IU Class of 2025 graduates become leaders, career-ready professionals: IU News

More than 20,000 Indiana University degrees will be given out across the state next week, and while their time in college is wrapping up, the Class of 2025 is just getting started. Graduates come from all over the state and world, representing all 92 Indiana counties and 133 countries. And they have so many more places to go.

Six graduates share how their IU experience gave them opportunities and set them on a path to success after graduation.

Becoming leaders

Sophia Hottois is graduating with a degree in policy analysis from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU Bloomington. Photo by James Brosher, Indiana UniversitySophia Hottois, who is graduating with a degree in policy analysis from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, embraced opportunity on the Bloomington campus.

“I loved participating in the Little 500 and the Washington Leadership Program, studying abroad and making lasting friendships,” said Hottois, who grew up in New Albany, Indiana. “I have had many research, internship and other working experiences that have helped me prepare for a career serving others in health care policy.”

Through the Washington Leadership Program, Hottois served as a White House intern in her junior year, working in the Office of Presidential Correspondence. She saw policy work firsthand during her time in in Washington, D.C. and gained valuable professional experience.

She also helped other undergraduate students with professional advancement, career prep and more as a peer educator in the O’Neill Career Hub.

Mentorship was also a big part of Vaishnavi Chouhan’s college journey as a biology and neuroscience major in the IU School of Science in Indianapolis and an Honors Scholar. Chouhan, who is an international student from Hyderabad, India, helped students reach their academic goals as a Bepko Learning Center mentor and as an H-200 mentor in the Honors College.

Vaishnavi Chouhan is graduating with a degree in biology and neuroscience in the IU School of Science in Indianapolis. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana UniversityIn her sophomore year, Chouhan dove right into research. She began studying gender and sex disparities in PTSD and alcohol disorders and this year was awarded the Dr. Bethany Neil-Beliveau Women in Neuroscience Award and Chancellor’s Scholar award.

Also selected as one of IU Indianapolis Top 10 students, Chouhan is an aspiring surgeon and says her success on campus and in the community have prepared her well as she pursues medical school.

“I have built a strong academic foundation, but it’s the experiences outside of the classroom that have prepared me the most,” Chouhan said. “From working in research labs and perfecting protocols to mentoring students, I’ve learned how to lead with empathy, think critically and show up for others even when it’s hard.

“I’ve also had the chance to work closely with underserved communities, both through volunteering and clinical exposure, and those moments have grounded my passion for equitable health care. It’s helped me understand that being a doctor isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about compassion, resilience and deep commitment to service.”

Going above and beyond

Ana Lim is graduating with a degree in social work from the School of Social Work and also minoring in international studies from the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies at IU Bloomington. Photo by James Brosher, Indiana UniversityStudying abroad has provided many students with new experiences and broader perspectives. Ana Lim — a social work major in the School of Social Work with a minor in international studies from the Hamilton Luger School of Global and International Studies in Bloomington — said she holds her study abroad trip to Italy close to her heart.

The long journey from her hometown in Fishers, Indiana, expanded her desire for travel and making a difference in climate change. In an opportunity from the IU Environmental Resilience Institute, Lim served as a delegate for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan to talk about the impacts of climate change on mental health.

After graduation, she said she is excited to continue working in social work and wants to eventually pursue a Master of Social Work degree.

“IU has prepared me for my dream job by giving me opportunities to collaborate with experts in my fields of interest all over the state and across the world,” Lim said. “I’ve achieved things I didn’t even dream of being possible, such as being the first social work student to be a McKinney Climate Fellow and a delegate to a United Nations conference. Those experiences have given me confidence as I enter my chosen field to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocate for others’ needs with an open mind, empathetic heart and hope for the future.”

Pallav Sohoni is graduating with his MBA in marketing and supply chain management from the IU Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana UniversityPallav Sohoni, who is graduating with his MBA in marketing and supply chain management from the Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis, explored new opportunities in Indiana after moving to the U.S. from India. As an international graduate student working full time at Cummins, he said he found the perfect mix of academics, flexibility and connections to the local business world.

“I’ve learned how to think more strategically, lead with confidence and communicate with impact,” Sohoni said. “Balancing everything hasn’t been easy; there were long nights, missed weekends and a lot of juggling, but my wife has been my anchor through it all. Because of her support, this degree means so much more, and I feel fully prepared to take that next big step in my career.”

Sohoni said Indianapolis has become like a second home for him and his wife, and he is looking forward to continuing his work at Cummins to create a more sustainable future.

A career head start

Noabell Mateos is graduating from the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Indianapolis with a degree in criminal justice. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana UniversityGetting a degree is a large stepping stone for graduates to enter their career fields. And some have already gotten started working in their dream job.

Noabell Mateos will receive her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Indianapolis. Working throughout her time in school, she is already a full-time police officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

Mateos, who is from the Dominican Republic, said the diversity and in-depth criminal justice program at IU Indianapolis allowed her to continue to grow and excel in her career.

“I am already working my dream job, but my experience at IU Indy has helped me be a more prepared and educated police officer,” Mateos said.

Ashton Hackman is graduating from The Media School at IU Bloomington with a degree in journalism. Photo by James Brosher, Indiana UniversityAshton Hackman has also gotten a head start on life after graduation. As a journalism major in The Media School in Bloomington, he has been working part time as an on-air journalist with WTHR, the NBC affiliate TV station in Indianapolis. After graduation, his position will transition to full time.

Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hackman is a proud Hoosier. He said his time at Indiana University has been full of great memories, including witnessing the total solar eclipse, spending time with friends, and meeting people in the community while reporting on stories for Indiana University Student Television.

“I had an amazing support network of professors, advisors and friends,” Hackman said. “IU’s presence gave me access to companies and recruiters who helped me secure internships and now my career.”