Meet UIndy’s 2026 Orientation Leaders for New Hounds Days!
Every Greyhound starts somewhere, and your Orientation Leaders are here to help you take those first steps. As current University of Indianapolis students, they’re the friendly faces who will guide you through New Hounds Day, answer your questions, and help you feel connected before classes even begin.
From exploring campus and registering for classes to meeting future classmates, your Orientation Leaders (OLs) are ready to help you make the most of your first UIndy experience.
Avery Allen ’27 (Psychology)
Why did you choose to become an Orientation Leader?
I chose to become an OL because I want students to know that they have someone on their side from day 0! I want to use all the experience I’ve gained to help as many people as I can be successful at UIndy.
What’s your favorite thing about UIndy?
My favorite thing about UIndy is the people. I’ve gained so much from my friends, professors, and the staff.
What are you most excited to show students at New Hounds Day?
All the resources our campus has to offer! Tutors, writing labs, RSOs, etc. By telling them early, they’ll already know where they are and what support is available.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Don’t be afraid to get out there and get engaged! There are so many things that our school has to offer. As long as you go out and experience the campus, you will find your community.
What is one thing that incoming students should definitely participate in or experience during their first year at UIndy?
One of Black Student Association’s many service events! We’ll be hosting a back-to-school event this year, and everyone’s invited!
Johara El-Shahat ’27 (Social Work)
Why did you choose to become an Orientation Leader?
To be a guide for students who are trying to build connections on campus.
What’s your favorite thing about UIndy?
Our study abroad opportunities!
What are you most excited to show students at New Hounds Day?
I can’t wait to show the students the social and study spaces on campus.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Say yes to any opportunity; you never know what may happen.
What is one thing that incoming students should definitely participate in or experience during their first year at UIndy?
One of the biggest highlights on our campus is Celebration of Flags! Also, check out any big events the University Programming Board puts on.
Abby Hopkins ’28 (Art Education)
Why did you choose to become an Orientation Leader?
I wanted to have a chance to connect more with my community here on campus!
What’s your favorite thing about UIndy?
I love how there is always something going on for students, like art shows, music performances, free lectures, or athletic events.
What are you most excited to show students at New Hounds Day?
I can’t wait to show my favorite spots on campus and where to get involved on campus!
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Talk to everyone and anyone because sometimes those unexpected conversations create a lasting connection.
What is one thing that incoming students should definitely participate in or experience during their first year at UIndy?
Flapjacks and Finals! The food is incredible, and it’s all about fun.
Breana Horne ’29 (Early Childhood Education)
Why did you choose to become an Orientation Leader?
I chose to be an Orientation Leader because I want to be more involved with my school community. It gives me an opportunity to put myself out there and show others that they are more than welcome to attend UIndy. As well as getting to know my school, other students, and staff members better.
What’s your favorite thing about UIndy?
My favorite thing about UIndy is that the campus size is small and it’s close to home. I also like how there are different cultures and that they are seen and recognized.
What are you most excited to show students at New Hounds Day?
I am most excited to show students at New Hounds Day all the good places to hang out and study.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Always go with your gut feeling when something doesn’t feel right. Always be an advocate for yourself and others around you when they can’t advocate for themselves.
What is one thing that incoming students should definitely participate in or experience during their first year at UIndy?
Something that incoming students should definitely experience during their first year at UIndy is Homecoming!
Steve Magera ’27 (Business Administration & Management)
Why did you choose to become an Orientation Leader?
To help give all of the incoming students a warm welcome and for them to have a familiar face to come to if any issues arise.
What’s your favorite thing about UIndy?
The small class sizes and tight community.
What are you most excited to show students at New Hounds Day?
The canal on Smith Mall!
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Try new things on campus, whether it’s joining a club or talking to new people. Those relationships can go a long way.
What is one thing that incoming students should definitely participate in or experience during their first year at UIndy?
The UIndy Homecoming football game.
CJ Martin ’28 (Social Work)
Why did you choose to become an Orientation Leader?
I wanna be someone’s why! Why they keep going, why they keep pushing. I want them to see me as that example.
What’s your favorite thing about UIndy?
The friends and mentors I’ve gained!
What are you most excited to show students at New Hounds Day?
To get to show them what a real college experience is like.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
I know you may be nervous about college, but my best advice is to stay organized and not wait until the last minute to do assignments. Ask questions when you need help, and take advantage of the resources UIndy offers. Try to balance school, work, and personal life so you don’t burn out. Most importantly, believe in yourself and stay consistent. Success comes from effort over time.
What is one thing that incoming students should definitely participate in or experience during their first year at UIndy?
Flapjacks and Finals, Let’s Link, join a rap, and go to football games and Student Government Association activities.
Ruth Murassaint ’29 (Nursing)
Why did you choose to become an Orientation Leader?
