Stories

Personal stories from IUPUI Honors Scholars

Honors Scholars are held to the highest standards at IUPUI. They also graduate with the richest college experiences, full of opportunities for research, international study, service, and experiential learning.

The stories below show the rigor and rewards of Honors student life.

Creating meaningful experiences through service and leadership

Abigail Hadley, Biology and Sociology

For Plater International Scholar Abigail Hadley, making connections and helping others paved a path toward success.

Read Abigail’s story

Improving lives through physical therapy and exercise

Cara Schaadt, Exercise Science

Cara Schaadt has always wanted to work in hippotherapy, using horses to help people with disabilities refine their motor skills.

Read Cara’s story

Studying ceramics, culture, and history around the world

Megan Smith, Ceramics

Chancellor’s Scholar and ceramics major Megan Smith completed her fourth study abroad experience this fall in Jingdezhen, China.

Read Megan’s story

Honors College opportunities help student answer his calling

Joseph Boone, Biology

Sophomore Joseph Boone has always wanted to be a doctor, and with leadership and research experience already under his belt, it appears he is well on his way.

Read Joseph’s story

High-pressure problem solving in aerospace

David Kane, Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mathematics

Ten-year-old David Kane watched the movie Apollo 13 and realized what he wanted to do when he grew up.

Read David’s story

Hearing from atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima

Ibrahim Khan, Chemistry and Biology

For Chancellor’s Scholar Ibrahim Khan, the IUPUI Honors College provides a community of academic encouragement and comradery.

Read Ibrahim’s story

Building community with communication design

Devan Himstedt, Visual Communication Design

As a Visual Communication Design major with a passion for leadership and public relations, Honors scholar Devan Himstedt found the perfect niche at IUPUI.

Read Devan’s story

Honors Scholar Morgan Moran sits on the ground beside a red wagon with a license plate that says: "4RILEYKIDS, Abate of Illinois, Crawford County Chapter 2014." She is wearing a red jacket that says "Volunteer Services."

1,000+ hours of volunteering and service learning

Morgan Moran, Psychology

The regular volunteer at Riley Hospital for Children Morgan Moran says she loves IUPUI, but the Honors College is what makes it feel like home.

Read Morgan’s story

Studying internal medicine in Indianapolis

Luis Ramos, Biology

Luis Ramos traveled 2,000 miles away from home in Puerto Rico to receive an education at IUPUI, a university he felt would best equip him for a career as a physician.

Read Luis’s story

Improving health in Swaziland

Emily Storkman, Nursing

Nursing major Emily Storkman has a passion for service, which is one reason why she is thankful the Honors College helps people help people

Read Emily’s story

Balancing swim team with dentistry school and research

Zachary Bennett, Biology

Between swimming, mentoring, and research commitments, Zachary Bennett says time management is his key to his success.

Read Zachary’s story

Teaching English as a second language in three countries

Sarah Grace Fraser, English linguistics

Whether she is studying abroad in China, focusing on her French minor, or tutoring English, Sarah Grace Fraser is doing what she loves by immersing herself in other cultures.

Read Sarah’s story

Honor's Scholar Kurtis Oldiges wears his Army uniform in the IUPUI University Library.

From military training to the business world

Kurtis Oldiges, Business

As an IUPUI Honors Scholar, soldier, intern, volunteer, and mentor, Kurtis Oldiges is fulfilling his childhood dream of making a difference in the world.

Read Kurtis’s story