IUAA Southeast Indiana Region

What started as a college education at IU Southeast became a lifelong journey of leadership, perseverance, and purpose for alumna Amie Wagoner Schindler.

In a recent conversation with Josh Suiter, Director of Alumni Engagement, Amie reflected on balancing college, family, and career challenges before discovering her passion for creating opportunities for individuals with special needs through her work with Wigglewow and its nonprofit mission.

Read her inspiring alumni story on our blog and learn how an IU Southeast education helped prepare her for a life of service and impact.

Read the full story here: https://blogs.iu.edu/sealumni/2026/06/12/finding-purpose-through-persistence-iu-southeast-alumna-amie-schindlers-journey-of-service-and-impact/

What was supposed to be a temporary stop became a place Abby Shields was proud to call home.

During a recent conversation with Josh Suiter, Director of Alumni Engagement, Abby reflected on how Christian Student Fellowship, campus leadership opportunities, faculty mentorship, and the relationships she built across campus convinced her to stay at IU Southeast through graduation.

Now a 2026 graduate with a degree in Media, Journalism and Strategic Communication, Abby is pursuing opportunities in communications, marketing, administration, and higher education—with hopes of one day returning to IU Southeast as a staff member.

Read Abby's story on the blog: https://blogs.iu.edu/sealumni/2026/06/12/finding-a-home-at-iu-southeast-abby-shields-reflects-on-the-people-who-shaped-her-college-experience/

Flashback Friday - September 4, 1975

In the September 4, 1975 edition of The IUS Weekly Student, IU Southeast announced the appointment of Jim Morris as the university's new athletic director and men's basketball coach.

Coach Morris was no stranger to Southern Indiana. A graduate of Jeffersonville High School and Bellarmine University, he previously coached at Flaget High School, New Albany High School, and Oscar-Rose Junior College before serving as a recruiter for Indiana State College.

In the article, Morris shared plans to strengthen athletics at IU Southeast, including expanding opportunities for women's sports. He discussed the hiring of a new women's basketball coach, who would also lead the softball program, as well as a new tennis coach. He also introduced a new assistant coach for the varsity basketball team.

A notable piece of IU Southeast history: Morris became the university's first full-time athletic director/coach. His impact on the campus and community was later recognized when he received the Chancellor's Medallion in 2010.

Do you remember Coach Morris or his contributions to IU Southeast athletics? Share your memories in the comments.

Mark your calendar for a summer adventure with fellow Hoosiers.

The IU Alumni Association Southeast Region and IU Southeast invite alumni, families, and friends to join us at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. CDT.

Enjoy a day filled with thrilling rides, water attractions, family-friendly entertainment, and opportunities to reconnect with the IU community. Whether you're looking for excitement, relaxation, or quality time with family and friends, there's something for everyone.

Tickets are $58 per person and include park admission and a buffet lunch.

Reserve your spot today:
https://www.myiu.org/events/calendar/details.html?id=b4651547-988d-43c0-b451-c6087c7083dc

We look forward to celebrating summer and creating new memories with you.

What started as a one-year plan turned into a life-changing journey for Luke Fitzgerald, MBA '19 and BS in Business '12.

Recently, Luke met with Josh Suiter, Director of Alumni Engagement, to reflect on how IU Southeast helped shape his personal and professional success. From working in the Physical Plant as a student to becoming Chief Financial Officer at Louisville Paving, Luke credits IU Southeast with helping him grow into the best version of himself.

After earning his bachelor's degree in Management and Accounting, completing his CPA, and later returning to earn his MBA, Luke has built an impressive career while staying rooted in the values of leadership, faith, and community.

"I am the best version of myself professionally and personally because of my education at IU Southeast and because of the opportunities I've received from Louisville Paving."

Read Luke's inspiring alumni story and discover how an unexpected college choice became the foundation for a rewarding career: https://blogs.iu.edu/sealumni/2026/06/11/from-iu-southeast-student-worker-to-cfo-luke-fitzgeralds-journey-of-faith-leadership-and-growth/

Did you know?

