Your Stories

Stories that tell our story

If you have ever been here, you have felt it: the unique, urban campus we call home, where everything is possible and nothing is out of reach. Every story on this page is a personal reflection on our history. You can sort and read stories by category, or browse them below. And don’t forget to share your own story. We know it’s a good one.

122 results found

IUPUI has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. My mother started working for the university in 1984. My father started in 1990, and both are still working here today. I... Read more

Tiffany Martinez, School of Liberal Arts Staff, Class of 2007 and 2012

Annie Goeller holds her Jag Tag ID from when she was an IUPUI student

The first time I stepped foot on the IUPUI campus, I wasn't impressed. I know that's not the way you expected me to start this story. But in IUPUI's defense, I was in middle... Read more

Annie Goeller, Office of Community Engagement Staff, Alumna

I believe I owe a very successful career to IUPUI, who took a chance on a returning veteran back in 1971 after I had been denied readmission to the campus in Bloomington. Read more

John Wild, Class of 1974

In the two years that I have been on campus, the influx of brilliant young minds and students taking on more challenges in the classroom have inspired me. The number of students I talk to... Read more

Scott McCain, Class of 2021

My freshman year, I chose to live on campus. I was placed on the 8th floor Honors Community of University Tower. IUPUI was a school a lot of people I went to high school with would attend... Read more

Emily Crowel, Class of 2020

Zoe Minton, Courtney Copp and IUPUI Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar

IUPUI has provided countless opportunities for me to grow and learn. This campus has shattered the expectations I had when I transferred here. In just over a year, I’ve made... Read more

Courtney Copp, Class of Fall 2018

When I started at IUPUI in 2006, my partner and I only knew two people in Indianapolis. While excited to start my job in the Division of Student Life at the time, I thought I would be at... Read more

Diana Sims-Harris, School of Science Staff

IUPUI has taught me many things. I have learned how to manage my time between school and work. Being at IUPUI has shown me that asking questions isn’t frowned upon but... Read more

McKenzie Ritter, Current Student

Quinn Stephens with some friends on the volleyball court

I never thought that I would be thriving as much I am here at IUPUI. The worrier that I am, I... Read more

Quinn Stephens, Class of 2022

The thought of transitioning from high school to college scared me. I knew it was going to be rough transitioning from being a quiet high schooler to a freshman in college. I felt... Read more

Gailynn Morris, Class of 2022

I'm from the country so moving to the city to go to IUPUI was such a big change, especially since I've been pretty isolated my whole life. I was that kid who was always at... Read more

Kirsten Southwood, Class of 2022

When I started as a student in 1977, the main buildings on campus were Cavanaugh Hall, Lecture Hall and what is now Taylor Hall. Taylor Hall was the library. It also served as a... Read more

Bill Abston, Police Department Staff, Alumnus

Fifty years ago, IUPUI opened its doors for the very first time for students who wanted to achieve new milestones and better serve their communities. Fifty years later, Fulbright... Read more

Kinga Horvath, Class of 2018

My favorite memory from my 15 years at IUPUI is still the men’s basketball championship game at the 2003 Mid-Con conference tournament when Matt Crenshaw made “the shot”... Read more

Denise O'Grady, Athletics Department Staff

Ed Holdaway with some colleagues on the court after a basketball game

I’ve now reached the point where I’ve been associated with IUPUI for more than half my life. I was recruited here to be a member of the baseball team and proceeded to earn... Read more

Ed Holdaway, Athletics Department Staff, Class of 2001

While I currently call the School of Nursing my IUPUI home, the School of Medicine Development Office under the direction of Dr. David Smith was my doorway into the IUPUI campus. In... Read more

Sally Krause, School of Nursing Staff, Class of 2003

College for me was really scary because I am a returning adult. I had a pretty good job that I liked, good pay, and a life already made. My dream to become a dentist pushed me to return... Read more

Eunice Santiago, Class of 2022

Starting my freshman year at IUPUI, I have noticed a tremendous change in myself. College is definitely nothing like high school and the week tends to go by much faster. Going to a... Read more

Alicia Morris, Class of 2022

IUPUI is my school, which I love. I love it because it has changed me for the better, in my opinion. It has helped me become more outgoing. In high school, I didn't talk to... Read more

Jermy Sanchez, Class of 2022

My transition from high school to college was a very strange and stressful experience. In high school, I already knew people. But for college, all of my close friends went to different... Read more

Jace Hayes, Class of 2022

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