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Class of 2022
Indiana University Kokomo is proud of the accomplishments of the Class of 2022, and congratulates them on graduating. Here are a few of their inspiring stories:
Public administration grad plans career in non-profit leadership
When Grace Marshall made her college decision, the ability to live at home in Hartford City and commute was a high priority. Though other schools were closer, she chose Indiana University Kokomo for its major in public administration, which aligned with her plans for a leadership role in a nursing home or health care facility.
Graduates express gratitude for support from family, friends
During Adam Voils’s first semester as a student at Indiana University Kokomo, he made a promise to his grandmother that he would graduate from college. Today he fulfilled that promise. Voils was among nearly 700 students graduating in the Commencement ceremony outdoors at the Pavilion, earning a Bachelor of General Studies.
Commencement 2022 honors nearly 700 graduates
KOKOMO, Ind. — With great applause and pageantry, Indiana University Kokomo celebrated the success of its Class of 2022 at its 53rd annual Commencement today (May 11).
Veteran transitions into high school teaching
When Sawyer Reynolds finished his service in the U.S. Army, he knew his next step was a job where he could make a difference in the community. His plan to go into law enforcement was derailed by an injury, so he started thinking about other options, considering how a teacher could reach young people and change lives for the better.
Students, faculty, selected for honor societies
Nearly 70 Indiana University Kokomo students and faculty were recognized for academic achievement in fields ranging from sociology to nursing, and from communication to business, with selection for national honor societies.
Honors convocation recognizes student academic excellence
KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo honored the academic achievements of its students during the annual Honors Convocation held Monday (May 9) in Havens Auditorium.
Master's hooding ceremony honors graduate students
KOKOMO, Ind. —Indiana University Kokomo recognized the hard work and dedication of its graduate students, honoring them at the annual master’s hooding ceremony Monday (May 9).
Health care professionals receive recognition
The Indiana University School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions celebrated the accomplishments of its graduates, both in nursing and radiologic sciences, at recognition ceremonies Thursday (May 5). Faculty and staff congratulated 47 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates, 18 from the RN to BSN program, 10 Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Technology graduates, and 12 from the Associate of Science in Radiography.
Future educators honored at recognition ceremony
The Indiana University Kokomo School of Education welcomed 38 new teachers to the profession and applauded eight incoming students who plan to become teachers, at the annual recognition ceremony Wednesday (May 4). Dean Leah Nellis said it was fitting that the ceremony, in Kresge Auditorium, was held during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Business students commended for academic success
Indiana University Kokomo School of Business faculty and staff saluted undergraduate and graduate students for their success in the classroom, at its annual awards ceremony Friday (May 6).
Senior shares message of inclusion in thesis exhibition
By nature, Sarah Webster is a soft-spoken person. As an artist, though, she’s not afraid to speak up through graphic design work, especially in support of a cause she supports. As one of seven new media, art, and technology (NMAT) students featured in the annual Thesis Exhibition, open now in the Indiana University Kokomo Downtown Art Gallery, she’s using artwork to highlight the LGBTQ+ community and skateboarders, both of which she says are often viewed in a negative light.
Research prepares senior for physician's assistant program
As Logan Cox begins the competitive admissions process for physician’s assistant programs, she says her Indiana University Kokomo degree has prepared her for the challenge. “The lab experience was excellent here. I don’t think I would have had as much hands-on attention, and given the opportunities I’ve had anywhere else,” she said. “My classes were taught by specialists in their field, with advanced degrees. It’s reassuring being taught by experts.”
Senior reaches medical school admission goal
For the last three years, Ross Filbrun has been laser-focused on one target— acceptance into the Indiana University School of Medicine. He’s prepared for this goal by working on a degree in biological and physical sciences at IU Kokomo. In September, his efforts paid off after being admitted to the school’s Lafayette campus — his first choice.
Math success gives senior confidence in all classes
When she began college, Becky Harmon usually kept her questions to herself, and figured them out on her own. An understanding math professor at Indiana University Kokomo gave her the courage to speak up in all of her classes, not just to ask for help, but to contribute to discussions.
