UIndy’s Philanthropy Lunch Showcases the Impact of Donor Support

At the University of Indianapolis, philanthropy is more than a transaction—it’s a relationship. That connection was on full display at the 20th Annual Philanthropy Lunch, where donors and students came together to share stories, gratitude, and the lasting impact of giving.

Philanthropy Lunch offers a chance to put faces to names. Donors meet the students they support through scholarships and funds, hearing firsthand about their academic journeys. In turn, students have the opportunity to express their gratitude and share how that support is shaping their futures.

That impact extends beyond individual conversations. This year, the Scholars Showcase—held alongside Philanthropy Lunch—offered a broader look at how donor support fuels student research and innovation across campus.

The Scholars Showcase celebrates research and creative work from students across all disciplines. These projects go beyond classroom assignments, tackling real-world challenges and exploring solutions that can improve lives:

• Andrea Garcia Estrada ’28 (PsyD) is studying mentorship among Latino adolescents in Indiana to strengthen relationships and expand understanding in this area.
• Michele Walker ’27 (Art Therapy, Mental Health Counseling) is exploring how tabletop role-playing games can support therapeutic approaches for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and social anxiety. 
• Lydia May ’27 (Music Therapy) is researching the use of music therapy in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder as part of her work in the Ron and Laura Strain Honors College.

UIndy President Dr. Tanuja Singh emphasized the role donors play in making this work possible.

“None of this would be possible without you investing your time, energy, and passion in our students,” Dr. Singh said. “Your support helps us give $7 million plus dollars in scholarships from endowed funds and other awards to UIndy students. You are helping write their future story, and I am grateful every day for what you help us do.”

For students like Brandon Smith ’26 (MS in Psychology), that support is life-changing. Like many first-generation college students, Smith began his journey feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. Through support from faculty, coaches, and resources like the Stephen F. Fry Professional Edge Center, he found both direction and purpose.

“Because of that support, I’ve been given opportunities to grow both professionally and personally—opportunities that have led me to where I stand today,” said Smith. “When I leave UIndy, I will do so with a Master of Science in Psychology and the goal of working in a hospital setting, where I hope to make a difference in the lives of children and families.

That’s exactly what Kevin R. Armstrong and his wife, Nancy, envisioned when they established the Kevin and Nancy Armstrong Honors College Travel Award, to give students the opportunity to experience the world and develop a global mindset.

“Our lives were changed when we left our small towns to study and travel abroad,” explained Armstrong. “By creating a small endowment to provide scholarships for international travel, we hope a few of you get a chance to see the world, see your home, and see yourself through the lens of other cultures and people. Travel, like a long run, reveals your resilience. It moves you beyond stereotypes and assumptions to self-reflection, cultural empathy, and a strategic advantage in today’s global economy.”

That ripple effect expands far beyond the UIndy community. By supporting UIndy students and helping them graduate career-ready, donors are supporting the future of their communities, in Indianapolis, across the country, and around the world.

“We are passing on our love for this community,” said Armstrong. “UIndy graduates serve around the world, but we know what a difference it makes when UIndy graduates stay here in Central Indiana. They become the leaders and builders of our neighborhoods and workplaces.”

Events like Philanthropy Lunch serve as a powerful reminder that giving is not just about funding—it’s about connection. When donors meet the students whose lives they are changing, generosity becomes something tangible, personal, and enduring.

To learn more about how your gift can support UIndy students and create opportunities that extend far beyond campus, visit our giving page.