As the Class of 2025 prepares to graduate, Indiana University celebrates students across its campuses whose college journeys reflect purpose, passion and perseverance. These graduates have not only excelled in meeting their goals but have also helped shape their communities by lifting up others.
“These stories remind us that success is not one-size-fits-all,” said Indiana University interim Vice President Rashad Nelms, JD. “Whether through academic excellence, campus leadership or personal resilience, these graduates have each found their path and left their mark on IU.”
To showcase the wide range of student experiences at IU, we asked faculty and staff across some of IU’s campuses to recommend graduating seniors who have made a meaningful impact. These students shared their journeys through one-on-one interviews—stories marked by determination, discovery and a deep sense of community.
IU Bloomington: Journey Bagyendera
For Journey Bagyendera, transferring to IU Bloomington midway through college opened a new world of opportunity. A 21st Century Scholar from Cambridge City, Indiana, Journey initially attended a small private university before she and her husband made the move to Bloomington, where he began a PhD program, and she discovered what it meant to thrive on a larger campus.
Her time at IU has been defined by exploration and personal growth. She participated in the Kelley School’s MSIS case competition, despite having no prior business experience, and stepped completely out of her comfort zone to join the African American Dance Company. “I hadn’t danced a day in my life,” she laughed. “But I wanted to challenge myself and be part of something bigger.”
Beyond her coursework, Journey worked on campus as both a preschool assistant and a housing assistant, roles that helped her connect with fellow students and deepen her interest in supporting college communities.
“I’ve learned that opportunities are everywhere—you just have to be willing to get uncomfortable,” she said.
This fall, she’ll begin a master’s program in Higher Education and Student Affairs at IU Bloomington, with hopes of working in student housing and support services. “There’s so much growth that happens in these years,” she said. “I want to be part of helping others through that journey.”
IU Bloomington: Maddy Morgan
Maddy Morgan arrived at IU Bloomington seeking a sense of connection. A human biology major and pre-med student, she was drawn to the university for its academic offerings and visible support of Native students. As an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, that mattered.
“IU was the only school I considered that had a First Nations Center,” she said. “It was important to know there was a place where I could reconnect with my heritage.”
Maddy quickly got involved with the Native American Student Association, serving as secretary and later president. Through the organization and the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center, she helped plan campus powwows and traveled with peers to the Navajo Nation over spring break, an experience that deepened her personal and professional goals.
But Maddy’s journey would soon take on a new direction. During her freshman year, Maddy lost her grandfather, a profound moment that reshaped her path. “It was hard being away from family, especially during that time,” she said. “But it made me think about what kind of difference I want to make.” Originally on the path to becoming a physician assistant, she decided to switch to pre-med with the intention of gaining the capability and skills to help more people.
After graduation, she’ll take a gap year working at a hospital in Terre Haute before applying to medical school, hoping to complete a rural residency serving Native communities, especially the Navajo Nation.
“The people I’ve met here changed my life,” she said. “IU gave me the space to grow into who I want to be.”
IU Indianapolis: Tapiwa Mzumara
Tapiwa Mzumara’s journey through IU Indianapolis has been shaped by community, creativity and resilience. A biology major originally from Malawi, Africa, Tapiwa grew up just blocks from campus, transferring to IU Indy from Ivy Tech with a drive to get involved and to build something meaningful along the way.
She joined the Social Justice Scholars program, sang in the a cappella group On a Side Note, and engaged in civic leadership through the CALL Fellowship. She also worked at the university library’s Center for Digital Scholarship, writing Wikipedia entries that uplifted stories from marginalized communities. “It wasn’t just about getting a degree,” she said. “It was about finishing what I started and making an impact while doing it.”
IU Indy also brought Tapiwa a sense of belonging and support. After losing her father during her final year, Tapiwa leaned on the campus community that had embraced her from the start. Support from peers, staff and IU CAPS helped her stay the course. “There were people who called, checked in, sent cards, and said, ‘We miss you.’ That sense of belonging—it kept me going.”
Now preparing to pursue a graduate degree in public health, Tapiwa reflects on her time at IU as a time of discovery and purpose. And for her fellow peers and students who are coming into their college journey, Tapiwa said to “Take it all in. It goes by fast. Say yes to things—even if they scare you. That’s where the growth happens.”
IU Northwest: Douglas Carpenter
When Douglas Carpenter transferred to IU Northwest from IU South Bend, he wasn’t just continuing his education but redefining what was possible. After stepping away from college years earlier with a 1.8 GPA, Douglas returned determined to prove something to himself, his family and his future. He now graduates with a 3.09 GPA, multiple Dean’s List honors and a renewed sense of pride.
A husband, father, football coach and full-time instructional assistant at Munster High School, Douglas balanced life, work and school with purpose. At IU Northwest, he worked as a test proctor supporting students with accommodations. He took joy in showing them around campus, connecting them to resources, and reminding them of their potential—small acts of support he wanted to give others, because he found value in them. “I gave them the help I wish I had when I started,” he said.
Douglas also participated in the Brother2Brother (B2B) College Success Program and credits the campus Writing Center and supportive staff with helping him succeed academically. But perhaps more than anything, he’s proud of finishing on his terms. “There’s no timeline for education—you don’t need to rush or put added pressure on yourself,” he said. “There’s no such thing as being ‘too old,’ and no limit when it comes to ability. I’ve seen people of all ages and with disabilities graduate. At thirty, I know firsthand that it’s never too late to do something for yourself.”
After graduation, Douglas plans to pursue a master’s in school counseling at IU Indianapolis. “I want to help students see that they can do it too, even if the road is different from what they expected.”
IU Southeast: Rian MarQuand
When Rian MarQuand arrived at IU Southeast, college felt like a fresh start, but it wasn’t easy at first. The pandemic took a toll on his mental health, and after struggling through his senior year of high school, he entered his first semester at IU Southeast still feeling lost.
“I failed most of my classes that first term,” he said. “But my professors saw potential in me and helped me turn things around.”
Rian not only found his footing, but he also soared. As vice president of the Student Government Association, he launched a campus health resource vending machine, advocated for dining improvements and pushed for greater autonomy over graduation ceremonies. “It wasn’t just about my class,” he said. “It was about making the experience better for everyone who comes after us.”
He also revived the Jewish Student Union on campus, helping create a sense of belonging for students who hadn’t seen themselves reflected in the community before. Under his leadership, the group hosted events and partnered with other student organizations to plan an inclusive celebration in response to the cancellation of multicultural graduation.
Unexpectedly, Rian also found his voice as a writer. As managing editor of The Review, the campus literary magazine, he led the team to a first-place statewide press award. He’s now exploring creative writing as a path forward, blending storytelling and social impact.
“This place helped me believe in myself again,” he said. “And I’m proud of what I’ve built here.”
From Bloomington to Indianapolis, Northwest to Southeast, these students exemplify the impact they’ve experienced at IU through their academic journey, not just through academic success, but through leadership, service and self-discovery. As they turn their tassels and step into their next chapters, they leave behind memories and a legacy of how everyone can do anything with a community always there to cheer them on.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!