and food, but, even more importantly, her relationships with family and friends.
Olivia Mayes, Lola Reddick, and Dr. Libby Turner along the French Riviera (above) and Mayes and Reddick touring the Château De Bellet vineyard in Nice (below)
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Maynooth University outside Dublin traces its roots to 1795.
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SCIENCE WITHOUT BORDERS Diana Jimenez’s ’25 (Earth-Space Science) Environmental Research in Mexico & Guatemala When Diana Jimenez ’25 (Earth-Space Science) first enrolled at the University of Indianapolis, she imagined a future in social work. But a single Earth-space science course changed everything. What began as a desire to support communities in need through access to food, shelter, and essential resources evolved into a mission to protect them from hidden environmental threats—like contaminated groundwater or landslides. Through field research in Mexico and Guatemala, Jimenez has put that mission into action, sharpening her skills as a scientist and deepening her commitment to environmental justice. Strong relationships with faculty including Dr. Nick Soltis, assistant professor of physics and Earth-space science, encouraged Jimenez to seek research opportunities outside of the classroom. When Soltis learned about the National
Diana Jimenez ’25 at Chichén Itzá in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula
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Science Foundation’s International Research Experience (IRE) in Guatemala, Jimenez was the first student he told. Shortly after her acceptance into the program, however, the trip was postponed due to political unrest. Undeterred, Jimenez continued to explore opportunities with the National Science Foundation. She discovered the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, which offered small groups of students the opportunity to travel and conduct authentic fieldwork and research. With the support of Soltis and Rebecca Franks, her career coach at the Stephen F. Fry Professional Edge Center, Jimenez applied. Out of more than 300 applicants from universities across the country, Jimenez was one of just eight students selected. In the summer of 2024, Jimenez traveled to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico where she joined the REU program’s inorganic chemistry group. Together, Jimenez and her team investigated groundwater contamination caused by tourism expansion. “There’s a lot of construction in the area due to tourism, especially with the addition of the Mayan train,” explained Jimenez. “Our field sites were within that path, so I wanted to see if any of the construction had leached heavy metals into the groundwater and I found more than I thought I would.” “One of our most important roles as geologists is keeping people safe and healthy,” Soltis said. “Diana’s work in the Yucatán is critical
GUATEMALA
in monitoring the health of the water resources there, ensuring it is safe for consumption and to better understand and mitigate the impacts of pollution associated with tourism. Though tourism brings great economic opportunity for the region, it also creates potential dangers in the form of pollution of groundwater resources.” In addition to fieldwork, Jimenez gained valuable
“My UIndy courses prepared me to handle the data and conduct preliminary research, but being out in the field is a completely different experience. It was cool to see how I could translate what I learned in class out in the real world.”
MEXICO
GUATEMALA
—Diana Jimenez ’25 (Earth-Space Science)
experience analyzing and presenting scientific data. After returning from the Yucatán, she created a research poster detailing her team’s findings and presented it at a small symposium. While some students choose to expand their REU research into graduate thesis work, Jimenez saw the experience primarily as an opportunity to grow her field skills and contribute to real-world problem solving.
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“Our world is increasingly interconnected. From the food we buy to the media we consume, it is not local, it is global. It’s vital that our students understand the people and the cultures that these things originate in.”