Indiana University has launched the Never Daunted Campaign, a bold initiative focused on creating lasting impact across Indiana and around the world.

The campaign is built around three key priorities:

• Enabling Student Success through increased scholarship and student support opportunities.

• Fueling Life-Changing Discovery and Innovation through investments in research and innovation.

• Strengthening Communities at Home and Beyond by growing alumni engagement, supporting Indiana's talent pipeline, and celebrating IU pride.

While fundraising is an important component of the campaign, Never Daunted is also about people, stories, and connections. We want to hear how IU has shaped your journey and help you discover new ways to stay connected with the university.

Want to learn more, make a gift, or share your IU story?

Contact Josh Suiter at [email protected] or visit https://give.myiu.org/

Congratulations to these IU Southeast alumni who have recently accepted new professional and leadership roles.

From serving veterans and supporting business growth to leading schools across Southern Indiana, these alumni continue to make a difference in their communities and professions.

Please join us in congratulating:

• Jose Aponte, MA in Mental Health Counseling '22, Certificate in Interdisciplinary Studies '20, and BA in Journalism '17, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

• Lance Faith, BA in General Studies '24, ProSales Associate at Herc Rentals

• Tim French, MS in Education '07 and BS in Education '01, Principal at Mt. Tabor Elementary

• Ashley Nevin, MS in Education '13 and BS in Education '08, Principal at Highland Hills Middle School

• Bethany Reavis, MS in Education '06 and BS in Education '02, Assistant Principal at Mt. Tabor Elementary

• Bekki Sebolt, MS in Education '25 and BS in Education '05, Assistant Principal at Franklin Square Elementary

Read more about their accomplishments in our latest blog: https://blogs.iu.edu/sealumni/2026/06/10/iu-southeast-alumni-advance-into-new-professional-and-educational-leadership-roles/

Have you recently started a new job or received a promotion?

Share your news with us. Email Josh Suiter at [email protected] with your name, graduation year, degree, employer, and new role for a chance to be featured in an upcoming IU Southeast alumni spotlight.

Alumni Owned Business Spotlight: Mediaura

This week, we are highlighting Mediaura, founded by IU Southeast alumnus Andrew Aebersold, BA in History ’03 and AS in Business ’02.

For more than two decades, Mediaura has helped businesses achieve their marketing goals through innovative digital solutions and strategic expertise. Their team works closely with clients to create customized approaches that drive growth and support long-term success.

Mediaura offers a wide range of services, including digital marketing strategy, lead generation, website design and development, SEO, social media management, branding, creative services, and more.

We are proud to celebrate alumni entrepreneurs like Andrew who continue to make an impact through their leadership, innovation, and commitment to helping businesses succeed.

Learn more at https://mediaura.com/

Recently, Josh Suiter, Director of Alumni Engagement, sat down with Caleb Hutchinson, Bachelor of General Studies '25, to hear about his IU Southeast journey.

What happens when the path you started on isn't the one you're meant to finish?

For Caleb, the answer came through perseverance, self-discovery, and a willingness to embrace change. From finding a sense of belonging on campus to navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately discovering a passion for helping others, his story is one of resilience and growth.

Read Caleb's full story and learn how his IU Southeast experience helped shape his future.

https://blogs.iu.edu/sealumni/2026/06/09/finding-purpose-through-growth-caleb-hutchinsons-iu-southeast-journey/

The Networking Note: Don't be afraid to introduce yourself first.

Networking can feel intimidating, but meaningful connections often begin with a simple introduction. Whether you're attending a career fair, alumni event, conference, or professional gathering, taking the initiative to start a conversation can open doors to new opportunities and relationships.

Most professionals remember what it was like to be new to networking and are happy to share their experiences and advice. A confident introduction is often the first step toward building your professional network.

What's one networking tip that has helped you make new connections?