Indiana University freshman Spencer Meyer, a double major in international studies and sports media, looks forward to photographing some of the best collegiate athletes in the country through an internship with the Mark Cuban Center for Sports Media. Photo by James Brosher, Indiana University
As the school year begins, thousands of new students have arrived on Indiana University’s core campuses in Bloomington and Indianapolis. For many, it’s their first time on collegiate grounds as an undergraduate and their first step on a journey to shape the world.
The Class of 2028 is full of passionate, mission-oriented people who want to make a difference. Six freshmen share why IU is the ideal place for them to achieve their goals.
Alexis Nguyen chose IU for its biology pre-med program. Photo by James Brosher, Indiana University
First-class academics
Alexis Nguyen, a freshman on the Bloomington campus, is a first-generation college student from Carmel, Indiana, with dreams of going into medicine.
“I chose IU because it was one of the best options for my major, biology pre-med,” Nguyen said. “Not to mention, the sheer amount of variety they have to offer is incredible.”
The Department of Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences is nationally recognized for its world-class research, highly ranked programs and breadth of disciplines, including ecosystems, bioinformatics and genomics.
Sade Ilawole traded West Coast sun for B-town fun, hoping to matriculate through one of the top 10 undergraduate business programs. As a pre-business student, she’ll spend her first year taking Kelley School of Business classes in hopes of being admitted to the school her sophom*ore year. She plans to major in marketing, a program in which Kelley is ranked third best in the country.
Spencer Meyer was born and raised in Bloomington, so he is no stranger to IU. He’ll be preparing for the world stage at the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies and The Media School.
Libby Nuetzman will study forensics and investigative sciences on the Indianapolis campus at the School of Science. Photo by Aaliyah Prim, Indiana University“I will be dual majoring in international studies and sports media,” Meyer said. “I’m most looking forward to my photography internship at the Mark Cuban Center for Sports Media and Technology. It is an incredible opportunity to shoot some of the best collegiate athletes in the country and have access to great equipment and mentors.”
Elaina Gunn from Zionsville, Indiana, and Chandler Harris from Indianapolis are eager to explore the future of technology on the IU Indianapolis campus at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering.
“I wanted to select a university that catered to my needs and wants,” Harris said. “IUI is one of few that will allow me to study my interests and keep my personal life normal while elevating. I plan to major in informatics and either double major or minor in criminal justice.”
If Harris does so, she’ll be studying at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, one of the best public affairs schools in the country. But in order to enact criminal justice, you need well-equipped investigators to bring the facts to light. That is what Libby Nuetzman hopes to do.
“I’m going to be studying forensics and investigative sciences,” said Nuetzman, a student in the School of Science from Plainfield, Indiana. “I chose IUI because it is close to home, and it has what I want to do in the future.”
Affordable and accessible
On the journey to higher education, many prospective students are faced with financial obstacles. As a state school, IU reduces that barrier for Hoosier learners through discounted resident tuition.
A wide variety of scholarships are also available. Meyer received a Provost’s Scholarship and a Direct Admission Scholarship from the Hamilton Lugar School, making his educational goals a reality.
Additionally, IU Bloomington has scholar programs designed to help students from underrepresented backgrounds get the support they need to succeed. Ilawole is a Hudson and Holland Scholar, which gives her access to mentorship, career development programming, wellness activities and academic enrichment. Nguyen, a member of the Groups Scholars Program that supports first-generation and underrepresented students, spent six weeks on the Bloomington campus in the summer with her cohort. She took classes while establishing a network of social and academic support.
“A big factor in choosing IUI was the scholarships and grants that were offered,” Harris said.
As a Norman Brown Diversity and Leadership Scholar, Harris will engage with the Indianapolis community through leadership and civic activities. She also received a scholarship through an IU Indianapolis partnership with the Center for Leadership Development, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of minority youth in Central Indiana.
Elaina Gunn, a media arts and sciences major, was drawn to the welcoming atmosphere of IU Indianapolis. Photo by Aaliyah Prim, Indiana UniversityInimitable culture
The IU spirit is felt across the state, with a unique flavor on each campus. Gunn said she was drawn to the welcoming atmosphere of IU Indianapolis.
“I chose IUI because the opportunities are endless, not only for education and networking but for social acceptance,” she said. “I greatly admire how open-minded and loving the environment at IUI is, and how they put an emphasis on awareness.”
In Bloomington, athletics are a fierce source of pride, and Ilawole is excited to fight for the glory of old IU as a fan and a new player on the volleyball team.
“I chose IU because of the sense of community; the coaches and girls of the volleyball team felt like family,” she said. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people, going to sporting events and playing in the Big Ten.”
Sade Ilawole, a setter on the volleyball team, looks forward to going to sporting events and playing in the Big Ten. Photo by James Brosher, Indiana UniversityNguyen got a head start on making friendships and memories on the Bloomington campus, but as the school year officially begins, she said she’s excited to join a few clubs.
“I’m looking forward to discovering more about myself and learning new life skills,” Nguyen said. “I would love to get into some writing clubs. A friend and I even discussed starting a club of our own.”
For Meyer, having been around the Bloomington campus all his life, there is no other place he’d rather be.
“I chose IU because you can’t beat a Big Ten school with such a vast array of resources in your own backyard,” he said. “The facilities, faculty, events and culture are the perfect mix of college town vibes that no other college can match.”