—Dr. Karen Newman, Retired Assistant Director for Fellowships, University of Indianapolis Deacon Fountain teaching in Ourense, Spain (above) and standing beside the Minho River (right) AMBASSADORS To 400 young students in Gimhae, Korea, Emma Knaack ’24
absolute favorite part is the kids she works with. “I’m the fun American teacher, and I’m the class that they look forward to,” said Knaack. “I’m able to show the students that English can be fun. When I’m around the school I’m a celebrity among the kids, especially when I had my pink hair.” Fountain was drawn to the Fulbright scholarship as a way to connect to his knowledge of the Spanish language and to explore an interest in international diplomacy. He wants a career where he can be a positive force for good—whether at a nonprofit or in local government. He’s been pleasantly surprised by how much he enjoys the teaching aspect of the position. “It’s important to challenge yourself,” said Fountain. “Part of the reason I applied in the first place was the challenge of discovering if I could be successful in getting the grant, and now to be successful as a teacher and cultural ambassador.” Both Fountain and Knaack were mentored by Dr. Karen Newman, who retired in December as assistant director for fellowships at the University of Indianapolis. Her position was to promote all nationally competitive scholarship opportunities for UIndy students, coach them through the application process, and give feedback on all the associated essays. There was no person
(Professional Writing, Creative Writing) is the embodiment of the United States of America. And 6,344 miles away across the globe, Deacon Fountain ’24 (International Relations) plays the same role to 150 adult learners at a vocational school in Ourense, Spain. Beyond just teaching lessons about English and American society, they are prestigious Fulbright scholars. Their job: serve as cultural ambassadors, fostering deeper connections and bridging the gap between countries. For Knaack, who has always enjoyed Korean culture but had never been outside the country, the experience has been transformative already. She’s joined a teacher’s volleyball team with her Korean colleagues, even though she’s never played the sport before. “It shows that you can really connect with people despite language barriers,” said Knaack. “Most of them don’t speak any English, but I still feel so close to them already.” It’s not always been easy—like when she got sick and needed to visit the doctor several times. But that only gave her the opportunity to witness the kindness of strangers who worked hard to make sure she understood what was happening. Her
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Emma Knaack teaching in Gimhae, Korea (above) and at the Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival (right)
better suited to do so—she was a Fulbright scholar herself in Austria from 1997-98. TO THE WORLD
two Fulbright scholars this year demonstrates UIndy’s commitment to fostering a global mindset for our students, and it shows the competitiveness of our students for prestigious awards.” Knaack planned to only stay one year in Korea. But, after just a few short weeks, she was already thinking about renewing her Fulbright scholarship, giving her the opportunity to deepen those connections while she serves as a cultural ambassador— educating 400 others while she learns so much herself. “I fell in love with the school from the moment I started teaching and started asking myself, ‘Can I live here forever?,” said Knaack with a laugh. “It’s an amazing place and the people here are amazing. It’s all about the students. Despite the language barrier, I want to be the teacher that they can come and talk to and know that I’m there for them and I want what’s best for them.” Fountain credits UIndy’s program for helping him form opinions, decide what’s important, and chart out a potential post-grad path, starting with a year abroad. He also credits the University for helping him realize he isn’t done growing. “I’m really interested in continuing to learn,” said Fountain. “I feel like it’s a shame to stop learning or to not hear other perspectives. I want to keep getting better. I want to keep improving.”
“It was one of the best years of my life because I made a commitment to plug into the community, to meet local people, and to get engaged as much as I possibly could,” said Newman, who was also an associate professor who primarily taught in the Teachers of English Learners (TEL) program. “Our world is increasingly interconnected. From the food we buy to the media we consume, it is not local, it is global. It’s vital that our students understand the people and the cultures that these things originate in.” Newman points to data which shows more than 950 foreign- owned companies have a presence in Indiana, employing more than 200,000 Hoosiers. Dr. James B. Williams, dean of the Ron and Laura Strain Honors College, is currently hiring someone to take Newman’s role. He agrees that a global mindset emphasized by the UIndy curriculum only enhances the ability to snag a highly competitive job after graduation. “The Fulbright Program is one of the most well-known, respected, and competitive scholarship opportunities available to graduating students,” said Williams. “Having not just one but
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Cole Varga (right), CEO of Exodus Refugee Immigration, and some of the “heartbeats” touched by Exodus (above)
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HOOSIER REFUGE: How Cole Varga is Leading in Uncertain Times
Cole Varga ’10 (International Relations) is exactly where he needs to be. But as the CEO of Exodus Refugee Immigration in Indianapolis sits down in his chair—looking like he’s carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders—he can’t help but let out an anxious sigh and admit with a note of sarcasm, “I’m real fun at parties.” It’s tough to smile these days. While it may be a slight exaggeration that, like the mythical Atlas, he’s holding up the world,
America because they’re working jobs that we don’t want to do, whether that’s cutting chickens apart all day or working the night shifts at Amazon.” It takes just a few minutes to experience how the beautiful cacophony of voices from around the world—each with a story of brokenness and despair—has come to the Heartland for help to get back on their feet. A Congolese mother and her baby sit beside an Afghan family while a caseworker speaks fluent Spanish to a woman from Venezuela. Varga’s job, running a
What is a refugee?
