2022 was a big year for IUPUI. Many exciting events returned to campus as COVID-19 restrictions lifted and a new future for our campus was set in motion. Here’s a look back at some of the the year’s top stories:
Jagapalooza returns
IUPUI’s year-end carnival tradition returned after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19. Hundreds of students arrived at the Campus Center parking lot filled with a glowing Ferris wheel, fair rides, food trucks and games. The Student Activities Programming Board organized Jagapalooza and are excited to keep the tradition going.
Chancellor Paydar retires
After serving IUPUI as chancellor for seven years, Nasser Paydar retired. He left a lasting impact on our campus, but his work in higher education didn’t end with retirement. He was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as the assistant secretary for postsecondary education with the U.S. Department of Education and now works in Washington D.C.
Until the university fills the position, Andrew Klein is serving as IUPUI’s interim chancellor.
IUPUI women’s basketball makes March Madness
The Jaguars made history, winning the Horizon League Championship against Cleveland State. It wasn’t the first time they won the conference, but it was the first time they would actually get a chance to compete in the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Some players, including Macee Williams, Rachel McLimore and Destiny Perkins, were among those who won the Horizon League back in 2020, but the Big Dance was canceled due to COVID-19. In the 2022 tournament bracket, the 13th ranked Jaguars were matched up against the fourth-seeded Oklahoma Sooners. The Jags played tough but lost in a close contest 72-78.
Congratulations, Class of 2022
The weather caused a change of plans for commencement in May, but nothing could rain on the Class of 2022’s celebration. Graduates were given ponchos as they arrived in Michael A. Carroll Stadium and the undergraduate ceremony continued, with Chris Cardoza serving as the student commencement speaker.
A bold new vision
In August 2022, Indiana University and Purdue University announced a new vision for IUPUI’s campus. IU and Purdue will each govern their own programs in 2024, transforming IUPUI.
Task forces have been formed to plan and implement the realignment over the next two years. You can share your ideas and provide feedback to the task forces on the Vision 2024 website.
Fall Weeks of Welcome
Weeks of Welcome kicked off the fall semester with fun activities and opportunities for students to connect with campus. Light Up the Night was one of the year’s biggest hits with a DJ, lights, glow-in-the-dark games and more. The annual Ice Cream Social, Jaguar Roller Skate Party and Student Involvement Fair were also events students didn’t want to miss.
You Gotta Regatta
IUPUI’s signature event made quite a splash in 2022. Dozens of students, faculty, staff and alumni competed in the Regatta canoe races on the downtown canal. The dog costume contest, Regatta Royalty crowning and food trucks made for a fun, event-filled afternoon.
Public health student awarded Obama’s Voyager Scholarship
After seeing a post on Instagram about former President Barack Obama’s new Voyager Scholarship program, Kadidiatou Diallo decided to apply. To her excitement, she was selected to be a part of the inaugural cohort of the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. As part of the program, she will be able to travel over the summer to west Africa and pursue her passion by addressing disparities in medical care.
IUPUI launches new bookstore and café
IUPUI’s bookstore looks a little different this year. Indiana University started a new partnership with the bookstore company Follett Higher Education Group, which shifted operations away from Barnes and Noble.
In addition to changing textbook rentals and new swag, students were excited that IUPUI’s Starbucks would remain. The IUPUI Café opened in September and features new order kiosks, which can also be found at Chick-fil-A, Pizza Hut and Panda Express.
IUPUI T-shirt contest
In a campus-wide vote, Cadee Thompson’s design was selected as the winner of IUPUI’s T-shirt design contest. Her design was printed on T-shirts and is now being sold at the IUPUI Bookstore.
This was the first year for the contest, where students were asked to submit their original IUPUI-themed designs. The IUPUI Bookstore says it hopes to hold the contest again next year.
