Celebrating the Class of 2023

Congratulations to all the Jaguars graduating this month! We asked winter grads about their favorite campus memories, advice for fellow students and the people who inspired them along the way.

Mayowa Awosika, Bachelor of Science in informatics from the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering

What has been your favorite memory at IUPUI? “Serving as a resident assistant at Riverwalk. I had a new favorite memory every week in the role!”

Who has helped you/inspired you to graduate? “My family. As a first-generation college student, my family has inspired me tremendously. Their support both financially and emotionally has helped me to graduate and become a positive role model to my younger siblings.”

Kyle Bolen, Bachelor of Science in fitness management and personal training from the School of Health and Human Sciences

If you could offer advice to someone just starting in your program, what would you say? “I would suggest making close connections with your professors, joining clubs/organizations and trying to get as involved as you can. The School of Health and Human Sciences really is like a family, and you become very close with everyone. The connections you make will really help you through your degree and possibly lead to getting into a graduate program or job.”

Who has helped you/inspired you to graduate? “Chandra Kohler and Rose Baker have really been amazing mentors over my six years here at IUPUI. As someone who has had an untraditional graduation plan, it’s been quite the journey financially and emotionally. However, these two staff members here at IUPUI have always pushed for me to continue forward.”

Shravani Vakkantula, Master of Science in economics from the School of Liberal Arts

What has been your favorite memory at IUPUI? “This month concludes my graduate studies at IUPUI with a fantastic group of minds from my cohort, which tested my perseverance and resilience. I am grateful for all the opportunities provided by Indiana University. My Information desk job at the IUPUI Campus Center kept me engaged with university life and events. It has inculcated problem-solving and crisis-management skills. Even though my academic department has a small cohort, I met so many new people through my on-campus job who shall remain as friends for life.”

What will you miss most about classes at IUPUI? “My fellow classmates and colleagues.”

Bomi Anifowose, Bachelor of Arts in biology from the School of Science

What is the greatest lesson you learned in school? “There is always a growth curve to something new; lean into it.”

Who has helped you/inspired you to graduate? “My mentor, Doyin, is in the Olaniyan Scholars Program. She helped me push through when classes became difficult and I wanted to give up. She reminded me that it will all be worth it. Also, Deon, who was my TA for Orgo 1. When I was confused about career and if I will graduate on track, Deon sat down with me, created a plan on how to stay on track, changes I need to make and even how to graduate early.”

Hemit Shah, Master of Science in human-computer interaction from the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering

What has been your favorite memory at IUPUI? “One of my favorite memories at IUPUI was the ‘Eureka!’ moment during my role as a graduate teaching assistant. Witnessing students’ ‘Aha!’ moments as they grasped complex concepts was incredibly rewarding. It felt like I had unleashed a wave of creativity, and that shared excitement in the classroom became a highlight of my time at IUPUI.”

What is the greatest lesson you learned in school? “That success isn’t just about individual achievement; it’s a collaborative masterpiece. Whether in group projects, extracurricular activities or simply navigating the academic journey, the power of collaboration and learning from diverse perspectives became a cornerstone of my experience at IUPUI.”

Justin Amburgy, Bachelor of Science in HR management, supply chain management and management from the Kelley School of Business

What is the greatest lesson you learned in school? “To always ask questions. Asking questions was vital for the internships I had, and for I-Core and other classes, since they helped me navigate complex tasks and obtain a greater understanding of why certain things operate the way they do. Asking professors and managers for advice was something that I was intimidated to do at first but proved to be helpful once I did.”

Who has helped you/inspired you to graduate? “My parents and my grandpa have had a huge impact in supporting my academic and athletic career at IUPUI. I cannot thank them enough for their support financially and emotionally as they have been encouraging me every year and even allowed me to extend my undergrad to pursue an additional season of cross country. I gave it my all in my academic and athletic collegiate career.”