A refugee is someone who is forced to flee their home country and seeks safety in another country. Perhaps they are a Christian minority in a place like Burma or belong to the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria or Pakistan. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), there are an estimated 123 million displaced people around the globe, including 44 million refugees worldwide. About 40% are children. Refugees register with the United Nations. Cases that might be of particular interest to the United States, like family reunification cases, are vetted by multiple agencies including the State Department. If they are invited in, they are connected to one of about 400 immigration agencies nationwide like Exodus, who do the actual work of resettling and assimilating each refugee.
it’s no exaggeration that he feels a responsibility to hundreds of families and thousands of lives (he likes to call them “heartbeats”) who rely on him and his staff. Families trying to make the absolute best they can from trauma that most Americans cannot truly understand as they live in the richest nation on earth: refugees fleeing war, sex trafficking, ethnic cleansing, political persecution, or natural disaster, just to name a few.
“I’m a Hoosier, but I feel more like a citizen of Earth, rather than any nationalistic allegiance. International relations at UIndy got me here and got me this job where anyone who walks in the door is just as deserving as I am to peace, freedom, and a life.” —Cole Varga ’10 (International Relations), CEO Exodus Refugee Immigration
$10 million nonprofit with more than 85 employees, has never been more difficult because of headwinds at both the national and state levels. Last year, Exodus helped nearly 900 refugees find a home in Central Indiana, along with almost 3,000 other refugees who have been here for more than a year. From welcoming them at the airport and finding an apartment, to explaining
“Immigration is a lot more complicated than what is being portrayed in the news,” said Varga. “They’re not coming here to steal our jobs or wreck America. They are coming here because they see how great life can be here. We should be honored that they picked
how to build a résumé or set up an email account, to finding a doctor or navigating a new high school for teen refugees, Exodus staff and volunteers do it all—the very embodiment of UIndy’s motto, “Education for Service.”
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BUILDING DREAMS Andrew Walker II ’16 ’18 (Business Administration & Management,
a permanent home. The project, set to begin construction in October and open in the beginning of 2027, cannot come soon enough. There are more than 160 people on the city’s waiting list right now. Some have been waiting for permanent housing for at least three years. But for Walker, it’s more than just a construction project. Radiant CDC provides additional support services to meet the needs of their residents on topics like financial literacy or substance abuse. “We must fit the needs of people so that they can create, revitalize, and build their lives up,” said Walker. “We want to give them the opportunity to become what they want to be and who they are destined to be. There are special challenges, but along with that comes special rewards.” Cours Capital is spearheading a number of different projects around the state. The Christamore Court Apartments on the near west side of Indianapolis are slated to open this
summer. The complex will provide 40 much-needed housing units for senior citizens along with a supportive living community in Haughville. In Plainfield, a project called Radiant Winding Way is under construction which will provide 22 townhomes to people transitioning out of homelessness. Radiant Winding Way is the first development in Indiana to use American Rescue Plan Act funding for permanent support housing, and it’s next door to a certified community-based recovery residence for women and families recovering from substance use disorder run by Volunteers of America. Walker’s time at the University of Indianapolis has played a big role in his successful entrepreneurial journey. Dr. Darrell Cousert, assistant professor emeritus of business administration, helped him put together his first business plan. In his Human Performance Appraisal class, adjunct professor Jim Patton taught him about the psychology behind business and honed Walker’s problem-solving skills.
Strategic Leadership and Design) has a vision—one where anyone has the ability to live in a place that they can truly call home. Inspired by his faith, he’s planting seeds in what he calls the “Tree of Life,” seeds that will grow into healthier people and stronger families. His mission is to not just build structures but to build communities and stronger homes. “Home is a place where lives once marked by hardship— whether from domestic abuse, substance abuse, or homelessness— are transformed one by one,” said Walker.
