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 // Winter 2024
4 A BOLD VISION Dr. Singh shares her insight on higher education 6 THINKING STRATEGICALLY Meeting the evolving needs of higher education through a new strategic plan 10 UINDY ONLINE How UIndy is meeting the needs of the workforce of today (and employers too) 12 REIMAGINING BUSINESS The newly-designed MBA is the first of its kind in Indiana and perfect for a digital world 14 SERVICE WITH IMPACT Dr. Ryan Cotton ’06 leads fight against Parkinson’s disease with Rock Steady Boxing 16 BEYOND LIMITATIONS Women’s Triathlon program launches at UIndy
20 BUILDING CONFIDENCE & SHAPING FUTURES The impact of UIndy scholarships 22 INVESTING IN TOMORROW Stephen F. Fry ’87 empowers the future leaders of the business world 24 ILLUMINATING SCIENCE Honors research takes Jackson Hoover ’25 to jungle caves of Vietnam 26 EMBRACING OPPORTUNITY How UIndy took Marina Savelli ’94 from São Paulo, Brazil to Cummins Inc. leadership
28 ENGINEERING RESULTS Applied engineering project provides water to Africa 30 FROM REMAINS TO REUNION Dr. Krista Latham ’03 trains the next generation of forensic anthropologists 32 GAME-CHANGING CARE Cameron Simmons ’25 champions mental health for athletes 36 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 more than 35,000 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; Andrew Kocher; Kimberly Pate; Christopher Plouff, EdD; Steve Schuetz; Amber Smith, PhD; Philip Thornton Contributing Staff Garrison Carr, Dan Klein, Lauri Shillings, Troi Watts
Remembering Gene Sease 38
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Dear Friends and Supporters,
I am delighted to welcome you to the 2024 issue of the magazine for the University of Indianapolis. “Why a magazine, especially a printed one?” you might ask. In a digital world where stories are produced and transmitted in a near continuous fashion and consumed and discarded just as quickly, a printed magazine might seem like an attempt to go back in time. Well, in a world where form often seems to conquer substance, we want to refocus on substance by strategically documenting and celebrating the transformative power of a UIndy education. We hope that as you read these stories, they will help reaffirm the impact a UIndy education has on the personal and professional lives of countless Greyhounds and the communities where they live, work, and play. I also hope that these stories will inspire you. The University of Indianapolis is not merely joining crucial conversations about the power of higher education in shaping a strong future, but is also at the forefront of leading the change. You will see how we are innovating to deliver relevant and impactful programs, and partner with learners across all walks of life—anywhere, anytime, and for life. The stories feature our students who are excelling academically and engaging with the world around them to prepare for a future that will demand more of them. Through applied and experiential learning, they are gaining the skills and perspectives to solve complex problems facing the world and preparing to thrive in today’s interconnected and
interdependent global society. These stories reflect the essence of UIndy’s commitment to preparing students for lives of purpose and impact. The magazine also shares inspirational stories of UIndy’s alumni who embody our values as reflected in their contributions to their professions and communities. Their stories of leadership, service, and innovation inspire us all as we continue to ensure that education remains relevant, accessible and impactful for generations to come. One of the many reasons we are relaunching the magazine is to share these stories with more than 35,000 readers that include alumni, friends, supporters, and business and community leaders. I hope that these stories bring back a memory or two for our readers, and encourages you to join us in making new ones. I invite you to stay connected and engaged with UIndy. Your involvement—whether through mentorship, partnerships, and/ or philanthropy—plays a critical role in shaping the future of our university and I look forward to writing the story of our future together.
Warm regards,
Dr. Tanuja Singh President, University of Indianapolis
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A BOLD VISION Throughout her first year as President, Dr. Tanuja Singh focused on laying the groundwork for the exciting next chapter for the University of Indianapolis. Now, halfway through her second year in office, Dr. Singh and her administrative team are implementing For the Future
What do you see as the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing higher education today? The upcoming “demographic cliff,” caused by the declining birth rates in the U.S., will continue to create challenges for colleges and universities as the traditional college-going student population shrinks. Additionally, the college-going rate is declining in many states, including in Indiana, where it currently stands at 53%. Finally, for an institution like ours that proudly serves populations where many students are the first in their families to go to college, financial constraints can often create an additional barrier. We must commit to making sure that education remains relevant, flexible, and accessible. We are motivated to be a university that is intensely focused upon relevance, innovation, and impact. In fact, we have updated both our mission and vision statements to reflect our commitment to these ideals. We are promising to be a university that “will be the institution of choice for a diverse group of learners who wish to engage with the world and enrich their lives through relevant and impactful education, and are empowered to transform the world with their knowledge and skills— Anywhere. Anytime. For life. ” Our new strategic plan commits to these ideas.
her bold vision for the University’s future through the University’s new strategic plan: Engage. Enrich. Empower. Transform. In this Q&A, she shares her thoughts on the unique challenges and exciting opportunities facing higher education in today’s rapidly evolving academic landscape. From fostering innovation to strengthening community connections, she discusses her vision for the University and why she believes higher education is more important than ever in preparing students for tomorrow’s interconnected and interdependent world. Why is higher education important to you; and why is it still important today? Higher education is one of the most consequential factors in defining someone’s life trajectory, it certainly was in my own. Higher education helps develop higher-order thinking skills which include complex problem solving, analytical and systems thinking, and teamwork. The most important dilemmas we, as leaders in the space, must solve are ensuring that higher education is relevant, that it is impactful, and that it is helping our graduates prepare for not just what the world needs today but what it will need well into the future.
