BUILDING BRIDGES Jesutofunmi Oyeleke ’26 (Computer Science) Finds Success Through Community and Innovation
When Jesutofunmi Oyeleke ’26 (Computer Science) stood before the crowd gathered on Smith Mall at the 36th Annual Celebration of Flags, he was struck by the sea of vibrant flags waving in the breeze—each one representing a different nation, a different story. As his eyes landed on the white and green flag of Nigeria, his home country, he felt a deep sense of pride and connection. It was a powerful moment in his journey as an international student at the University of Indianapolis. “I mentioned how my mom used to say, ‘One person gives birth to a child, but 100 people raise the child,’” recalled Oyeleke. “That saying speaks so much to my experience. My mom’s not here, but so many people around campus, from friends to professors, have been influential in helping me become the person I am today.” As a high school student in Africa, it was the welcoming community personified by Director of International Admissions and Recruitment Kay Gunyon which elevated the University of Indianapolis to be his top choice for college. She quickly answered all his emails with the information he needed, and with a caring spirit. “It was very clear UIndy actually wanted
and cared about me being here,” Oyeleke said. “I would reach out and before I woke up the next day—because obviously there’s a time difference—Kay would’ve responded.” That support made all the difference. Just 17 years old, Oyeleke made the leap, traveling nearly 6,000 miles to pursue his degree in computer science at the R.B. Annis School of Engineering. Once on campus, Oyeleke found continued
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UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
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