As founder of Cours Capital and development associate of
Radiant Communities Development Corporation, his passion is to help people and solve critical community problems. For example, take his largest project yet: a $16.2 million housing development to build 38 apartment units in Muncie to give people who are transitioning out of homelessness
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But some of Walker’s greatest lessons were learned outside the classroom. As a running back on the Greyhounds’ 2017 undefeated football team, he had to be willing to sacrifice his body on every play, to get back up, and to keep pushing. He credits head coach Bob Bartolomeo with instilling in him the pillars of vision, planning, action, and focus. “That formula is what I use on a day- to-day basis,” explained Walker. “You’ve got to have a vision. Without vision, the people will perish. That’s biblical. So is action, that willingness to continue down the path and stay the course.” But the most important connection he made at UIndy is his wife, Megan. They met when she came to campus to visit a friend, and he was out for the season because of a torn labrum. They just welcomed their first child into the world: Andrew Walker III. The new addition to his family only deepens his commitment to his original mission and vision of breaking the cycle of poverty by building homes and transforming lives. Walker knows he has been blessed. And to whom much is given, much is expected. He believes this is just the beginning. He is determined to expand his reach and Cours Capital beyond Muncie and Indianapolis, and even beyond Indiana. He hopes to take the model to neighboring states and revitalize communities and lives throughout the Midwest. “God has given me a skill set,” said Walker. “He has given me a mission to please Him and serve the people. It just so happens that business is one of those gifts that I’ve had since I was young. I’ve always had this big vision of creating community impact through real estate development—and now I’m in the position to do that, to be the catalyst and nurture the Tree of Life.”
“We must fit the needs of people so that they can create, revitalize, and build their lives up. We want to give them the opportunity to become what they want to be and who they are destined to be. There are special challenges, but along with that comes special rewards.” —Andrew Walker II ’16 ’18 (Business Administration & Management, Strategic Leadership and Design), Founder, Cours Capital
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DRIVE TO WIN ph&fax
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As Isaac Johnson pulled his fire suit over his shoulders and began strapping into the No. 34 Van Alst Motorsports Ford, the moment had already taken on a dreamlike quality. The stadium lights burned above him like a stage set. The roar of the crowd buzzed in his helmet. Moments before the biggest race of his life, the 2022 UIndy mechanical engineering grad looked out at the massive grandstands and said a prayer with his team. It was go time. A year earlier, Johnson had walked Daytona International Speedway as a fan. Years before that, he’d first seen the massive track from the living room floor of his grandparents’ house, sitting beside his dad and his grandfather—Pop—the man who first introduced him to racing. And now, he was about to pilot a 3,400-pound stock car around one of the most famous ovals in America at 180 miles per hour. “I remember thinking, ‘This might be the only shot I ever get at this,’” Johnson said. “And I wanted to make it count.” Johnson grew up in Martinsville, Indiana where his love for racing began not on a track, but in a garage. At his family’s Brother’s Body & Paint, Johnson started sweeping floors, organizing tools, and doing odd jobs as a young boy. There he spent countless hours elbow-deep in grease and paint dust with Pop learning the value of hard work and developing a fascination with cars.
“Some of my earliest memories are watching races on TV with my dad and Pop,” Johnson said. “It was just part of life.” He got his first go-kart for Christmas at age 12. By 17, he was working multiple jobs to fund his racing habit. Success on the track started adding up in 2018 and 2019. The momentum kept building. In 2020, when national races paused due to COVID-19, several top-tier drivers returned to Indiana’s local tracks. Johnson not only held his own—he beat them, winning a local championship and finishing first or second in seven of eight races. That breakout season opened the door to more opportunities, culminating in a chance to drive in the ARCA Menards Series and race at some of the most storied tracks in the country—Phoenix, Kansas Speedway, and of course, Daytona. That opportunity, like so many in motorsports, came not only from performance but partnership. “You don’t just drive fast and get a ride,” he explained. “You have to be the driver and the businessperson.” While chasing speed on the weekends, Johnson was also racing toward a degree at the University of Indianapolis. He graduated in 2022 with a degree in mechanical engineering—a path he initially chose to pursue a career on the technical side of racing. But as he progressed through UIndy’s unique DesignSpine curriculum, he discovered that engineering, like racing, required more than just precision.
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» Drive to Win
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Three generations of racing: Ryan (father), Pat ‘Pop’ (grandfather), and Isaac Johnson.