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My vision comes straight from the University’s new vision statement that I just mentioned. UIndy will be a leader in providing relevant, responsive, and innovative education to all our learners anywhere, anytime, for life. We believe that lifelong learning is a defining theme for the future of work. We will be leaders in health sciences, engineering, and business because we have an inherent advantage in these areas. Our strong foundation in the liberal arts will ensure that our students are developing skills to prepare them for a future that will increasingly require higher-order thinking to solve complex problems and seize opportunities facing our society. Another priority is our commitment to connecting the classroom to the world. We will ensure that all students, irrespective of their discipline, are fully prepared for the careers they wish to pursue. Research is clear that opportunities where students can apply what they learn in a classroom to a real- world experience result in better career outcomes at the time of graduation, and prepare them for the professional world in a more effective manner. To that end, we are promising that 100% of our undergraduate students will engage in experiential learning prior to graduation. This includes internships, study abroad, clinical work, industry- sponsored projects, on the job training, and similar experiences. What is your vision for the University of Indianapolis in the next five years and what are your top priorities in achieving this vision?
Dr. Tanuja Singh President
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The University of Indianapolis has embarked on a transformative journey with its new strategic plan, which positions the institution to meet the evolving needs of higher education. The strategic plan recognizes a rapidly shifting landscape driven by demographic changes, technological innovation, skill-based learning demands, and global competition. In response, UIndy is committed to creating a learning environment that is relevant, innovative, and impactful, appealing to learners at every stage of life. Through flexible, accessible education, UIndy aims to engage learners “anywhere, anytime, for life”—preparing them for success in a complex world. A NEW MISSION New Strategic Plan Moves the University Forward
including micro-credentials, certificates, and degree completion programs. UIndy’s vision is to become the institution of choice for diverse learners— whether they are recent high school graduates, working professionals seeking to upskill, or lifelong learners wanting to reskill for career changes. This vision is built on a commitment to delivering education that is accessible through multiple modalities, including online, hybrid, and in-person formats. In an era where 44% of workers’ skills are expected to be disrupted within five years, UIndy’s flexible and innovative offerings ensure that
each student is equipped to adapt to the changing demands of the workforce. UIndy’s commitment to lifelong learning is exemplified in its diverse array of programs tailored to a broad range of learners. The addition of options like stackable credentials in the MBA program or certificates in healthcare or education programs allow learners to customize their educational experiences based on their individual needs and career goals. Whether it’s just one class, a short-term credential, or a more extensive degree program, students at UIndy have access to learning opportunities that align with both
THE LIFELONG LEARNING IMPERATIVE At the heart of UIndy’s new strategic plan is the recognition that higher education must evolve to remain relevant. The plan emphasizes lifelong learning, with UIndy aspiring to be an institution that “engages, enriches, empowers, and transforms” learners. This goal is rooted in the understanding that education is no longer confined to traditional four-year degrees but must adapt to a range of learners seeking different forms of education,
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RELEVANT AND INNOVATIVE EDUCATION As part of its strategic vision, UIndy is positioning itself to be a future-ready institution—one that is responsive to the rapidly changing landscape of higher education and the workforce. The plan recognizes that the future of work will be driven by technological innovation. Still, bedrock liberal arts skills like complex problem-solving and critical thinking are required. UIndy is preparing students not just for today’s jobs, but for careers that may not yet exist, in industries that are only beginning to emerge. The cornerstone of UIndy’s future- ready approach is the emphasis on applied, experiential learning no matter the degree or discipline. By ensuring that every student graduates with an applied learning experience on their transcript, UIndy is embedding real-world skills into the core of its academic programs. Through internships, industry-sponsored projects, study abroad experiences, clinical placements, work-based learning, and service learning students will leave UIndy with the hands-on experience necessary to excel in a fast-paced, technology-driven world. A key initiative in making UIndy future- ready is the
as innovators and leaders. The Center will also serve as a hub for research and dialogue on the ethical and societal implications of AI, positioning UIndy as a thought leader in this critical area of innovation. Additionally, UIndy is enhancing its offerings in health sciences, business technology, and applied liberal arts, areas that are critical to the future workforce. With nationally ranked programs in health and behavioral sciences, UIndy is building on its strengths to address growing demand for professionals in fields such as physical therapy, nursing, and mental health. By integrating business and technology through new degree and certificate programs, UIndy is preparing students for leadership in fields that require both technical expertise and business acumen. SERVING AS AN ENGINE FOR GROWTH IN THE INDIANAPOLIS COMMUNITY The strategic plan emphasizes the university’s role as an engine for growth in the Indianapolis community. As the local and state economy expands, there is an increasing need for skilled talent and workforce development. UIndy is
their professional aspirations and personal interests. The UIndy Online and Sease Institute initiative (see p. 10) is central to this vision. Designed to meet the needs of post- traditional learners, this new division will offer fully online, hybrid, and in-person learning options, allowing students to access education on their own terms. From degree completion programs to corporate training, the unit will offer a comprehensive selection of short-term and long-term learning solutions, ensuring that UIndy remains a partner in learners’ journeys long after they leave the traditional classroom.
