IUAA Southeast Indiana Region

IUAA Southeast Indiana Region Connecting with IU Southeast alumni globally & IU alumni (any campus) in the Southeast IN Region.

Connecting and networking with Indiana University Southeast alumni around the state, country, and world; as well as Indiana University alumni from any campus who live in the Southeast Indiana Region, including our friends in the Louisville Metro area and surrounding Kentucky counties. What you can find on our page: upcoming alumni events/programs, campus updates, and more!

Josh Suiter, Director of Alumni Engagement, met with alumnus Jeff Grantz, BS in Biology ’02, this morning to learn more ...
05/29/2026

Josh Suiter, Director of Alumni Engagement, met with alumnus Jeff Grantz, BS in Biology ’02, this morning to learn more about his career journey and discuss ways he can reconnect with IU Southeast.

Jeff began his college career at IU Southeast in 1998 before spending a year at IU Bloomington. He later returned to IU Southeast, recognizing the opportunity to save on tuition costs while continuing to pursue an Indiana University degree.

As a Biology student, Jeff balanced a demanding schedule. He worked as an orderly and anesthesia technician at what was then Floyd Memorial Hospital while attending classes, studying early in the morning, and working long shifts.

After graduation, Jeff joined Stryker as a junior sales representative. What began as a temporary pause in his plans for medical school turned into a 21-year career in the orthopaedics industry. His biology background proved invaluable as he worked closely with surgeons and advanced through leadership roles at multiple companies.

Seeking a better work-life balance after years of long days, weekends, and holidays, Jeff made a career change and joined Edward Jones. After completing the required licensing exams, he became a financial planner, where he continues to help clients achieve their goals.

During their conversation, Jeff and Josh explored opportunities for alumni engagement. Jeff plans to support the IU Southeast Alumni Volunteer Network and hopes to share his experiences with students through classroom visits and panel discussions in the future.

We are grateful for alumni like Jeff who continue to invest in the success of our students and university community.

Flashback Friday - September 26, 1989In September 1989, The Horizon reported that a measles outbreak affecting several I...
05/29/2026

Flashback Friday - September 26, 1989

In September 1989, The Horizon reported that a measles outbreak affecting several Indiana college campuses had prompted IU Southeast officials to closely monitor the situation.

Thomas Mitchell, vice chancellor of student affairs, said the university was keeping students informed after 10 students at the University of Notre Dame contracted measles three weeks earlier. Ball State University had also reported a measles case.

At the time, there were no known measles cases in the local area. Mitchell encouraged students to be aware of their immunization history and stay informed as the situation developed.

This afternoon, Josh Suiter, Director of Alumni Engagement, met with Joshua Gustafson, BS in Business ’25 with a minor i...
05/28/2026

This afternoon, Josh Suiter, Director of Alumni Engagement, met with Joshua Gustafson, BS in Business ’25 with a minor in Accounting, to hear more about his IU Southeast experience and future goals.

Joshua currently works as a testing administrator and office assistant in the IU Southeast Testing Center and as a soda jerk at Schimpff’s Confectionery.

Joshua chose IU Southeast because it was close to home and because his mother, Shelia, works at the university. During his time on campus, he was heavily involved in student life, participating in the Honors Program all four years and serving as an officer in Christian Student Fellowship in roles including social media coordinator, connector, and vice president. He also served as president and note taker for the National Society of Leadership and Success and was involved in the Creativity Club.

Living on campus was one of Joshua’s favorite experiences because it taught him independence and valuable life skills. He also appreciated the close-knit atmosphere at IU Southeast, where he felt like a person rather than a number.

Joshua shared that faculty and staff played a major role in his success, specifically mentioning Lisa Book, Dr. Ken Harris, Dr. Ashley Thomas, Dr. Saeed Tajdini, and Dr. Rebekah Dement for the impact they had on him during his college journey.

Some of his favorite memories include the friendships he built through Christian Student Fellowship, living with the same roommates during his final two years on campus, and the connections he made in the Honors Program.

Joshua is currently seeking opportunities in marketing and sales, particularly in roles where he can help people and businesses grow. If your organization is looking for someone with leadership experience, campus involvement, and a passion for helping others, email Josh Suiter at [email protected] to connect with Joshua.

This morning, Josh Suiter, Director of Alumni Engagement, met with Trey Taurman, MBA’16 and BS in Business’12, to hear m...
05/28/2026

This morning, Josh Suiter, Director of Alumni Engagement, met with Trey Taurman, MBA’16 and BS in Business’12, to hear more about his IU Southeast journey and career path.

Trey currently serves as a Senior Market Financial Professional at Humana, where he oversees Medicare finances in Florida. After graduating from New Albany High School, Trey chose IU Southeast because he wanted to stay close to home. Originally planning to pursue photography, his path changed after taking accounting courses with Dr. Chris Bjornson and Dr. Rick French, who encouraged him to explore accounting as a career.

During his time at IU Southeast, Trey served as president of the Accounting Club, interned on campus, and later earned his MBA after encouragement from Dr. Linda Christiansen.

Trey reflected on the lasting impact IU Southeast faculty had on him, especially lessons that extended beyond the classroom. He shared a lesson from Dr. Manual Tipgos that has stayed with him throughout his career: “Who audits the auditors? Their conscience.”