“DesignSpine taught me to be more than an engineer,” he said. “We were pitching ideas, creating business plans, learning to present value. It felt like I was learning how to sell a product—which is exactly what I do now, whether it’s for my day job or trying to bring a sponsor on board for a race.” That shift proved crucial. In motorsports, talent behind the wheel isn’t enough—you also have to market yourself to sponsors. Johnson works full-time as a sales engineer for the George E. Booth Company, a valve and instrumentation distributor in Greenwood. The industrial distributor hired him, then became his first sponsor in ARCA. Others have followed including Endress+Hauser. Booth is a sales and service partner of Endress+Hauser, making their joint sponsorship a natural collaboration. “UIndy prepared me for both the engineering and the business sides of this career,” he said. “I’m selling instrumentation by day and pitching sponsorships by night.”
Back at Daytona in the Hard Rock Bet 200, Johnson qualified ninth. It was a proud moment, but he knew the hardest part was yet to come. “It’s not just about the speed,” he said. “You’ve got 39 other guys out there, and at a place like Daytona, things can change fast.” They did—on the final lap. For most of the night, he ran clean. Steady. Smart. A top-10 finish within reach. But in the chaos of the final lap, a multi-car wreck erupted in front of him. In a split second, Johnson’s path disappeared. He turned low to avoid the carnage but clipped another car, sending him straight into the wall at over 170 mph. “I saw it coming and had just enough time to let go of the wheel,” he said. “You never want to have your hands on the wheel when you hit the wall that hard— you can break your wrists. I just braced, hit, and everything stopped.” The safety team arrived quickly, and Johnson climbed out on his own. He was sore, but okay. His car, however, was done for the night. But even a trip to the
infield care center couldn’t dampen his sense of pride. “In the moment, I thought, ‘This might be the last time I ever get to do this,’” he said. “But I also thought ‘I just raced at Daytona!’ I’ll never forget what it felt like walking onto that grid, hearing my name, knowing how far I’d come.” Today, Johnson is back to balancing his dual life: full-time sales engineer by day, aspiring full-time driver on nights and weekends. He’s running a full schedule in the Kenyon Midget Series in 2025 and continuing to chase sponsors and grow partnerships to return to the ARCA or NASCAR Truck Series ranks full-time—and eventually, he hopes, the Cup Series. “It’s tough, but every race is a step forward,” he says. “I’ve raced under the lights at Daytona, competed with some of the best, and proved that I belong. That experience drives me to keep pushing for what’s next.” For a kid from Martinsville who once swept floors at his Pop’s body shop, that’s already one incredible victory lap.
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» S cience Without Borders
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The REU program solidified Jimenez’s decision to pursue a career helping people in the sciences. While it was one thing to receive encouragement from her professors, it was even more empowering to see herself reflected in the professionals working in her field. “This trip made me feel like I do belong,” said Jimenez. “Sometimes it feels isolating being the only Latina in my geoscience classes. But on this trip I worked alongside other Latinas and it was a heartwarming experience to be able to practice the science with people who have lived through similar experiences as me.” Jimenez returned home with a newfound confidence in her path and valuable experience in real-world fieldwork. As she began her senior year at UIndy, she received some exciting news: the IRE trip to Guatemala was back on, and she would spend her winter break in Sanarate. While the research project in Mexico was chemistry-based, this time around Jimenez focused on one of her favorite
embedded program is bright. She hopes that word will spread through the School of Education’s programs and that more students will take the plunge and get excited about the opportunity. She’d love to see 10 people a year go—which would be no small thing for a typical graduating class of 30. If the first two participants are any indication, she knows the global mindset gained will make a lifetime of difference. with distinction from the Ron and Laura Strain Honors College. While she originally planned to pursue a graduate degree at a prestigious research institution, recent changes to federal funding for such universities have made that path far less certain. But no matter where life takes Jimenez next, the hands-on research and global perspective she’s gained have equipped her for a successful future in environmental justice, one where she’s making a difference for people around the world. “My UIndy courses prepared me to handle the data and conduct preliminary research,” she said. “But being out in the field is a completely different experience. It was cool to see how I could translate what I learned in class out in the real world. “These experiences reaffirmed my desire to continue doing research, especially in the field of geochemistry, as well as interdisciplinary work relating to environmental justice.” Jimenez graduated in May with her bachelor’s in Earth-space science,
It wasn’t easy for Mayes to walk through TSA at the airport and leave her family behind. But, looking back, she is so glad she did. She’s confident it has made her a more well-rounded person and a well- rounded educator, and she encourages future cohorts of Greyhounds to make a similar choice. “I would say, ‘Just go for it!’ It’s made the world feel more accessible.” Turner believes the future for this areas: geohazards. Alongside a team of fellow students, she conducted research on a small farm located on a slope, directly in the destructive path of future landslides. Her research focused on identifying potential landslide triggers and calculating the risk of one occurring in the near future.