committed to help meet this demand by strengthening partnerships with local industries, not-for-profits,
development of the Center for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Society, which will integrate AI into the curriculum across multiple fields. As AI
By ensuring that every student graduates with an applied learning experience on their transcript, UIndy is embedding real-world skills into the core of its academic programs.
and government organizations to deliver education and training programs that closely align with
and automation reshape industry and the workforce, UIndy is ensuring that its graduates are prepared to leverage these technologies, not just as consumers but
the region’s economic needs. By collaborating with industry partners, UIndy aims to offer customized training, certificates, and degree completion
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programs that address critical workforce gaps, particularly in sectors like healthcare, business, and technology. These partnerships not only provide students with valuable internship and employment opportunities but also contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the economy in Indianapolis as well as across Indiana. UIndy is committed to serving as a community anchor for the south side of Indianapolis. The university plays a vital role in the social and economic fabric of the area, providing access to education, health services, and cultural opportunities. By engaging with local businesses and community organizations, UIndy seeks to promote mutual growth and development, ensuring that the university’s impact extends beyond campus and into the broader community. GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT AND INTERNATIONAL FOCUS UIndy’s global engagement strategy recognizes the importance of preparing students for success in an interconnected world. With students, faculty, and staff from more than 80 countries and a growing number of study abroad programs, UIndy is committed to providing a globally enriched education. By expanding international partnerships and increasing international student enrollment, UIndy fosters a diverse and dynamic learning environment that prepares students to engage with global challenges and opportunities. The university’s strategic plan also calls for greater participation in study abroad programs, ensuring that students gain valuable international experience. UIndy will continue
to support these opportunities by offering financial aid and scholarships for underrepresented student populations, making global learning accessible to all. By strengthening its international presence and integrating global perspectives into its curriculum, UIndy is ensuring that its students are well- equipped to thrive in an increasingly globalized economy. These efforts not only enrich the academic experience for students but also enhance UIndy’s reputation as a globally engaged institution, attracting talent and partnerships from around the world. SHAPING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY The University of Indianapolis is charting a bold course for the future with its strategic plan. By prioritizing lifelong learning, preparing its students for the evolving marketplace, and serving as an engine for growth in the local and global communities, UIndy is ensuring that it remains relevant and impactful. Through innovative educational offerings, a commitment to experiential learning, and a focus on community and global engagement, UIndy is shaping the future of education and empowering its learners “anywhere, anytime, for life.”
READ MORE: The University’s Strategic Plan is online. uindy.edu/strategic-plan
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TRANSFORMING A CULTURE As President Singh began her tenure it was important to pair that momentum with an ambitious new strategic plan that would guide the university into the future. The first step of formulating that new plan was defining the identity and mission of the university as it aimed to be relevant in the changing landscape of higher education today and into the future.
Our Vision: The University of Indianapolis will be the institution of choice for a diverse group of learners who wish to engage with the world and enrich their lives through relevant and impactful education, and are empowered to transform the world with their knowledge and skills— Anywhere. Anytime. For life . Our Mission: The University of Indianapolis champions lifelong learning through relevant and innovative education that fosters experiential learning, diverse perspectives, service for impact, and a global mindset.
Our Promises:
WE WILL BE A MODERN UNIVERSITY defined by relevance for diverse learners in all our academic programs to support applied skills and experiential learning through curricular, and co-curricular offerings. WE WILL BE A COMMUNITY ENGINE FOR GROWTH, driving strong partnerships and engaging with important communities in Indianapolis and beyond.
WE WILL SERVE AS PARTNERS TO OUR LEARNERS —delivering relevant education in multiple modalities, formats, and modules that are congruent with the learning preferences of our audiences.
We will be a gateway for social mobility for our learners and WE WILL BE A
UNIVERSITY THAT CHANGES LIVES.
We will be locally rooted,
WITH A GLOBAL COMMITMENT, REACH AND IMPACT.
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Newly-Created Program Meets the Needs of Today’s Learners UINDY ONLINE ANYWHERE. ANYTIME.
