When Megan Goley reflects on her four years at IU Indianapolis, one theme rises above all: the transformative power of the Honors College community. A psychology major from Fishers, Indiana, Megan entered college already passionate about understanding people, shaped by her high school work in mental health advocacy. But she quickly discovered that her journey in the Honors College would shape not just her academic path, but also her sense of purpose, leadership, and belonging.
In her first year, Megan focused on finding her footing, but by sophomore year, she dove deeply into Honors College involvement, becoming a cornerstone of the Bepko Scholar community. She joined the Bepko Student Advisory Board, where she helped plan programming, organized monthly meetings, and fostered connections across scholar cohorts. One of her favorite memories was the Bepko retreat for incoming students: “Helping new scholars build friendships and acclimate—that is what it is all about,” Megan said.
Her most meaningful role came through H200, the Honors College’s mentorship program. Megan spent four semesters as a student mentor, supporting younger honors students. She did not just give advice, she built relationships. Her success as a mentor led to a promotion as student coordinator, where she trained and supported the mentors themselves, strengthened programming, and worked closely with Honors College staff. Megan credits H200 with shaping her into the compassionate, intentional leader she is today. “To really think and reflect on that experience … that is what makes the Honors College meaningful,” she shared.
But Megan’s leadership was not limited to the Honors College. She made a campuswide impact through her work with Regatta, IU Indianapolis’ signature student event that draws between 7,000 and 10,000 attendees. Megan first served as codirector of rules and teams, where she managed event logistics and ensured smooth operations. She was later promoted to executive director, where she led the entire Regatta leadership team, coordinated committee structures, handled conflicts, and oversaw the development of student leaders across the board. Megan credits her time with Regatta for sharpening her professionalism, cross-functional communication, and adaptability—lessons she carried into every part of her college experience.
Megan’s dedication was recognized across the university, earning her selection as a Top 100 Student in both 2024 and 2025, a prestigious honor awarded to students who excel academically, demonstrate strong leadership, and contribute meaningfully to campus life.
Her Honors College achievements were further celebrated when she was named the 2025 Honors College Chancellor’s Scholar, the highest honor given to a graduating senior who has made a profound impact on the Honors College community. For Megan, this honor reflected not just personal achievement, but the collective effort of mentors, peers, and scholars around her.
As a capstone to her honors journey, Megan was selected as the student speaker for the Honors College graduation ceremony, where she addressed her fellow graduates and their families. Standing on stage, she reflected on the transformative nature of the Honors College experience—the friendships, the challenges, the growth—and celebrated the community that had defined her college years.
But Megan’s time in the Honors College did not just shape her campus life, it helped launch her professional career. Through connections made at campus events and her growing confidence as a leader, Megan secured a highly competitive human resources internship at Eli Lilly. She credits her Honors College experience—particularly the skills she honed in communication, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration—for preparing her to thrive in that demanding, high-profile role. This summer, Megan will return to Eli Lilly as part of their two-year rotational HR program, a launchpad into a career where she can combine her love of psychology with her passion for people-focused business work. “I am excited to work for Lilly because they do so much good for people and impact so many people across the world, ” she said.
While Megan also excelled outside the Honors College—leading Regatta, interning at Eli Lilly, preparing for a career in HR—she consistently points back to the Honors College as the heart of her IU Indianapolis experience. “Being a Bepko scholar has been one of the best things that I have done on campus and that I have the honor of being,” Megan said.
For Megan, the Honors College was never just about scholarships or resume lines. It was about community, transformation, and making a difference. As she graduates and steps into her next chapter, she carries forward the lessons and relationships that grew out of the Honors College, leaving behind a legacy that has strengthened the program for the scholars who will follow.