» Maynooth
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“I learned to do things on my own, which was good for me because that was something I struggled with before I left,” Reddick said. “I’m a more positive person because of this experience. I’m just proud of the little things that I accomplished.”
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MAGAZINE // SPRING 2025
ph&fax MONU MATC
UIndy football renews rivalry with Marian
The Monumental Matchup is back— and you’re invited! The University of Indianapolis and Marian University have announced a home-and-home football agreement for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Bragging rights are on the line as the game will feature Indianapolis’s only scholarship college football teams. Both the Greyhounds and Knights will open their seasons at Marian on Thursday, August 28 at 6 p.m. Separated by just eight miles, the programs have faced off two previous times, in 2015 and again in 2016—both Marian wins. The previous meetings set season-high attendance marks for the host school. After the inaugural meeting at Marian, the ‘16 game featured a packed house at Key
Stadium, with more than 10,000 fans in attendance. UIndy head coach Chris Keevers was an assistant on the UIndy sidelines for the first two Monumental Matchups, so he knows firsthand just how much enthusiasm this series will generate. “Both programs are really excited,” shared Keevers. “We know them, they know us, and our kids are jacked up about it. I know our fan base and our alumni will be excited about it as well. “Even if the game is at Marian, we really want to make it a home game atmosphere for us. We’re going to try to get our fan base out there and make it as close to a home game as you can get. It’s going to be a great environment.”
Marian head coach Ted Karras also understands the potential impact of this still-budding rivalry. “This is a great opportunity for the city of Indianapolis and for our football program,” said Karras. “The game will be a strong early test for our football team, and we look forward to opening our season under the lights on the West Side.” UIndy alumnus and local sports personality Greg Rakestraw ’98 appreciates the game’s citywide appeal, especially as a former student-athlete himself. “It’s wonderful to see these programs once again getting back together on the gridiron,” Rakestraw stated. “And to do it on the opening day of the college football
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UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
ph&fax THURSDAY, AUGUST 28 6 P.M. MENTAL HUP
season makes it all the better.
in 1969. The Greyhounds came out on top in the final meeting, earning a 34-21 win at Key Stadium in November 1993. Former UIndy football head coach and Butler alumnus Bob Bartolomeo both played and coached in multiple Tog Dog Games for the Bulldogs, and later led the Greyhounds in the first two Monumental Matchups. “UIndy and Butler were both Division II teams at the time, and even in the same league for a stretch there, so those games were a little different,” reflected the UIndy Athletics Hall of Famer. “But a lot is the same (as the Monumental Matchup). It was a north-south game, so to speak, in terms of the city. Both institutions really respected one another, and both laid it on the line,
that’s for sure.” The Greyhounds’ 2025 roster is
“I think this is a true chance for the local sports spotlight to be on these two programs that have done a whole lot of winning over the last 15 years. I’m thrilled that we at ISC Sports Network can play a part in helping those watch the game on August 28, knowing that I expect St. Vincent Field to be sold out and then some to kick off both the season and Labor Day weekend.” The Monumental Matchup harkens back to another, now-dormant crosstown series: the Top Dog Game between UIndy and Butler University. With the inaugural meeting coming in 1930, the teams faced off 28 times on the gridiron, including a stretch of 25 consecutive seasons starting
headlined by senior quarterback Gavin Sukup. The two-time reigning Great Lakes Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year and Harlon Hill Award candidate led the Hounds to a 10-2 season last fall, hitting double digits in regular season wins for just the fourth time. They also earned their third consecutive NCAA DII playoff berth and a third straight GLVC title. UIndy football has been around for more than 100 years—though a lengthy hiatus during the Great Depression and World War II puts the total number of seasons to 87—and the Monumental Matchup adds a notable chapter to the storied history of Greyhound football.
