Meet Sycamore Kamille Gaskin-Griffith, who came to Indiana State University all the way from the island nation of Barbados. While competing on Indiana State's track and field team, she also studied economics and became a student leader in the academic program. She looks forward to a career as a financial analyst, and she's grateful she made the decision to attend Indiana State -- her home away from home!

On the baseball field, Jackson Taylor, '25, made game-winning plays for Indiana State University. Off the field, he excelled as a finance and economics major. Now an Indiana State graduate, Taylor reflects on his Sycamore journey with pride and excitement. Next up is the prestigious Orr Fellowship program in Indianapolis, where he will gain invaluable business experience.

Meet Craig Robinson, an English Teaching major at Indiana State University who's turning the page on tradition. This May 2025 graduate is all about poetry, theater, and helping students love English lit. Oh—and he gave Hamlet a rockin’ '80s remix as director of the Indiana State Theater Department’s Fall ‘24 play!

Meet Sycamore Kaleigh Weidman, an Indiana State University sophomore who is triple-majoring in history, political science, and legal studies! Weidman has founded the nonprofit organization Our Time for Change to support civic education, and she is active in the Honors College, Student Government Association, Gamma Phi Beta, and other campus groups. With her academic journey guiding her toward law school, this civic-minded Sycamore is already making a difference on campus, in the local community, and beyond.

Even before he became Chief of Police for West Lafayette, Master of Public Administration student Adam Ferguson, ’25, knew he wanted to play an important role in shaping his department and supporting fellow members of the force. So he enrolled with Indiana State University’s MPA program to strengthen his understanding of administrative processes, community relations, and public service management. Now, with his recent appointment as chief, Ferguson is well-positioned to apply what he’s learned in support of his department and the community it serves.

International MBA student Maximillian Davis used to coordinate tours in his home nation of Ghana for students and faculty from American universities – including Indiana State. He was so impressed with all he learned about the campus in Terre Haute, Indiana that he became a Sycamore himself! Now, Davis says he is right where he belongs and wouldn't change a thing about his graduate-school experience at Indiana State.

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.

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.

Speech-Language Pathology MS student Ashley Matthews wants to make a difference in her clients' lives. Hands-on clinical and research experiences have allowed her to work with Parkinson's patients, stroke patients, patients with traumatic brain injuries, individuals who have difficulty swallowing, veterans, children with autism, and transgender individuals, among others. “Indiana State has everything I wanted in my graduate program: the academics, the research, and the clinical experience," she says.

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.

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.