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 Mohena Gupta, Rezwana Habib, Sophia Hottois, Lillian Mettler, Averie Miner, and Muntasir Munaf 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.
Mohena Gupta
Mohena Gupta has demonstrated leadership, creativity, and a passion for advocacy throughout her time at Indiana University. As a member of the professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, she has held multiple leadership positions, including Vice President of Communications and Vice President of Standards.
Mohena is the founder of IU’s chapter of Girl Up, a United Nations initiative that advocates for girls’ education and women’s rights. Under her leadership, the organization has grown to over 60 members in just two years. She also brings her creative talents to campus as a photographer for Season Magazine, IU’s fashion publication that explores societal topics through design, style, and self-expression.
Acknowledgements: “I would like to give a huge thank you to my professors and mentors throughout my four years at IU. I have had the honor of being taught by some wonderful teachers, such as Professor Josefy and Professor Fossen, as well as getting to work alongside Ian Fournie at Union Board. These people have truly shaped my experience here at Indiana!”
Rezwana Habib
Rezwana Habib has demonstrated a deep commitment to inclusivity, mentorship, and academic excellence during her time at Indiana University. As a member of the Indiana Memorial Union Board, she led initiatives focused on cultural awareness, community engagement, and student advocacy.
She has supported the academic and personal growth of her peers, both as a resident assistant and an undergraduate teaching intern for general chemistry. Driven by a passion for healthcare, Rezwana also conducted research in the Biomechanics Lab, where she studied running gait mechanics and heat stress tolerance. These experiences have shaped her dedication to leadership, mentorship, and scientific inquiry as she prepares for the next chapter of her journey.
Acknowledgements: “Thank you to my family, friends, faculty, and advisors for their unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement throughout my journey at IU. Their belief in me has shaped my growth, and I will carry these lessons and memories with me as I navigate the next chapter of my life.”
Sophia Hottois
Sophia Hottois has embraced a wide array of leadership, academic, and service opportunities during her time at Indiana University. She began her journey in the Civic Leaders Center as a freshman and later went on to serve in the IU Student Government Congress during her sophomore year. Additionally, Sophia worked both in the O’Neill Career Office and as an undergraduate teaching assistant. She later joined the IUSG Court, where she confirms elections and adjudicates student misconduct cases.
Sophia conducted a thesis on healthcare quality during her sophomore and junior years, as well as furthered her commitment to public service by spending a semester in Washington, D.C. working for the White House. This year, she earned her rookie requirements for the Little 500 and works with Teach for America, continuing her dedication to equity and impact beyond campus.
Acknowledgements: “First and foremost, I want to thank my family for supporting me in all my endeavors and comforting me in the face of adversity. I would like to thank my friends, colleagues, supervisors, professors, and mentors for encouraging me to challenge myself and realize my potential.”
Lillian Mettler
Lillian Mettler has made significant contributions to the Indiana University community through her leadership in the Student Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (SAND-IU), where she has served on the executive board for three years. As National Nutrition Month Coordinator, she organized an allergen-free cooking event focused on meal prep best practices, aligned with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ 2023 “Fuel for the Future” theme.
During her term as President, Lillian promoted the growth of the dietetic student body by leading fundraising, networking, and volunteer initiatives that fostered both professional development and a strong sense of community. She now serves as treasurer, continuing to support students in the program through collaboration with peers, instructors, directors, and registered dietitians.
Acknowledgements: “A heartfelt thank you to my bright and encouraging professors, mentors, peers, and loved ones! Your support and guidance have truly shaped me.”
Averie Miner
Averie Miner has made a lasting impact on the IU School of Nursing and the broader Bloomington community through her commitment to public health, clinical research, and student engagement. One of her most meaningful contributions has been her work on the First Thursdays project, which provides free diabetes screenings and education to underserved populations. This initiative has also sparked collaborations with the IU School of Optometry for the MLK Day of Vision.
Averie is also engaged in clinical research, where her team’s study on Peri-Operative Inadvertent Hypothermia was accepted for presentation at the 2025 AORN Global Surgical Conference in Boston.
As an IUSON Ambassador, Averie has helped connect prospective students to the nursing school, strengthening community ties and highlighting the many opportunities available at IU. Her experiences have shaped her into a confident advocate and leader, dedicated to advancing both her own future and the future of others.
Acknowledgements: “First, I want to thank Indiana University for recognizing the remarkable students here today. It’s because of this institution that we can celebrate our achievements and the progress we’ve made in advancing our community. Mom, I would not have pursued this incredibly rewarding yet challenging field of nursing without your incredible example. You taught me the value of showing up every day and working hard. Scott, you entered my life at a pivotal time, and your unwavering support has meant the world to me. I also want to thank my family—my resilient father, my beautiful twin sister, my little brother, and cousin, all of whom are part of the IU family. Your love, support, and encouragement have been my driving force. Lastly, I’m deeply grateful to the staff at the IU School of Nursing who welcomed me with open arms, listened to my ideas for change, and worked alongside me to make them a reality. Professors Samantha Eads, Britney Arce, and Dr. Angela Opshal have been instrumental in my success. They’ve shown me my worth, gone out of their way to help me finish my clinical hours, and advocated for me when it wasn’t easy. Thank you for all you have done.”
Muntasir Munaf
Muntasir Munaf has pursued a wide range of experiences in research, social impact, and institutional improvement during his time at Indiana University. He has led a NASA-funded aerospace materials project as an undergraduate researcher and serves as the Managing Editor for the IU Journal of Undergraduate Research Group, promoting student scholarship across disciplines.
Muntasir has held several leadership roles, including serving as President of 180 Degrees Consulting, where he guided teams in delivering strategic and operational solutions for global nonprofits. He has also contributed to university-wide initiatives as a member of the Student Advisory Board for the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (OVPUE). In recognition of his commitment to student advocacy and campus betterment, Muntasir was appointed by President Whitten to the 103rd Board of Aeons, which addresses some of the most pressing issues facing the undergraduate student body.
Acknowledgements: “I would like to thank all my research and leadership advisors for their hand in shaping me into a confident leader, and my parents, Abdul and Salamath, for giving me all the support in the world.”
