UIndy Center for Service-Learning & Community Engagement

This past year, SWE has shown up for the community in a really consistent, hands-on way, turning small actions into real impact. UIndy's Society of Women Engineers (SWE) members have been turning plastic bags into woven mats for unhoused neighbors, combining sustainability with service in a powerful way.

To expand their impact, they also built two foldable looms, making it easier for more volunteers to get involved and grow this meaningful project. 💚

A beautiful example of engineering, creativity, and community coming together to create real change. 🌍♻️

Congratulations to Brooke Bailey, recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Graduate Student Volunteer Award!

Brooke has been a dedicated volunteer with the Special Olympics Indiana State Youth Basketball Tournament for several years. This year, she went above and beyond by assisting with set-up on Friday night and returning the next morning to support the event throughout the day.

Across the two-day event, she contributed nearly 12 hours of hands-on support, stepping in wherever needed to help ensure everything ran smoothly and successfully. Her commitment, reliability, and willingness to serve made a meaningful impact on the event and everyone involved.

Congratulations, Brooke, and thank you for your outstanding dedication to service!

Congratulations to Maryam Imran, recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Student Volunteer Award!

Maryam has shown exceptional dedication to service throughout the year, consistently stepping up to lead and organize meaningful volunteer projects that bring people together in support of the community. As a strong leader within her RSO and the Engineering Department, she regularly collaborates with the Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement to create impactful service opportunities each semester.

From supporting Crop Hunger initiatives by helping turn recycled grocery bags into beds for those in need, to organizing engineering students to build looms, and writing thoughtful get-well cards, Maryam’s efforts reflect a genuine and consistent commitment to helping others.

Her leadership and passion for service have made a lasting impact on our university community. Congratulations, Maryam!

Congratulations to Grace, recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Graduate Student Service-Learning Award!

Through her work with Indy Reads, Grace demonstrated that service-learning is about more than volunteer hours—it is about meaningful connection, reflection, and understanding. She supported individuals facing barriers such as limited literacy, transportation challenges, financial constraints, and access to resources, gaining a deeper awareness of how these factors shape health and well-being.

Her experience helped her move from focusing on “fixing problems” to listening, learning, and working alongside people to build trust and understanding. This shift strengthened her communication skills, empathy, and professional growth as a future physical therapist.

Grace’s work highlights the importance of health literacy, collaboration, and compassion in healthcare, and reflects a strong commitment to social responsibility.

Congratulations to Piper Allman, recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Student Service-Learning Award!

Through her long-term work with Horizon House, Piper has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service, research, and community engagement. Over the past year, she completed more than 50 hours of service through her anthropology coursework and capstone project, supporting shelter operations while conducting ethnographic research on homelessness, shelter policies, and access to services.

From assisting with clothing vouchers and food distribution to interviewing staff and critically analyzing systems of support, Piper’s work reflects both compassion and academic excellence. Her dedication to meaningful, long-term engagement and the depth of her research have made her project truly outstanding.

Congratulations, Piper!

Congratulations to Special Olympics Indiana, recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Community Partner Award!

For 16 years, their partnership with the University of Indianapolis has created an exceptional service-learning experience through the State Youth Basketball Tournament. Beyond hosting the event, they provide ongoing mentorship, in-class guidance, and meaningful feedback that helps students build confidence, think critically, and develop career-ready skills.

Their commitment supports both student learning and athlete experience, making this collaboration a true model of impactful community engagement and service-learning.

On April 22, the UIndy community gathered for the 2026 Community Campus Forum & Service Expo, celebrating the impact of Education for Service.
Students showcased their service projects and reflected on their community engagement experiences, highlighting the meaningful impact of their work. The event also recognized outstanding students, faculty, and community partners for their contributions to service-learning and engagement.
Thank you to everyone who participated, presented, and helped make this celebration of service possible!❤️

📢 Deadline Extended!

The Call for Abstracts for the International Symposium on Service-Learning (ISSL 2026) at Stellenbosch University has been extended to 3 June 2026.

🗓 30 Nov – 3 Dec 2026 | Stellenbosch, South Africa

Submit your abstract here: https://www.givepulse.com/survey/take/zHli9Ow9c7FR6dokLkl4

Thank you so much to everyone who made the Great UIndy Clean Up possible!

Help out our friends at Thrifty Threads and drop off some donations in Schwitz or at the CSLCE, Esch 134!