The workplace of today is changing— faster than you realize. Whether it’s factors like automation and artificial intelligence or cybersecurity and climate change, it’s what led the World Economic Forum in 2023 to predict that 44% of workers’ skills will be disrupted in the next five years. The University of Indianapolis is helping prepare the workforce of the future by creating UIndy Online to reimagine the educational experience for post-traditional learners. UIndy Online was unveiled in July 2024 and joined with Sease Institute to become a new academic unit within the university. It is expected to accept its first students this winter. “The need has never been greater for employees to get retraining, reskilling, and upskilling to meet the challenges and demands of an evolving workplace,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Chris Plouff. “This is just the next chapter in UIndy’s long and proud history of serving the community with a relevant education.” According to the Indiana’s Leaking Talent Pipeline study from the Indiana Chamber, while Indiana ranks as the 14th best state for business, it’s near the very bottom, 48th, for attracting talent. In other words, the workforce pool doesn’t match the overall business climate. For employees, this presents an opportunity. Gain the right skills and education, and there’s likely to be a good job available close to home. UIndy Online and Sease Institute will meet the needs for a variety of student populations. For some, it will be about finishing a degree that
was interrupted—for family obligations, financial constraints, or perhaps a job that unexpectedly became a career—whether that was a recent interruption or farther in the past. It could be as simple as transferring coursework from another institution and finishing only a few classes, or combining a smaller number of credits, years of work experience and the right degree completion courses to finish a program. For others, it will be about starting to work on a postsecondary degree or credential for the very first time. UIndy Online and Sease Institute is developing fully online degree programs, stackable certificates (see p. 12 for more) and credentials to align with corporate training and executive education. A variety of online, hybrid, and face- to-face courses will be included to serve the workforce needs of the population. UIndy Online will house all degree-completing and credential-bearing programs for post- traditional learners at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The Sease Institute, created in 2019, will continue to focus on supporting workforce needs in the region by offering individualized business solutions for employers, usually through non credit certification programs like specialized medical training or leadership training. “I couldn’t be more excited about the creation of UIndy Online,” said Plouff. “This is a necessary step to help bring to life our vision of ‘Anywhere. Anytime. For life.’” Creating UIndy Online and Sease Institute also goes directly to the heart of UIndy’s strategic plan which was approved in the spring. The plan
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“The need has never been greater for employees to get retraining, reskilling, and upskilling to meet the challenges and demands of an evolving workplace.”
— Dr. Chris Plouff, Executive Vice President and Provost
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“The MBA program has already accelerated my career trajectory, enhancing my capability to take on more significant responsibilities in my current role.”
— Kevin Todd ’26
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REIMAGINING The Way We Do Business
AI: The Calculator for this Generation Decades ago, the debate was, ‘should students be allowed to use a calculator in the classroom?’ These days, the same debate rages about the use of artificial intelligence or AI. UIndy School of Business Dean Dr. Karl Knapp believes the answer is a very simple one: “yes.” Students of the current generation must learn how to use AI effectively or they risk being at a significant disadvantage when it comes to finding a job or advancing in their career. That’s why Knapp spearheaded an effort to integrate AI into the curriculum of every single class in the School of Business. “People fear that their job is going to be replaced by AI,” said Knapp. “I believe the much greater risk is that their job is going to be replaced by someone who knows how to effectively harness the power of AI.” Still, just like the calculator from before, it’s important to know how to check your work to make sure AI is giving good information and not “hallucinating.” And with every class and every project, whether it is giving AI the prompts to write an email introduction or seeing how AI automation can simplify coding tasks, UIndy School of Business students are doing just that.
There is nothing like being first—especially when it comes to meeting the needs of students. That’s exactly what has happened at the School of Business this year. It redesigned its graduate programs to best align with today’s learners, who value flexibility, individualized course offerings, and a hybrid schedule. UIndy’s reimagined MBA is the first fully stackable MBA in Indiana, along with a
strategic areas, like Leadership or Marketing, even if they do not complete the entire MBA program. “By demonstrating the experience, expertise, and exact skills of each student, the fully stackable MBA elevates beyond the rather nebulous quality of a traditional MBA program,” said Dr. Karl Knapp, School of Business Dean. “It’s what today’s students want and today’s employers require.” The program redesign also
revamped MSDA (Master of Science in Data Analytics) and MSM (Master of Science
“Stackable credentials are a growing trend in today’s higher education landscape, and it’s great to see UIndy leading the way with their stackable MBA.” —Matt Mindrum, Indy Chamber President
helps appeal to a more diverse group of learners who may not have been able to fit a required weekly evening class into their schedule like a traditional MBA program. “Stackable credentials are a growing trend in today’s higher education landscape, and it’s great to see UIndy leading the way with their stackable MBA,” said Indy Chamber President
in Management). What does “fully stackable”
mean? Instead of a forced traditional pathway to an advanced degree, students can choose, or stack, their own sequence of classes that best meets their needs and areas of interest, like AI & Analytics, Global Supply Chain Management, or Finance.
Matt Mindrum. “It’s a great opportunity for employers to invest in their workforce or individuals to invest in themselves, whether they are looking to develop a specific skill or complete the entire program.” There’s already been increased interest and demand in UIndy business programs across the board. This fall’s freshman undergraduate class is the third highest of all time, a group which often goes on to complete an advanced degree after their baccalaureate studies. The enrollment of graduate MBA, MSDA, and MSM students increased 10 percent this fall over last year, with the lion’s share of that growth coming from people like Kevin Todd ’26 (MBA), who had no previous connection to UIndy.
“We are proud to be able to offer the first stackable MBA in Indiana,” said Michael Hasik, UIndy’s Director of Graduate Business Programs. “One size simply does not fit all, and these reimagined programs put valuable instruction more within reach for learners of all ages in varying career stages.” Students benefit from the stackability because they receive a certificate after each three-class area they complete—which is perfect for featuring on a resume or LinkedIn profile as they work toward graduation. For businesses and employers, the stackability provides ease and simplicity to send employees back to school to gain knowledge in key
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SERVICE WITH IMPACT Dr. Ryan Cotton ‘06 Leads Fight Against Parkinson’s with Rock Steady Boxing
The sound of gloves smacking heavy bags echoes through the Rock Steady Boxing gym on the northeast side of Indianapolis, the rhythmic cadence of speedbags drowning out instructions shouted by coaches. Around the gym, men and women of all ages and in various stages of Parkinson’s disease throw jabs and hooks, each punch an act of defiance to the tremors that grip their bodies. At the center of this controlled chaos stands Rock Steady Boxing’s President and CEO, Dr. Ryan Cotton ’06 (DHSc), whose passion for fighting the physical and emotional toll of Parkinson’s has transformed this gym—and its 800 locations worldwide—into a place of empowerment, resilience, and hope. It’s a story nearly two decades in the
making, and it all began with a simple invitation. “A friend of mine who was on the Board of Directors for Rock Steady Boxing came to me and said they needed someone with a doctorate degree and a therapy background who could help guide what they were doing in the Rock Steady classes,” said Cotton. “So because I was both a therapist and a doctor of health science, I was invited to serve as one of the medical voices on the Board.” As a board member, Cotton would spend the next few years shaping the Rock Steady method to meet the unique needs of a growing community. Combining the foundations of traditional boxing training with the day’s best physical therapy
practices, Cotton saw the fruits of his labors every day in the solid stances, youthful agility, and confident faces of those in the gym. He never imagined that one day he would see his father’s face behind his up- held boxing gloves, fighting his own battle against Parkinson’s. What had begun as a small tremor in his father’s hands eventually progressed to a full-on fight for control of his own body. A fight that he met unflinchingly in the Rock Steady gym every day until his last. Seeing his father’s bout with his disease only strengthened Cotton’s commitment to positioning Rock Steady Boxing as a leader in the exercise for Parkinson’s world. Following his father’s passing, Cotton stepped into a more active role at Rock
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Photo by Lauri Shillings
“The worldwide Parkinson’s community is more optimistic now than we’ve been in a long time. While the researchers are doing their extraordinarily important work in the background, Rock Steady is serving the Parkinson’s community today.”
— Dr. Ryan Cotton ’06
Steady as Chief Scientific Officer in 2020, when, along with the rest of the world, the gym faced an unprecedented challenge: the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenge of how to deliver the Rock Steady method without a coach holding the other side of the punching bag or expecting clients to have their own boxing equipment at home seemed insurmountable. But that’s the thing about the Rock Steady community: they never give up. “We had to take our training and adapt it to an online delivery model,” recalled Cotton. “As we were developing an online training model, we were also applying a therapist mindset and adding clinical, evidence-based best practices to the curriculum.”
That online delivery model is still in use today. Virtual classes and training options have turned living rooms into personal boxing rings, allowing those without a Rock Steady gym—or with more advanced progressions of Parkinson’s—to continue landing blows and going toe-to-toe with the disease. The growth of the Rock Steady community is bittersweet for Cotton and his team—while they’re glad to see Rock Steady benefiting so many lives, they cannot ignore the fact that Parkinson’s is on the rise, and, with it, the need for effective treatment. It is this unavoidable truth and passion for service that drives the active partnership between Rock Steady Boxing and the University of Indianapolis..
Today, faculty from the Krannert School of Physical Therapy actively conduct studies to inform, influence, and invigorate the Rock Steady curriculum. From ensuring that all 800 affiliate gyms provide the same pound-for-pound effective training to every client, to researching the benefits of Rock Steady on a cellular level, the results of these studies will shape Rock Steady’s in-person and virtual training for years to come. Training that may one day be led by UIndy physical and occupational therapy and exercise science students currently studying the Rock Steady method in clinical placements at Indianapolis-area gyms. As he considers the future of Rock Steady and his own professional journey, Cotton hopes to become an “unemployed
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BEYOND LIMITATIONS
Women’s Triathlon Program LAUNCHES at UIndy
“I enjoy the challenge of starting from scratch with nothing more than a dream and a vision of what is possible.” — Doug Robinson, Women’s Triathlon Head Coach
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Starting a varsity program ready to compete at the NCAA level is no small feat, but that is exactly what new Women’s Triathlon Head Coach Doug Robinson had to do between his hiring in late May 2024 and the team’s first competition in August. That compressed timeline didn’t stop the team from achieving early success and setting the stage for a promising future. “I enjoy the challenge of starting from scratch with nothing more than a dream and a vision of what is possible,” said Robinson. This vision has been critical to overcoming the hurdles of building a team from the ground up, including recruiting athletes and acquiring all the necessary equipment. The foundation of UIndy’s triathlon program was made possible through a USA Triathlon Emerging Sport Grant, a crucial factor
in bringing the sport to campus. This grant not only provided the necessary financial support but also validated the University’s commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for women. With this backing, UIndy could focus on recruiting and equipping the team with everything needed to compete, from bikes and racing gear to indoor training equipment. Even with the backing of the grant, Robinson faced a unique set of challenges in forming the team. Typically, recruiting for collegiate sports programs takes about two years, but Robinson had just two months to assemble a squad for the 2024 season. “I was very fortunate that the rumors had been spreading during the spring semester that the University was going to start a triathlon team,” he explained. “Five students approached me and wanted to join the team. With the help of the swim coach, Brent Noble, we were able to identify and convince another three athletes who were already registered at UIndy to join the team.” The team’s debut season was further bolstered by the enthusiasm of UIndy’s community and the athletic department, helping the new program find its footing quickly. In addition to the technical
and other things that have just organically happened.” Robinson is focused on expanding the program’s reach and talent pool. Recruiting remains a challenge in a sport where the number of high school triathletes is still limited compared to more traditional sports. To build a competitive roster, Robinson has to think outside the box. “Our approach as we look toward 2025 is really twofold,” Robinson said. “The first is to identify and evaluate triathletes from the elite junior race circuit. The second is to identify two-sport athletes in high school with swimming as one of those sports and invite them to be curious, adventurous, and brave, and become a triathlete at the collegiate level.” From the initial challenges of forming a team to the thrill of a first win, the journey has been one of resilience, passion, and a belief in what’s possible. That journey culminated at the 2024 NCAA National Championships where the team placed 20th overall, and eighth
among DII programs in its inaugural season. With the support of the USA Triathlon
grant, the guidance of an experienced coach, and the determination of its student-athletes, UIndy is well on its way to building a program
aspects of coaching, Robinson has embraced the broader role of creating a positive team culture. “One of the great opportunities has been to establish a team culture and start traditions that will be built over the future of the program,” he shared. “That has been a bunch of fun to have some things that I have implemented with purpose and lots of thought
that will thrive for years to come. The future looks bright for the Greyhound triathletes, who are just beginning to make their mark on the collegiate triathlon scene.
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DOMINATING DII ATHLETICS UINDY
NCAA REGIONAL TITLE: WOMEN’S SOFTBALL
ZOE PENTECOST INDIVIDUAL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD
TEAM NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: WOMEN’S GOLF
19 ALL-AMERICANS 12 CONSECUTIVE
4 TEAMS AT THE DII SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP FESTIVAL Women’s golf, softball,
GLVC ALL-SPORTS TROPHY WINS 8 GLVC CHAMPIONSHIPS Women’s golf, men’s golf,
2 NATIONAL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
women’s tennis, men’s tennis
2 NCAA ELITE 90 WINNERS
women’s lacrosse, women’s tennis, men’s tennis, football, men’s soccer, men’s swimming & diving
Lauren Mosele, softball and Jackson Hoover, wrestling
5 NCAA
1 GLVC PARAGON AWARD WINNER Kenzee Smith, softball
REGIONAL TITLES Baseball, women’s golf, softball, women’s tennis, men’s tennis 4 NEW HEAD COACHING ANNOUNCEMENTS
Kenzee Smith, Softball
Tom Zeuch, Tennis
SWIMMING OLYMPIANS
Women’s basketball, men’s basketball, women’s bowling, women’s triathlon
2nd Among 304 Division II schools in LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup Standings
Cedric Buessing
Check out athletics.uindy.edu to stay up-to-date on all of Greyhound Athletics, including how the Fall sports concluded their seasons.
Collins Saliboko
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UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
BUILD Tailgate at Homecoming 2024
Greetings Greyhounds, I’m honored to work with you, and for you, in support of the UIndy community. The Advancement Team connects alumni, parents, and friends with opportunities to change the lives of our Greyhound students every day through philanthropic support. We work with our supporters to establish new scholarships to enhance accessibility for students, provide support for faculty research, allow students to attend educational conferences and conventions, and much more. Through philanthropy, we can strengthen and improve the UIndy experience. Fiscal Year 2024 saw record levels of support for our community thanks to generous alumni and friends like you. In March of 2024, we welcomed Dr. Karl Knapp as the new Dean of the School of Business at a reception at the Columbia Club. UIndy Day brought a record 160+ guests to our UIndy Day Happy Hour at SILO Auto Club in downtown Indianapolis. Alumni, friends, and family members gathered at an Indianapolis Indians game in August. Homecoming was an incredible weekend welcoming hundreds of Greyhounds home. As we kick off 2025, there will be many more opportunities to engage with the UIndy community in Indianapolis, across Indiana, and nationwide. The Advancement Team and I would love to connect with you and find the perfect way for you to get engaged with the Greyhounds. My passion here at UIndy is helping our supporters establish new scholarships, thereby changing the lives of our students. I meet our incredible Greyhounds daily and see them grow in their educational journeys thanks to our donors. Would you like to change a student’s
UIndy Day Happy Hour at SILO Auto Club
UIndy Business Alumni reception at the Columbia Club
GET READY TO CELEBRATE & SUPPORT UINDY!
life? Let’s talk. Hounds on 3,
APRIL 10, 2O25 IS
Philip Thornton, Vice President of Advancement P.S. Mark your calendars for UIndy Day on Thursday April 10, 2025. UIndy Day is the day we come together to celebrate and support the Greyhound community by giving to your favorite programs. Join us for special events on campus and in Indianapolis. I can’t wait to see you then.
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MAGAZINE // WINTER 2024
BUILDING CONFIDENCE, SHAPING FUTURES: The Impact of UIndy Scholarships
At the University of Indianapolis, support from alumni and donors goes far beyond financial aid—it transforms lives and shapes futures. Every gift, whether it funds scholarships, supports academic programs or enhances campus life, creates a lasting impact on students’ lives and the University’s future. For some students, especially first- generation college students, these scholarships and gifts are the key to attending college at all. For others, the impact goes beyond finances. For Evan Porterfield ’26 (Communication), receiving the Joseph Cathcart BUILD Scholarship endowed him with the confidence to persevere and seek a college degree. The Baccalaureate for University of Indianapolis Learning Disabled (BUILD)
and BUILD. “Through our personalized support and scholarships like the Joseph Cathcart BUILD Scholarship, we are able to empower students like Evan, who have faced challenges, to thrive in college and beyond. It’s incredibly rewarding to see students not just succeed academically but also grow in confidence and leadership. We couldn’t be prouder of Evan and his achievements.” From a young age, Porterfield was told that college would not be an option for him due to his severe dyslexia and ADHD. Thankfully, his family refused to let the naysayers dictate Porterfield’s future, and they enrolled him at Fortune Academy, which used a personalized approach to education to help Porterfield succeed. Porterfield would go on to graduate high school with a 4.0 GPA. Then it was time to take the next step: apply to college. And Porterfield did what so many had said would be impossible. “When I was accepted to UIndy, my heart soared,” recalled Porterfield. “The long battle that I had was now over. Not only did I get accepted
to college, but I received multiple scholarships. I was recognized for the effort I put in, and that was priceless to me.” Knowing someone believed in him enough to invest their own funds into his future pushed Porterfield to make the most of his college experience. In the three years since he became a Greyhound, Porterfield has founded multiple student organizations, including Global Greyhounds, a group dedicated to promoting international education at UIndy; risen through the ranks to become Vice President of the UIndy Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America and an account executive with Top Dog Communication; and, this year, he is the producer for UIndyTV’s show, Grand Slam Sports. “UIndy has supported me more than I ever could have imagined,” said Porterfield. “Being here has helped showcase my skills to my fullest potential. I am forever grateful for the resources that UIndy has given me to become the person I am today. I’m excited to continue to thrive thanks to UIndy and its supporters.”
program provides personalized support to UIndy students with
learning-related disabilities to help them successfully navigate their college experience. “Evan’s journey is a perfect example of the kind of impact the BUILD program strives to make,” said Betsy Fouts, Director of Disability Services
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UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
Barbara Morris ’69 ’70 Shapes Futures Through Philanthropy For Barbara (Huttsell) Morris ‘69 ‘70, establishing a scholarship was a way to inspire the next generation of students to realize their full potential, as she did at Indiana Central College (now UIndy). Morris graduated from ICC with more than just a degree. She gained lifelong friends, many of whom she is still in touch with today, and she even received a job offer. Morris would go on to work in ICC’s Office of Admissions, where she recruited new classes of Greyhounds. One area, however, was often underrepresented: her home state of Kentucky. Determined to make a difference, Morris and her husband established the Barbara Huttsell Morris and Clay B. Morris Endowed Scholarship in 2021. Aimed at supporting first-generation college students from southern Indiana or Kentucky, the scholarship reflects Morris’s desire to give others the same opportunity to create lifelong friendships and achieve their dreams. “By creating our scholarship, we hope that we’ll enable another student to reach their own dream and make their own lifelong friendships,” said Morris.
“UIndy has supported me more than I ever could have imagined. Being here has helped showcase my skills to my fullest potential. I am forever grateful for the resources that UIndy has given me to become the person I am today. I’m excited to continue to thrive thanks to UIndy and its supporters.”