“Every professor I had gave me book knowledge, but they also gave me a real-life lesson that I carry with me today,” Trey said.

Before joining Humana, Trey worked for Rauch Industries, AIG, and IU Southeast. He has also built a successful side business preparing taxes for family and friends, which has expanded to working for their friends as well.

Josh and Trey also discussed ways he can become more engaged with IU Southeast and support future students and alumni.

Did you know IU Southeast graduate Dejon Gary, BS in Business ’10, was recognized as a 2026 WTWH Healthcare Future Leade...
05/28/2026

Did you know IU Southeast graduate Dejon Gary, BS in Business ’10, was recognized as a 2026 WTWH Healthcare Future Leader in Complex Rehab Technology?

As regional sales director for the Great Lakes at Rehab Medical, Dejon has helped more than 500 Indiana residents gain access to life-improving mobility solutions while mentoring more than 50 CRT professionals across the industry. His leadership, advocacy, and commitment to patient outcomes continue to raise the standard for complex rehab technology.

The national award recognizes healthcare professionals under 40 who are shaping the future of healthcare through innovation, professionalism, and advocacy.

Congratulations to Dejon on this outstanding achievement.

The last game may not have gone the way we hoped, but the IU Southeast Grenadiers are ready for another opportunity.The ...
05/27/2026

The last game may not have gone the way we hoped, but the IU Southeast Grenadiers are ready for another opportunity.

The Grenadiers will face Tennessee Wesleyan at 5:50 p.m. EST in a must-win matchup to keep their World Series run alive. This team has battled all season long, and now they need Grenadier Nation behind them once again.

Tune in online and cheer on the Grenadiers as they fight to continue their postseason journey.

Watch live: https://urbanedgenetwork.net/watch/13149

The Networking NoteYour network is built one relationship at a time.Strong professional networks are not created overnig...
05/27/2026

The Networking Note

Your network is built one relationship at a time.

Strong professional networks are not created overnight. Meaningful connections are built through consistent conversations, follow-ups, and genuine interest in others. Whether reconnecting with classmates, attending events, or reaching out to mentors, every interaction matters.

Take time this week to strengthen one relationship in your network.

This morning, our Director of Alumni Engagement, Josh Suiter, had breakfast with Dr. BethAnn Rice, who earned her B.S. i...
05/27/2026

This morning, our Director of Alumni Engagement, Josh Suiter, had breakfast with Dr. BethAnn Rice, who earned her B.S. in Psychology from Indiana University Southeast, and Meghan Kahn, Dean of Social Sciences.

Dr. Rice is now an Associate Professor at Slippery Rock University in Butler County, Pennsylvania, but her journey began at IUS in 1999 after encouragement from her school counselors to pursue college. While attending IUS, she worked full-time, balanced raising her daughter, and later stepped away from school in 2001 before returning in 2010.

She shared powerful memories from her time at IUS, including her parents walking onto a college campus for the first time to watch her present in Dr. Meghan Kahn’s Behavioral Neuroscience class. Dr. Rice also reflected on learning from Dr. Valerie Scott in PSY-P 101, recalling a hormones lecture that still stands out to her today.

During her time at IUS, Dr. Rice conducted research, served as a supplemental instructor for Behavioral Neuroscience, and worked at her mother’s Louisville location of The Flower Shoppe while her daughter attended the IUS Children’s Center.

Her undergraduate research experience helped open the door to graduate school at the University of Kentucky, where she continued her research and contributed to three publications, including work focused on laboratory best practices.

Dr. Rice later taught classes at IU Southeast before accepting a faculty position at Slippery Rock University. She shared that she received the job offer before defending her dissertation, was hired in December 2017, and began in August 2018.

Today, she also serves as president of Nu Rho Psi, where she is focused on transparency, improving grant structures, and expanding scholarship opportunities for students.

We are proud to celebrate alumni like Dr. Rice whose perseverance, research, and commitment to education continue to make an impact.

Alumni Owned Business Spotlight: Kozy KandlesThis week, we are pleased to highlight Kozy Kandles.Emily Gray, BS in Busin...
05/27/2026

Alumni Owned Business Spotlight: Kozy Kandles

This week, we are pleased to highlight Kozy Kandles.

Emily Gray, BS in Business ’19 from IU Southeast, started Kozy Kandles in 2016 as a creative outlet and hobby she loved. While completing her degree at IU Southeast, she spent her time pouring candles for local markets and craft shows.

When 2020 shifted daily life for many small businesses, Emily continued creating candles and delivering them locally. In June 2020, Kozy Kandles found its first home inside her friend’s boutique, True North, in downtown New Albany. By October 2021, the business opened its own storefront, and in 2022, the candle-making bar became a place for people to gather, create, and connect.

Today, Kozy Kandles continues to bring creativity and community together in Southern Indiana.

Learn more about Kozy Kandles at: https://www.kozykandles.com/

Weather may have changed tonight’s plans, but it’s only delayed the action!Tonight’s game against Southeastern Universit...
05/27/2026

Weather may have changed tonight’s plans, but it’s only delayed the action!

Tonight’s game against Southeastern University has officially been postponed due to weather and will now be played tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. EST.

Grenadier fans, make sure to tune in and show your support for this team as they get ready to hit the field tomorrow. We know these guys are ready to compete, and we can’t wait to cheer them on!

See you tomorrow, Grenadier Nation!

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