Indiana State University alumna Bethany Baker, ’10 credits her rich Sycamore experience with preparing her for success not only in her photojournalism career but also at Harvard University, where she graduated in 2023 with a Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies with a journalism focus. Baker, who now works as a photojournalist for the Salt Lake Tribune, says her learning opportunities inside and outside Indiana State’s classrooms – including the Honors College, multiple study-abroad trips, and working for the Indiana Statesman – put her on the path to future accomplishments.

Several current and former Indiana State University athletes enjoyed the experience of a lifetime when they participated in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. Current Sycamore Chloe Farro represented her home country, Aruba, in swimming; 2019 alumna Erin Reese competed in hammer throw; 2014 alumna Mary Theisen-Lappen earned a top-five finish in weightlifting; and 2023 alumnus Noah Malone won a gold medal at the Paralympics. The athletes broke personal records while making their Sycamore community proud.

Educational Administration PhD student Nicole Otte took advantage of Indiana State University's Preferred Partners Program to return to school and pursue her educational goals. Otte, who is Director of Workforce Development at Endress+Hauser Group, wants to provide better educational opportunities, including industry partnerships, for high school students.

Sycamore sport management alumnus Zachary Hurst, '13, has come home. He now works as Assistant Commissioner for External Relations at the Missouri Valley Conference, having previously worked with the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and several college sports programs around the country. Hurst credits Indiana State and its sport management program with providing intensive academics and invaluable experiences – including working an internship with Special Olympics Indiana and helping the student-led Larry Legend Foundation make the Larry Bird statue a reality - that led him to a successful career in the field. And he’s excited to work on behalf of sports programs and student-athletes at Indiana State and 11 other MVC schools across the Valley.

Human Development and Family Science graduate Ellie Heerema, '24, has a compassionate heart for others. During her education at Indiana State, she completed internships in nonprofit leadership, counseling, and clinical therapy. Before graduation, she was selected as one of six students across the United States to join the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance for her commitment to nonprofit activism. Now, she is on a path to make a difference for college students as a professional therapist in higher education.

Communication graduate Ashley Davenport-Shaker, '24 followed a nontraditional path to reach her commencement moment on May 11. After taking a break due to financial and mental health hardships, she returned to Indiana State in 2022 to finish her degree. Through perseverance and unwavering commitment, including during her pregnancy, the Sycamore achieved her long-awaited goal of graduating from college. Now, the door is wide open for her to make a difference in others’ lives through mental health communications.

Since graduating from Indiana State University in 1991, Terre Haute native Paul Thrift has carved out a distinguished and influential career in residential and commercial property development. The political science alumnus is co-founder of Thompson Thrift, a national real estate investment company based in Terre Haute and Indianapolis. Thrift’s vision and leadership has helped propel the company to incredible success, and his efforts and influence have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, he was featured for the second year running on the Indiana Business Journal’s Top 250 list of influential individuals in Indiana. For Thrift, a proud Sycamore, such recognition only fuels his commitment to making impactful contributions through both his business ventures and community endeavors.

Doctorate of Athletic Training alumna Mandy Flaig, '22, is an athletic trainer for the Delmarva Shorebirds, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Baltimore Orioles. Dr. Flaig is one of the first people on the field to assist injured players, and she helps them to recover and return to the baseball field as stronger athletes. While many sports fans and athletes root for victory, Flaig cheers for athletes' positive health and wellbeing on and off the field.

Mental health has become a growing concern nationwide. Political science alumna Andrea Brown, '05, understands this concern as Director of Operations at Stepping Stone Therapy Center in Indianapolis. Under her leadership, the center has established the Clinician Led Community Response Team (CLCRT) program, a 24/7 call center to respond to mental health situations that require immediate attention. During the Fall 2023 semester, Brown returned to Indiana State's campus to talk about the program with current criminology and criminal justice students.

Dr. Marcus McChristian, '92, couldn't have predicted his future when he graduated from Indiana State University with degrees in business administration and insurance and risk management. Thanks to unexpected career opportunities, he travels the world as a foreign service officer for the U.S. Department of State. Now, he's returning to Indiana State as the keynote speaker for the Scott College of Business 2024 Diversity in Business Symposium on February 19.

Bre'Anna Donaldson, '15, dreamed of becoming an attorney at a young age. With support and encouragement from her family, with mentorship and educational opportunities from her Indiana State University professors, and with financial assistance from Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program, Bre'Anna achieved her goal of becoming an attorney through discipline, motivation, and perseverance.

Angella Ogalo, '23, returned to college after taking time away to raise a family. Now, she has completed her online bachelor's degree in leadership and professional development while working full-time for the Community Service Board in the government office of Fairfax County, Virginia. Ogalo credits her family and employers, and her faculty at Indiana State, with helping her realize her potential as a college graduate and working professional.

Doctorate of Athletic Training alumnus Steve Smith, '19, has an inside view of the University of Michigan's football success. As associate athletic trainer for the team, he assists Wolverine athletes as they recover from injuries and work to achieve peak physical performance. Smith will be working on the sidelines in Houston Monday, January 8, as Michigan plays the University of Washington Huskies in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

During Summer 2023, Indiana State University students and alumni joined Dr. Alex Elvis Badillo, assistant professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Systems, on an excavation trip to Pompeii, Italy. Together, they examined the ancient city's ruins and used modern technology to reveal more about its past.

Elementary education major Macy Ramey is following in her mother's footsteps as captain of Indiana State's Spirit Squad. Her mother, Angie Ramey, '98, has fond memories of cheering for the Sycamores. Now, Macy's younger sisters have joined her at Indiana State as they continue a cherished family tradition.

Courtney Richey-Chipol advocates for small businesses as program director of the West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center at Indiana State. She and her team of mentors provide guidance and resources that help business owners succeed in the marketplace.