Get to Know Daisy Rodriguez Pitel, Ph.D. ’03
Meet Daisy Rodriguez Pitel: a passionate educator, global traveler, and proud Hoosier alum. Daisy earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Indiana University Bloomington in 2003, and her connection to IU is as vibrant today as it was during her time on campus. Daisy’s journey to Bloomington was unique. Born into a Navy family, …
Honoring Olivia Clarke: A Legacy of Leadership, Laughter, and Lasting Impact
The Indiana University community mourns the loss of Olivia Clarke, a proud alumna of IU Bloomington whose dedication to IU and its alumni community left a lasting impact. Her passion for bringing people together shaped both her time at IU and the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. Olivia’s IU journey began in …
Welcome, Mike King, Executive Director of Finance and Operations
We are thrilled to announce that Mike King will be joining the IU Alumni Association as our new Executive Director of Finance and Operations. In this role, Mike will oversee the financial strategy and business operations that support our mission to engage and connect with Indiana University alumni worldwide. Mike brings more than 25 years …
IUAA Chair Reflects on Six Months of Service
Dawn Michele Whitehead, BA’97, MS’03, PhD’07, of Washington, DC; assumed the office of chair of the Indiana University Alumni Association (IUAA) Board of Managers on July 1, 2024. She previously served as chair-elect, vice chair, and manager at large of the IUAA beginning in 2019. Whitehead led the adoption of IUAA’s strategic plan, Advancing IU …
Get to Know Michael Cervantes
Michael Cervantes, the newly appointed Director of Marketing Engagement at IUAA, is deeply committed to growth, connection, and authenticity. At the heart of his role lies his dedication to nurturing alumni engagement across diverse communities. From Atlanta to Chicago, Greater Cincinnati to New York and Washington DC, Michael empowers alumni to connect, network, and give …
Featuring Jessyka Brown, Stewardship Fellow at IUAA
My name is Jessyka Brown, and I am starting my first year at the IU Alumni Association as the Stewardship Fellow. I am thoroughly excited to start my new position, as it goes hand in hand with my area of studies at IU Bloomington! I have officially started my junior year at IU and studying …
Get to Know Nate Meyers, BS’18
Originally from Indianapolis, Nate Meyers grew up visiting Indiana University with his alumni parents, falling in love with the school at an early age. He knew he wanted to study business and was drawn to the ranking and prestige of the Kelley School. Nate was also fortunate to be granted the Wells scholarship, making his …
Get To Know Estela Kite
As the Associate Director for market engagement for central and northeast Indiana, Estela Kite supports alumni engagement in both IUAA communities with an IU-Indianapolis focus. Originally from Los Angeles, Estela grew up in Maryland. She completed her undergraduate studies at Mount St. Mary’s university, which is nestled on the side of a mountain in Emmitsburg, …
Get to Know Amy Osborne
Overseeing seven chapters at the IU Alumni Association, Amy Osborne serves as the Associate Director of Volunteer Engagement with a scope that is truly coast to coast. Her role revolves around increasing volunteer engagement and fostering a sense of belonging among alumni in her communities, as she encourages her chapters to plan events and do …
Spotlight: Christopher Hillak, BGS’17, MPA’21
Starting his undergrad in Virginia before transferring to Indiana University-Bloomington, Christopher Hillak’s time at IU was transformative, shaping his worldview and expanding his personal and professional growth. He was offered a part-time internship at an advertising agency in South Bend while still attending IU Bloomington as a sophomore. After completing that opportunity, he was offered …
Get to Know Alex Lopez
As the chapter leader for both Los Angeles and San Francisco, and the staff liaison for the entire state of Colorado, Alex Lopez plays an important role in fostering the energy and motivation among the communities that she oversees. Since joining the IUAA Communities team as Associate Director of Market Engagement in August 2022, Alex …
LGBTQ+ Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awardee: Juan Carlos Venis, MD’14
The IU LGBTQ+ Alumni Association will present their highest honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award, during the 16th annual Celebration Weekend Distinguished Alumni brunch Saturday, March 23, held on the IUPUI campus. “I am thrilled and honored that Dr. Juan Carlos Venis has accepted the IU LGBTQ+ Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award. His remarkable contributions to …