» U ncertain Times
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
“I’m a Hoosier, but I feel more like a citizen of Earth, rather than any nationalistic allegiance,” said Varga. “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.” Varga initially envisioned using his master’s degree to get a job somewhere in government. But when he asked his international relations professor Dr. Jyotika Saksena about an internship in the summer of 2009, she pointed him to Exodus. “I still remember when he came to me,” said Saksena. “Cole is still one of the most diligent students we have ever had. Working at an organization like Exodus requires a broad worldview, empathy, and willingness to serve others. It seemed like a perfect fit.” Varga still remembers helping a couple of Chinese refugees who had been involved in Tiananmen Square protests on just his second day. “I thought it was unbelievable that I got to connect with people who had lived history that I was just sitting in a classroom studying about,” said Varga. Within a few months, the internship
turned into a job. Varga came on full-time after graduation and, in his words, “the board hasn’t been able to get rid of me ever since.” He stepped into the CEO role almost 10 years ago. “It did not surprise me that when a need arose, the organization chose him to lead at a very critical juncture in domestic politics with huge implications for the agency,” said Saksena. “It makes me extremely proud that Cole has risen in his position so quickly and truly excelled. He embodies the ‘service for impact’ aspect of the mission of our university. His work and dedication have had a tremendous positive impact on the lives of a very vulnerable population.” Back to that tough part, that ‘no fun at dinner parties’ part. Federal funding makes up about 75% of Exodus’s budget. Some State Department funding remains frozen, meaning more difficult decisions may be ahead after court cases are resolved. On the “heartbeat” side, the Trump administration suspended the refugee program altogether, a decision currently tied up in courts. The administration also announced it intends to allow the temporary protected status to expire for more than a dozen countries, potentially
forcing thousands of Hoosier refugees to return to unsafe conditions in their own country. At the statewide level, with proposed changes to Medicaid, Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), and law enforcement powers on the table, Varga said wherever he looks, it seems like more bad news for the vulnerable people that Exodus serves. For him, it means his work is even more important, even as the burden on his shoulders seems to grow day after day. He’s seen the political pendulum swing before. He is hopeful it’s due to swing back soon. And he’s buoyed by the fact that allies and supporters of Exodus have redoubled their efforts, whether by contacting their lawmakers or donating money or household items. “This is where I need to be. It’s my life’s work. And there might be a time when I can’t do this work anymore because of things outside of our control. But I’m here with the refugee community as long as I can be,” said Varga. “We have so many folks that depend on us, that need the help that America brought. And while the government is breaking their promise, we can’t break ours.”
38
UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker