education and counseling, as well as her own experience with ADHD, McGill leads the program with a hands-on, student-centered approach. McGill helps students navigate difficult social situations, from roommate conflicts to academic decisions, and remains a constant point of contact for both students and their parents. “The amount of communication with her about our students brings us more peace of mind,” said Dave Sternberg, father of two Build students, one of whom is now an alumnus. “When they look back on their child’s college experience, how many parents can say, ‘I had a direct contact to deal with, and who would talk to me?’” That personalized support is exactly what Kody Huston ’28 (Psychology, Pre-OT) was looking for during their college search. After being diagnosed with ADHD and autism in high school, Huston realized that they would need more support than the legally required accommodations had to offer. Build was the perfect fit.
As a freshman, Hayden Lake ’26 (Sport Management) found his college coursework piling up faster than he could keep up. A fear of judgment kept him from confiding in his tutor, but someone had noticed. Betsy McGill, director of Disability Resources and Build at the University of Indianapolis, pulled Lake into her office one day. Having worked with other students with autism, ADHD, and other learning disabilities for over a decade, McGill recognized what Lake needed in that moment. “This is a judgment-free zone. We’re here to help you, not judge you,” she told him. It was then that Lake saw what the Build Program truly is: a family. Established in 1990, the program has been revitalized over the past decade under McGill. As a fee-for- service program, Build offers individualized support that goes beyond what is typically available through standard accommodations for students with learning disabilities. Drawing on her background in special
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MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2026
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