in helping UIndy stay responsive to an evolving job market. Together, UIndy and its partners bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world needs. Indiana Sports Corp became the program’s first official partner in the fall. As the nation’s first sports commission, Indiana Sports Corp is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating positive impact through sports. Since 1979, it has brought national and international attention to Indiana by hosting world- class sporting events that drive economic vitality, foster civic pride, and create opportunities for youth. “Indiana Sports Corp was looking to build stronger connections with emerging talent and to play a role in shaping future programs,” said Sremanak. “From our first conversation with Indiana Sports Corp, our faculty, the Pro Edge Center, and more, it was clear that our goals were aligned. Establishing an official partnership was a chance to really listen to their needs and design programs that meet those needs.” UIndy and Indiana Sports Corp are exploring innovative ways to connect classroom learning with real-world experience. Together, they’re developing opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals while ensuring that UIndy’s programs continue to reflect the knowledge and skills employers actively seek. “Our 2050 Vision for the state of Indiana is to be the global epicenter of sport in the next 25 years. The partnership with UIndy contributes greatly to that goal,” said Sarah Myer, chief of staff and strategy at Indiana Sports Corp. “We believe that if you want to work in sports, the best place to study is in Indiana. And not only does this kind of partnership provide unique experiences for UIndy students, but it provides great opportunities for sports organizations statewide.” The Employer Partner Program is open to organizations of all sizes and industries—from locally owned businesses and nonprofits to national and global corporations. Each partnership is tailored to the organization’s goals, creating meaningful, real-world experiences for both students and employers. “What’s exciting about our partnerships with Indiana Sports Corp and Roche is how personalized they are,” Sremanak said. “Each one is built around the employer’s goals while also giving students hands- on, paid experiences that connect directly to their coursework. It’s a true collaboration that helps prepare UIndy students for the workforce while meeting employers’ real-world needs.” UIndy is already looking to expand the Employer Partner Program—creating new opportunities for organizations of all sizes to invest in the state’s future workforce.
Roche Academy: A Partnership for Career Success
Roche Diagnostics and the University of Indianapolis have partnered to create a custom talent pipeline for biomedical equipment technicians through the Roche Academy. Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, Roche has grown into the world’s largest biotech company and is a global leader in both cancer treatments and in vitro diagnostics. “The Roche Academy is a unique and scalable workforce development model that prepares students for the future marketplace while setting them up with a development opportunity right out of school,” said Christine Krull, program director at Roche. “Through this unique talent initiative with UIndy, we are better able to fulfill our pipeline needs for these roles that are critical to our business.” Students interested in the Academy begin preparing in their sophomore year by taking Roche-selected electives and working with a career coach in the Stephen F. Fry Professional Edge Center to strengthen their internship application. In their junior year, they officially apply to Roche while continuing coursework tailored to the Academy’s needs. Selected students complete a 12-week paid internship at Roche the summer before their senior year, gaining hands-on experience and a firsthand look at their future career pathways. As seniors, they round out their Roche-selected courses, participate in networking events, and apply for post-graduation roles in their desired pathway for development. Caylie O’Neil ’22 (Biology, Chemistry) successfully completed the Roche Academy and now works as a field engineering specialist at Roche. “The Roche Academy allowed me to develop my professional skills, learn more about myself and my future career options, and get feedback on how I could best prepare myself for the future.”
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MAGAZINE // WINTER 2025
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