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MAGAZINE // SPRING 2025
UINDY
DOMINATING DII ATHLETICS
GLVC CHAMPIONSHIP: WOMEN’S GOLF
NATIONAL SEMIFINALIST WOMEN’S LACROSSE
4 GLVC
17 NCAA POSTSEASON APPEARANCES 3.41 COMBINED GPA
CHAMPIONSHIPS
2-TIME NCAA ELITE 90 WINNER
U Indy student-athletes combined for a 3.41 GPA during the 2024-25 academic year
10 INDIVIDUAL NATIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIPS
7 Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving 2 Outdoor Track 1 Wrestling
TOP TEAM FINISHES National semifinalist - Women’s Lacrosse 4th - Women’s Swimming & Diving 5th - Men’s Swimming & Diving National quarterfinalist - Men’s Tennis 8th - Triathlon 11th - Men’s Track Super Regionals - Baseball
Jackson Hoover, Wrestling
NACDA DIRECTORS CUP 17th Consecutive Top 20 Finish
TOP TEAM FINISHERS
Women’s & Men’s Swimming and Diving
Check out athletics.uindy.edu to stay up-to-date on all of Greyhound Athletics, including how the spring sports concluded their seasons.
4TH
5TH
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UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
Mary Scifres ’87 with Dr. Herbert Cassel
A LEGACY OF IMPACT Giving Back to Move Others Forward
Philanthropy at the University of Indianapolis isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, the most powerful impact begins with a small, heartfelt commitment—one that grows over time into a lasting legacy. Whether through a small recurring gift or a legacy endowment, each act of giving is a reflection of one person’s story—and a new beginning for someone else’s. For Mary Scifres ’87, the desire to give back began with a simple instinct: to pay it forward. “I received generous scholarships that made my education possible,” she said. “I love being able to help other UIndy students pursue their own academic journeys.” In the years following graduation, even while pursuing multiple advanced degrees, Scifres never missed an annual contribution. That early habit of giving—motivated by gratitude—would grow into a lifelong commitment to supporting students and honoring the mentors who shaped her. Philanthropy, at its core, is about paying it forward. Andy
Hammond ’06 remembers making his first donation to UIndy’s general scholarship fund as soon as he could. “It wasn’t about the size of the gift—it was about showing up and staying connected to a community that helped launch my future,” he said. His business partner and fellow alum Chad Reynolds ’00 recalls working Phone-A-Thons as a student, calling alumni and hoping for a “yes.” Now, he’s the one answering the phone. “It’s come full circle, and for me, it’s a small but meaningful way to pay it forward.” Tejal Patel ’08 shares a similar motivation. “Each time I contribute, it’s a reminder to be thankful for the experiences I had and to give back when and where I can,” she said. As a former scholarship recipient herself, Patel knows firsthand the impact that generosity can have. Now, she gives to both the Scholarship Fund and the Anthropology Department—and makes her support go even further by leveraging her employer’s
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MAGAZINE // SPRING 2025
Dr. Herbert Cassel, Raines-Mueller Professor of Philosophy and Religion, 1966-1996 Image courtesy of Frederick D. Hill Archives.
matching gift program. “My goal is to make a positive impact for a student, just like I experienced.” For all four alumni, the decision to give was not based merely on what they could afford at the time, but on what they felt called to do. While the size and structure of their gifts may differ and have grown over time— ranging from small annual donations to endowments and innovative legacy funds—the intention behind each is rooted in personal experience. That experience often centers on the people who made UIndy meaningful. For Patel, it was the guidance of professors like Dr. Christopher Schmidt, chair of the Anthropology Department. “He’s one of those professors you never forget—not only because of his expertise, but because of his
kindness and genuine interest in his students’ success.” Scifres found her compass in mentors like Dr. Herbert Cassel and Jack ’60 and Valerie (Salge) ’63 Miller—figures she would later honor through the creation of a pair of endowed scholarships that now support two to three students each year. Even professional trajectories trace back to UIndy. Patel’s interdisciplinary studies prepared her to navigate a diverse and evolving job market. Now working in new product planning at Eli Lilly and Company, she credits UIndy with equipping her with the qualitative research skills that formed the foundation of her career. “If I had to sum up my undergraduate experience, I’d say it was ‘diverse,’” she said. “That learning agility helped me navigate an uncertain job market after grad school.”
