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History, Political Science, and International Relations Students Receive 2025 Donald Carmony & Roland Nelson Awards

October 3, 2025 in Campus NewsStudent newsThe Shaheen College of Arts & Sciences

photos of Lucas Griffin and Zidayin Lyons

By Ella Shelburn

UIndy students Lucas Griffin ’26 (History, Secondary Education) and Zidayin Lyons ’27 (History, International Relations) received awards for their academic success in the Department of History and Political Science. 

Griffin received the Donald Carmony Award for Excellence, an endowed scholarship awarded to a senior with the highest grade point average in a history, political science, or international relations major. Donald Carmony, the award’s namesake, was known as a leading expert on Indiana history, and he taught history at Indiana Central College (now known as the University of Indianapolis) and later at Indiana University. 

In addition to studying history and secondary education, Griffin serves in the Student Government Association on the Finance and Fundraising Executive Board and has been a resident assistant for the past three years. After graduation, he plans to teach. Griffin was pleasantly surprised when he learned that he won the Donald Carmony Award. 

“Winning this award was really out of the blue for me, because it was never in my sights,” said Griffin. “I was just enjoying the college experience and the rest came naturally.”

Lyons received the Roland Nelson Award, a scholarship awarded to a junior with the highest grade point average in a history, political science, or international relations major. The award is named after Roland Nelson, who served as Chair of the Department of History and Political Science from 1964 to 1981 at UIndy. 

Lyons is glad to be part of the history department’s close community. He also enjoyed his experience studying abroad in France and Belgium last spring, which broadened his perspective and deepened his passion for exploring the world. After graduation, Lyons hopes to become a professor of history. He is grateful for his professors and their support. 

“My professors have encouraged me to go beyond what I originally thought possible for myself,” said Lyons. “It truly is an uplifting environment. Their belief in students is inspiring, something I can confidently say has led me to where I am today. Having the privilege to work and learn alongside my professors and peers in this department is something I will never take for granted.”