- Evan Porterfield ’26
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MAGAZINE // WINTER 2024
INVESTING IN TOMORROW Stephen F. Fry ’87 Empowers Future Leaders of the Business World
Professional development is a cornerstone of the University of Indianapolis experience. UIndy students don’t just graduate with a degree; they graduate prepared for successful careers. This commitment to student success is fueled by the generosity of alumni and donors like retired Eli Lilly and Company executive Stephen F. Fry ‘87, whose recent $5 million gift will establish innovative new programs to further enhance this mission: a scholars program, a distinguished lecture series, and a faculty innovation fund. “I’m proud to support a new generation of students and faculty through this gift, which I believe will have a lasting impact not only on the individuals it touches but on the entire UIndy community.” —Stephen F. Fry ’87 “The University of Indianapolis has always been a place that fosters growth, innovation, and leadership,” said Fry. “These programs will inspire excellence,
fuel innovation, and create opportunities that will shape the future of business education at UIndy and beyond.” The Stephen F. Fry Business Scholars Program is designed to foster community within the School of Business. Selected students, who will be known as Fry Scholars, will participate in a cohort- based program under the mentorship of a dedicated director. The Fry Scholars will follow a curriculum focused on experiential learning, professional development, peer and professional mentoring, and community service. As the program grows, Fry Scholars will form a strong alumni network, creating a legacy of mentorship for future generations of UIndy business students. Additionally, the program will offer renewable, merit-based scholarships and financial support for specialized Fry Scholar programming, helping students succeed both academically and professionally. The Stephen F. Fry Distinguished Lecture Series will bring thought leaders and industry pioneers to the University placing the Greyhound community at both the forefront of Indiana business
and the Midwest. The Fry Distinguished Lecture Series will be an annual event hosted on the UIndy campus and open to everyone. It will allow the University to serve as the “living room” of Indianapolis as it shapes the conversation of today’s
most pressing industry topics. The Stephen F. Fry Faculty
Innovation Fund will keep the UIndy School of Business at the forefront of industry changes, ensuring that its students are developing the skills needed to thrive in a competitive market. Through a rigorous selection process, recipients of this fund will be empowered to explore innovative approaches that enhance student outcomes, ensuring UIndy graduates are equipped with the abilities and experience needed to excel in a dynamic global market. Gifts like Stephen F. Fry’s, large and small, are an investment in the future of UIndy and its students. New programs and funding opportunities open doors for future generations of business leaders and reinforce UIndy’s commitment to engaging, enriching, and empowering its students and faculty to change their community and the world.
22
UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS
The Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center
Over the past 30 years, the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center has become the heart of the arts at the University of Indianapolis. Built in 1994, the Fine Arts Center embodies Christel DeHaan’s commitment to the arts, education, and UIndy. DeHaan served on the University’s Board of Trustees from 1990 to 2008, spanning three presidencies, and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1993. Today, the Fine Arts Center is home to the UIndy Departments of Music and Art & Design. Thanks to the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center Enhancement Fund, the Fine Arts Center will continue to shape the lives of UIndy students for generations to come. Established through a legacy grant from the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, the fund ensures that the Fine Arts Center remains a vibrant hub for the arts at UIndy. By providing access to state-of-the-art tools, modern spaces, and cutting-edge technology, the fund will inspire students and foster their creative and professional growth for years to come.
200+ Music & art students study, rehearse, and create in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center daily. 150 Music performances hosted each year in Ruth Lilly Performance Hall. 175 Exhibitions by regional, national, & international artists in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center Gallery.
›› See upcoming
events on campus: uindy.edu/events
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MAGAZINE // WINTER 2024
There’s nothing that can quite prepare you for stepping off an airplane in a foreign country of 98 million where you don’t know the language and recognize just a single face. But that’s just the position Jackson Hoover ’25 (Biology) found himself in earlier this year. He had never even needed a passport until he joined the Ron and Laura Strain Honors College. It was his capstone project which provided an opportunity to see the world with a whole new set of eyes—taking him to the stunning caves of Vietnam with the hope of discovering a new species of blind cave fish. After a bus ride of several hours, Hoover arrived at the Tiger Cave System in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. By volume, it’s the fourth largest cave system in the world. Discovered less than 40 years ago, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage area, filled with miles of unmapped subterranean passageways, where ceilings can stretch several hundred feet overhead. Hoover, who plans to attend medical school in the fall, is both an elite student and an elite athlete. He won the NCAA Elite 90 Award by being the wrestler with the highest GPA at the 2024 DII National Championship. It was immediately after he was done competing that he boarded the plane for his cave research over spring break, joining his capstone advisor Dr. Dean Wiseman, associate professor of biology and experienced cave explorer. Wiseman has traveled to Vietnam five times for conservation efforts. It was on one of those trips that he noticed a species of cave fish that had yet to be documented. “I think we have a fairly good shot of it being a new species,” said Hoover. Hoover and Wiseman presented preliminary findings at the National Speleological Society Convention in Tennessee in July, in part to mobilize conservation efforts in the community. Hoover hopes to complete his analysis of
ILLUMINATING SCIENCE & Igniting Passions
“Exploring the ecology of cave systems in Vietnam is the kind of unique experience that alters a person’s life in profound ways—it cannot just be found in a classroom. “ - Dr. James B. Williams, Dean of the Ron & Laura Strain Honors College
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UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
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