Elijah Shouse, a first-year finance major at Indiana State University, has already made a name for himself on campus. He is very active in student and campus organizations, including the Scott College of Business Networks Professional Development Program, the Indiana State University Honors College, and various community engagement projects. When Shouse isn't studying business, he's producing music -- following a passion instilled by his father. He also sells clothing that carries his own commercial brand – Product of Passion. These efforts, combined with his rigorous college coursework, are teaching Shouse about business and entrepreneurship -- and his journey is only beginning.

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.

Indiana State University Sycamore Kalani (KJ) Brown knows sports. The sport management major is passionate about college athletics, and his academic program at Indiana State University has allowed him to participate in exciting internships with Sycamore Athletics and with the Big Ten football championship at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brown refers to Indiana State as a “family campus” where he receives encouragement and mentorship from his professors. “It’s always a good day to be a Sycamore,” he says.

Indiana State University nursing student Hannah Buescher has received plenty of hands-on clinical training in her nursing degree program. With learning experiences at hospitals, nursing homes, and even a regional airport, Buescher has explored such career paths as nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, travel nursing, and related professions. She credits her professors in the School of Nursing for providing resources and mentorship to help her map out her future career.

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.

Piper Watkins has a lot going on. The junior public relations and digital communication and media student is a member of the Honors College, the Spirit Squad, Student Media, Sycamore Video, and other student organizations. This year, she added another role to her list: Miss ISU. Joining a long tradition of Sycamore women before her, Watkins represented Indiana State University at this year's Miss Indiana pageant -- where she advocated to make a difference for the mental health and safety of children.

Indiana State University senior Payton Ferency knew at a young age what career she wanted to pursue. Her father was a 30-year veteran of the Terre Haute Police Department and an FBI task officer, so it didn't surprise anyone in her family when Ferency chose to study intelligence analysis related to counterterrorism. The Honors College student has made a name for herself in the School of Criminology and Security Studies, and internships, volunteer activities, and study-abroad experiences have broadened her worldview in preparation for a career of impact and service.

Indiana State University junior nursing major Peyton Heagy is a busy Sycamore! In addition to her nursing program and her academic work in the University's Honors College, Heagy is involved in multiple student clubs and organizations and also competes on the Sycamore Swim & Dive team. She has achieved great balance between her academics, athletics, and student organization commitments, all of which provide terrific experience for someone who aspires to help others in a busy and demanding nursing career.

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.

Indiana State University senior and May 2024 graduate Spencer Limcaco has always had an interest in agriculture and plants. The biology major expanded his understanding of horticulture and plant biology through faculty-recommended internships and with on-campus learning opportunities in the Office of Sustainability. Now, Limcaco is ready to pursue a career in biotechnology engineering for agriculture, and he credits Indiana State with preparing him for that future.

Danielle and Isabella Henning have a bond unlike most siblings. The twin sisters are members of the Sycamore Class of 2024, and they have spent four years playing for Indiana State's softball team. With differing disciplines (Danielle is a marketing major and Isabella is a mechanical engineering technology major), it's time for the sisters to leave The Forest and explore separate career paths. But they will always fondly recall their time as teammates and as proud Sycamores.

Indiana State University senior and May 2024 graduate Daniel Garcia is a Fulbright Scholar and a recipient of the 2024 Hines Memorial Medal. Daniel is passionate about sustainability and the environment, and his double major in English and Geography and Sustainability has prepared him to make a difference in his career field of climate communication. He has also made a difference at Indiana State, where his activities and environmental advocacy have left a significant legacy of sustainability practices and awareness.

Freshman art student Jervontae Thurman knew Indiana State University was the right school for him on his first college visit. After witnessing the passion from his professors and peers, he wanted to be a part of a campus community that motivated him to work hard for his college degree. Also a 21st Century Scholar, the Sycamore is grateful for the support as he pursues a career in graphic design.