Pioneering IBE in Indianapolis

I always knew I wanted Purdue — but I wasn’t sure I wanted the “classic” big-lecture-hall experience. I come from a small school called Clinton Prairie where teachers know your name, your siblings, and probably what you’re doing after school that day. The idea of walking into 300-person lectures in West Lafayette honestly intimidated me. I wanted a place where I could raise my hand, ask questions and connect with both professors and classmates.

When I learned about the Integrated Business & Engineering (IBE) program at Purdue University in Indianapolis, my thoughts seemed to change. The opportunity to pioneer the frontier of Purdue in Indianapolis, when it is the first year for both the Indy based IBE program and mine, something special.

Studying in Indy gives Daniels School students extraordinary opportunities. For instance, my classmates and I attended an etiquette dinner in downtown Indianapolis with Senior Vice Provost David Umulis at the Skyline Club in the OneAmerica Tower. It was a surreal experience to be in that setting, learning far more than which fork to use. Our host, who has planned formal events for British royalty, walked us through both dining and business etiquette — how to sit, how to approach someone, and how to carry ourselves professionally at the table. From knowing what fork to use to how to better prepare for future business endeavors, it opened my eyes to all the small details that matter in high-level business meetings.

Smaller class sizes and the chance to build strong relationships with my professors, especially in my IBE classes, are easily my favorite part of being a Purdue student. I know my professors and they know me. Coming from a tight-knit high school, where I could approach teachers, it has made the jump to college feel the same.

“

I still feel like a full part of Purdue, but I also feel like I’m part of something new and growing here in Indy.

My twin brother is majoring in pharmaceutical sciences in West Lafayette. He’s on the science-heavy track while I’m blending engineering and business in Indy. Even though we’re in different locations, we still swap stories. Having him at Purdue but in a very different environment has helped me appreciate what’s unique about my experience here in Indy. We’re connecting Purdue’s different locations. I often take the Purdue shuttle from Indianapolis to West Lafayette and we cheer on Boilermakers at Mackey Arena and Ross Ade Stadium.

One of my favorite parts of the IBE program in Indianapolis is how personal and involved the program leadership is. Our program leader, Stew Bauserman, is everywhere — in the best way. Last semester he hosted monthly events in the Student Center so all IBE students could drop in, hang out, and get to know each other outside of class. He pops into our classes to say hi, give updates, and make sure we know what’s happening next. It sounds small, but when the person leading your program knows you and shows up consistently, it changes how connected you feel to the school.

Stew also started a new initiative called Forge, which I’m part of. The idea is to design and implement something that will live on our campus — something created by students, for students. One concept we’re exploring is a digital whiteboard in the ET building where students can upload flyers and announcements via QR code. Instead of paper posters covering every surface (and eventually getting torn down), everything would appear and update on a screen. It’s a simple idea, but it’s the kind of project that blends engineering thinking, user experience, and business practicality. For me, that’s exactly what IBE is supposed to be.

Day to day, my life as a first-year IBE student revolves around a few key spots. I use the student center and the university library constantly. They’ve become my home bases for studying, working on group projects, and just catching my breath between classes. I’ll camp out and grind through homework, head back to my apartment to make food, and then do it all again.

I live in the Lux apartments, which has turned out to be more than just a place to sleep. Lux hosts study sessions for many of the tougher classes, and older students — often sophomores or juniors who have already taken the course — come in to help. I’ve gone to those sessions several times and having someone just a year or two ahead walk me through a concept or a problem set makes a huge difference. On top of that, I’m in a learning community, and all my roommates are also IBE majors.

Looking back at my first year so far, I’m grateful I chose Purdue in Indianapolis for IBE. I’ve gotten the small classes I wanted, close relationships with faculty and program leaders, and an environment where I can help build the student experience while helping it evolve. I still feel like a full part of Purdue but I also feel like I’m part of something new and growing here in Indy. For a first-year student who wanted connection, challenge and the chance to help shape a program, this has been the best place to start.