Dr. Christopher Schmidt, chair of Anthropology Department
Chad Reynolds ’00 and Andy Hammond ’06
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UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
For Hammond and Reynolds, their UIndy experience helped build the foundation for their success as entrepreneurs. Together, they launched the Truss Wealth Advisors Legacy Fund, an endowed gift designed to provide the Dean of the School of Business with flexible, discretionary support. Their goal? To fund bold ideas and forward-thinking initiatives to enhance the student experience that fall outside traditional budgets. “As entrepreneurs, we understand the value of taking smart risks,” Hammond said. “Some pay off, others don’t—but we believe the freedom to explore is essential for growth.” Reynolds added, “We intentionally structured the fund this way to create space for innovation. It also allows our firm to stay connected to the University in a lasting, evergreen way—continuing a legacy of impact far beyond what a single scholarship might achieve.” That sense of connection is one of the most powerful outcomes of giving. For Scifres, it’s not just about supporting students financially—it’s about relationships. She meets with her scholarship recipients, mentors them, and shares her own journey. “It’s incredibly meaningful to connect with students,” she said. “I want them to feel supported, to know that someone believes in them the way my mentors believed in me.” Patel’s involvement on the Alumni Board further reinforces her connection to the University community. Through both service and
philanthropy, she remains actively engaged in shaping the future of UIndy. “Giving back—financially or through volunteering—is one way I can help advance education and opportunity for others.” That’s the ripple effect of philanthropy: each act of generosity not only supports students, but also keeps alumni rooted in the values and communities that shaped them. “As my mentors have retired or passed away, my role as a donor helps me to remain connected and committed to the university that launched me so beautifully into the world of servant leadership,” Scifres said. “Supporting UIndy students allows me to stay connected to the community that shaped me—and to help them use their gifts to take their lives and leadership to the next level.” While the methods may vary— be it scholarships, departmental support, flexible endowments, or matching gifts—the goal is the same: to ensure that future generations of Greyhounds have access to the same transformative experiences. “Someone gave before you, so you could have the UIndy experience that helped shape your life,” Hammond said. “If we want future students to enjoy that same experience—or an even better one—it’s up to us to help make it happen.” The message from these alumni is clear: don’t wait to make a difference. “Give in a way that reflects your own journey,” Scifres urged. “Your generosity—no matter the size—can light the way for someone else.”
“Giving back—financially or through volunteering—is one way I can help advance education and opportunity for others.”
—Tejal Patel ’08
“I received generous scholarships that made my education possible. I love being able to help other UIndy students pursue their own academic journeys.”
—Mary Scifres ’87
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MAGAZINE // SPRING 2025
A LIFELINE FOR OTHERS
Kierra Mitchell ’25 (Nursing) Turns Inspiration into Action Kierra Mitchell was 12 when she found herself spending more time in a hospital room than on a playground. Her younger brother Kolton, just 3 years old, had been diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare condition in which the body does not produce enough new blood cells, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), which severely compromises the immune
system. Riley Hospital for Children had become their second home. On one especially good day, Mitchell sat in his room watching him laugh and play with his pediatric nurse— his energy matching that of any healthy toddler. For a brief moment, the weight of his illness lifted.
Most days weren’t like that. There were more tears than laughter, and there was no playing. But through it all, what stood out to Mitchell wasn’t just the medical treatment her brother received, it was the way the nurses cared for her entire family. They offered strength when hers was gone, comfort when it seemed like there was none. Those quiet acts of compassion didn’t fade with time. They took root. And as Mitchell grew older, they helped shape her future. Today, that same girl who once sat quietly by her brother’s bedside is pursuing a career in pediatric nursing—determined to give other families the same hope, comfort, and care that once carried her through. Mitchell sought a nursing program that would empower her to be the best pediatric nurse she could be, but also small enough
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UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
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