Kate Hevner Mueller served Indiana University from 1937 to 1969 as Dean of Women, Senior Counselor for Women, and Professor of Education. Dr. Mueller was a national pioneer for women professionals and developed the Master’s Program in College Student Personnel (Higher Education and Student Affairs) at Indiana University in the early 1950s. The Kate Hevner Mueller Senior Awards were established in 2013 to honor IU seniors who have proven leadership on campus both inside and outside of the classroom and who have improved the IU community through their presence.
This year, Indiana University selected 26 outstanding recipients for the Kate Hevner Mueller Outstanding Senior Award. In this article, we’re congratulating Motolani Arinoso, Allison Baughman, Sejal Boobna, William Boulton, and Grace Brenner for their ability to represent Dr. Mueller’s essential goals of the university: to promote intellect, develop personality, and inspire citizenship and leadership to all students.
Motolani Arinoso
Motolani Arinoso has contributed to the Indiana University community through a range of leadership, academic, and service roles. She serves as the president of 180 Degrees Consulting, a student-run consulting club that supports non-profit organizations around the world, with past clients in countries such as Zimbabwe and Guatemala. She is also the Vice President of the Women in Economics Club and previously served as a Resident Assistant.
Her academic involvement includes membership on the Student Advisory Board for the Liberal Arts Management Program (LAMP). She also supports her peers as a PASS leader for M106 and M118.
Acknowledgements: “I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has helped shape me into the person I am today and made my time at IU truly unforgettable. From my professors, such as Professor Steffy and Professor Beshkar, to my advisors, like Stacie and Drew, I truly appreciate all your support!”
Allison Baughman
Allison Baughman is currently serving her second year on the Board of Aeons and holds the position of Vice President for the 103rd Board. She is the founder and inaugural president of the Adoptee Awareness Student Association, the first student organization at IU dedicated to adoptee experiences. In addition to her leadership roles, Allison interns in the IU Office of the President and volunteers as a Child Visit Monitor with Monroe County CASA.
Her involvement extends to People of IU, the Kelley School’s Academic Fairness Committee, and the Asian American Association. She has previously worked with IU’s Center for Rural Engagement, Beacon, Inc., DIS Copenhagen, and the Bloomington Country Club.
Acknowledgements: “First and foremost, I want to thank my parents, brother, grandparents, Chad Tom, and the rest of the Geyer-Cain Scholarship Committee for their enduring support, guidance, and encouragement beginning well before my IU career. I’d also like to extend my sincerest gratitude to my mentors Trent Deckard, Angie Raymond, Curt Simic, Sylvester Makobi, and Lucy LePeau for being the foundation of my IU community and pushing me to be my very best.”
Sejal Boobna
Sejal Boobna has dedicated her time at Indiana University to fostering inclusivity, mentorship, and growth. As President of the Women in Economics Club, she expanded the organization’s membership from fewer than 20 to over 100 members, launched a beginner-friendly research program, and created pathways for women to engage with industry professionals.
As a Kovener Teaching Fellow, Sejal advocated for inclusive teaching strategies to ensure students from diverse backgrounds felt seen and heard. She also served as a teaching assistant for four semesters, mentoring more than 400 students. Through her leadership and resilience, Sejal has built communities where students feel supported in both their academic and professional journeys.
Acknowledgements: “I am deeply grateful to my professors, mentors, friends, and family who have supported, challenged, and inspired me throughout my journey at IU. Your guidance and encouragement have shaped my growth in ways I never imagined—thank you for believing in me.”
William Boulton
Since his freshman year at Indiana University, William Boulton has been deeply involved in undergraduate research. He began his research journey in the ASURE program under Dr. Mike Manzella and now conducts research in the laboratory of Dr. Heather O’Hagan. His current work focuses on the differentiation of enteroendocrine cells in mucinous colorectal cancer.
William has also served as a teaching assistant in the Department of Chemistry since his sophomore year, primarily supporting Organic Chemistry I and II with Dr. Laura Brown. He is currently a teaching assistant for Biochemistry with Dr. Jessica Hollenbeck.
Outside of the classroom and laboratory, William volunteers weekly at Friend’s Place, a local homeless shelter, demonstrating his commitment to service in the Bloomington community.
Acknowledgements: “I would like to thank Dr. Manzella, Dr. O’Hagan, and Dr. Brown for their support and mentorship over the past four years, and for providing me with opportunities to fully explore my interests. I would also like to thank my parents for their unwavering support, no matter which paths I have taken.”
Grace Brenner
Grace Brenner has made meaningful contributions to the Indiana University community through her involvement in service, mentorship, and academic research. She has served in leadership roles for IU Dance Marathon (IUDM) and Students for Equity in Public Affairs (SEPA)—experiences that have deepened her commitment to philanthropy and social justice.
Grace has also worked as a Student Success Mentor and served as the Lead Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for SPEA-K300, roles that have shaped her leadership and peer mentorship skills. As a member of the O’Neill Honors Program, she completed an undergraduate thesis examining the effects of understaffing on nonprofit employees in Indiana.
Acknowledgements: “Thank you to my family and friends for their constant support. Thank you also to Professor Daniel Grundmann, Professor Henry Wakhungu, and Professor Jennifer Brass for all that you have done for me.”