Business major completes degree started 20 years ago
When Lisa Rhoades crosses the stage and accepts her diploma during Indiana University Kokomo’s Commencement, it will be a victory 20 years in the making, and a tribute to never giving up. “I almost can’t even grasp that it’s real,” said Rhoades, who will receive a Bachelor of Science in Business. “It’s been the one thing that I needed to do to feel like I had fulfilled my dreams. I had so much potential, and it was the one thing I felt I should have done that I hadn’t. I’ve never been so excited about anything.”
Veteran finds new path from encouraging faculty
When Dan Allender West returned to college, he expected to go to class, do what was required, and complete his degree as quickly as possible. “I planned on coming back to check off the boxes to get my degree, and then move on, hopefully to a career related to my field,” he said. “A few professors were instrumental in helping me find joy in the process in a way I didn’t expect, coming in at 35 and graduating at 37.”
Love of history leads to museum career
Madi Guffey’s fascination with the ancient world goes all the way back to when she was five years old and completed a kindergarten graduation project about the mummification process. This fascination with history led her to Indiana University Kokomo, where she graduates in May with a degree in history and political science.
Overcoming challenges prepares senior to be a math professor
A math major, a biochemistry major, and a physics minor add up to one challenging college career for Tifany Burnett. Factor in that she’s accomplished all of this with dyslexia, and it’s truly an inspiring story. “It just makes me work harder to get what I want out of what I’m doing,” said Burnett, who graduates in May and has already been admitted to two graduate programs.
Radiography degree a step towards med school
Comfort provided by a radiologic technologist changed Adhir Patel’s life. Distraught after a high school soccer injury, he clearly remembers the caring technologist who took his X-rays, and the impact she made on him. “Soccer was very important to me,” he said. “I learned I would never be able to run or play soccer again. I was bawling my eyes out, and the tech made me feel a lot better about it. I decided I wanted to be that person for someone else.”
Basketball standout plans career in physical therapy
Tia Chambers chose Indiana University Kokomo specifically because of an opportunity to continue playing basketball. What she found when she arrived on campus was much more than she expected. “I feel like I made the right choice,” said Chambers, from Mishawaka. “I hadn’t been the best student in high school. But, with the small classes, and professors not having a huge number of students, it helped me with my grades and staying focused.”
FNP program helps nurse fulfill his mission
Members of the LGBTQ+ community face unique health care challenges –which their medical providers aren’t always prepared to treat. As a future family nurse practitioner, Jacob Barnes knows the special needs they face, including higher risk for substance use, sexually transmitted diseases, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, bullying, isolation, rejection, anxiety, depression, and suicide. His mission is to make a difference.
CASA internship gives criminal justice majors inside look
The decisions Nicole Sharp and Erica Bolinger make in their internships have real impact on children’s lives. The two Indiana University Kokomo criminal justice majors were sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASAs, as part of their internship with the not-for-profit. CASA recruits, trains, supervises, and supports volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system.
Senior seeks fine dining career with HTM degree
For Cameron Gibson, taking care of restaurant customers is about more than serving their food. It’s about creating a memorable experience. After he graduates from Indiana University Kokomo in May with a degree in hospitality and tourism management, his goal is to manage food and beverage operations at a fine dining establishment in a large city.
Commencement will celebrate graduates
Indiana University Kokomo celebrates the achievements of the Class of 2022 at its Commencement ceremony Wednesday, May 11. IU President Pamela Whitten will preside over the ceremony for the 693 members of the Class of 2022 graduates, who represent 41 Indiana counties, 13 states, and 18 countries. Thirty-two percent of the class is first-generation college students, and 24 are graduating with 4.0 grade point averages.
Second chance makes informatics degree possible
As she prepares to graduate from Indiana University Kokomo in May, Jean Redfern looks forward to her future career as a network administrator — made possible by the hard work she put in to make the most of her second chance to earn a degree.