I wanted to help new students feel welcomed, supported, and excited to start their journey at UIndy.
What’s your favorite thing about UIndy?
My favorite thing about UIndy is the supportive and welcoming community.
What are you most excited to show students at New Hounds Day?
I’m excited to show students campus life and all the opportunities to get involved and meet new people.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Step out of your comfort zone, get involved, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
What is one thing that incoming students should definitely participate in or experience during their first year at UIndy?
Students should definitely attend events like Celebration of Flags and Flapjacks and Finals.
Duy Phan ’27 (Mathematics, Secondary Education)
Why did you choose to become an Orientation Leader?
I chose to become an Orientation Leader because I would love to help new hounds on their new journey at UIndy. Also, I had an amazing experience on my New Hounds Day and have stayed friends with the leaders I had.
What’s your favorite thing about UIndy?
My favorite thing about UIndy is the small campus. It makes it really easy to make connections and build relationships on campus.
What are you most excited to show students at New Hounds Day?
I am looking forward to meeting all the new Hounds and showing them how welcoming the UIndy community is. Plus, all the academic resources UIndy offers to support students.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
As a college student, time management is the most important skill we need to learn. Make sure to keep everything you plan organized, including time to recharge.
What is one thing that incoming students should definitely participate in or experience during their first year at UIndy?
If you like volleyball, I am the president of the Volleyball Club, so reach out to me if you would like to join. Otherwise, I highly recommend finding yourself two or three RSOs to participate in, and getting involved in traditional events such as Celebration of Flags and Pack the House.
Dylan Scruggs ’27 (Graphic Design)
Why did you choose to become an Orientation Leader?
I chose to become an Orientation Leader because I wanted to help incoming students feel welcomed and supported as they begin their college journeys. The start of college can be both exciting and overwhelming, and I wanted to be a part of that first experience for students. My goal is to help make their transition easier by offering guidance, encouragement, and advice while helping them feel more connected to the UIndy community.
What’s your favorite thing about UIndy?
My favorite thing about UIndy is how I’ve made so many one-on-one connections with my professors and how small the class sizes are. It has created a more personalized experience for me!
What are you most excited to show students at New Hounds Day?
I am most excited to show students that New Hounds Day is a great opportunity for students to meet new people, get involved on campus, and learn about the many resources available to help them succeed throughout the school year. I am excited to help them feel welcomed and show them what it means to be a Greyhound!
What advice do you have for incoming students?
A piece of advice I have for incoming students is to take advantage of UIndy’s study abroad opportunities! The Study Abroad Office offers so many resources and can help students through every step of the process, from choosing a program to getting their first passport.
What is one thing that incoming students should definitely participate in or experience during their first year at UIndy?
I think that all incoming students should participate in Welcome Week. It’s a great way to put yourself out there and make friends, whether you’re a commuter or staying on campus.
Lindsey Tarango-Quiroa ’27 (Public Health Education & Promotion)
Why did you choose to become an Orientation Leader?
I personally chose to become an orientation leader because I think it’s very important to be involved on campus to have a great college experience, and being able to show how great UIndy can be for the incoming students. Furthermore, I want to be an Orientation leader so that incoming students can see how successful they can be when they come to college.
What’s your favorite thing about UIndy?
My favorite thing about UIndy is how diverse our campus is in every way. From the diverse cultures, ethnicities, races, religions, sexualities, and personalities around campus, everyone is bound to find a place of belonging on campus.
What are you most excited to show students at New Hounds Day?
I’m most excited to show students the Office of Student Affairs and the Terry Center for Student Success. These offices offer many resources to help students be successful in their college journey.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Create a space of belonging and community for yourself and others. Be involved by working on campus. Join an RSO. Attend school events, and just enjoy being at college.
What is one thing that incoming students should definitely participate in or experience during their first year at UIndy?
I would definitely recommend incoming students go to Flapjacks and Finals during Finals Week!
Ashley Wallace ’28 (Social Work)
Why did you choose to become an Orientation Leader?
I want to gain more understanding of my community here at UIndy, along with learning other’s perspectives, backgrounds, and culture. I want to showcase how much I love UIndy and how UIndy can be more than just a degree, with the experience you get.
What’s your favorite thing about UIndy?
My favorite thing about UIndy is the relationships you build with your professors, peers, and other staff.
What are you most excited to show students at New Hounds Day?
I am most excited to show students an authentic experience of what UIndy is to me.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Coming from a student who experienced burnout, left college, and then returned to college: If I didn’t have the support from my peers, professors, and staff, then I wouldn’t be where I am. So my advice is to always try your hardest and believe in yourself.
What is one thing that incoming students should definitely participate in or experience during their first year at UIndy?
Join an RSO, like UIndy Paws Project or the Social Work Association!