Your 2025 Kate Hevner Mueller Award Winners (N–S)

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 Chris Nosewicz, Anna Peplowski, Aaliyah Raji, Ayzera N. Rice, Allison Smith, and Dane Spencer 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.

Chris Nosewicz 

Christopher Nosewicz came to Indiana University as a William R. Fry Scholar, majoring in Finance and International Business at the Kelley School of Business. His time at IU has been defined by leadership, global exploration, and academic excellence. He studied abroad in both Thailand and Milan, Italy, visiting 24 countries and expanding his international perspective. 

Chris served as President of the Dean’s Insight Board and placed in over a dozen consulting case competitions, showcasing his analytical skills and strategic thinking. As a member of Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, he built lifelong friendships and a strong professional network. Upon graduation, Chris will begin his next chapter at McKinsey & Company, where he looks forward to continuing his growth as a global leader. 

Acknowledgements: “To Indiana University, the Kelley School of Business, William R. Fry, and Carmund White—thank you for giving me a chance to show what I could accomplish given the opportunity.” 

Anna Peplowski 

Anna Peplowski is majoring in Sports Marketing and Management in the School of Public Health. A Dean’s Scholarship recipient and standout athlete, she has earned numerous accolades, including a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, IU Athlete of the Year, Big Ten Swimmer of the Year, and individual Big Ten Champion. She has also maintained a strong academic record, earning a place on the Dean’s List from 2022 to 2024. 

Anna has served as an executive member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and co-leads Hoosier Core, a student-athlete initiative focused on drug and alcohol abuse education and sexual violence prevention. As both recruiting captain and team captain of IU Swimming, Anna has helped guide her teammates, coordinated events for prospective recruits, and led by example in and out of the pool. In 2022, she became the first NIL recipient for IU Swimming within the Bloomington community, reflecting her pioneering spirit and leadership across athletics, academics, and the broader IU community. 

Acknowledgements: “Thank you to the Indiana coaching staff and the IU Athletic Department for developing me as a leader and giving me the tremendous opportunity to lead, prosper, and excel in the pool, classroom, and community.” 

Aaliyah Raji 

Aaliyah Raji, a Hudson and Holland Scholar, is completing majors in Marketing, Management, and Law, Ethics, and Decision-Making in the Kelley School of Business. She has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Sherry Mills Graduating Women in Business Scholarship, Carrie Parker Taylor Scholarship, OVPDEI Overseas Scholarship, Kelley Black Fry Women Trailblazer Award, William G. Panschar Scholarship, and Kelley Community Service Scholarship. 

Aaliyah made history as the first Black woman to serve as IU Student Body President. In this role, she has worked to raise awareness of student government and inspire others while championing inclusion and equity across campus. Her service in a variety of student-facing roles has reinforced her commitment to creating a more diverse, welcoming, and student-centered university. Through educational experiences in Budapest, Washington, D.C., and the Dominican Republic, Aaliyah has broadened her understanding of global cultures and racial inequities—experiences that continue to shape her passion for leadership and advocacy. 

Acknowledgements: “I would like to thank my parents for their unconditional support and dedication to my success, as well as my biggest cheerleader and mentor, Alison Miron, who has been with me since freshman year. A special shoutout to the KACE and Kelley Office of Student Life for their continued support.” 

Ayzera N. Rice 

Ayzera Rice is earning a degree in Community Health with a minor in Exercise Science from the School of Public Health. She came to Indiana University as a 21st Century Covenant Scholar and has received additional honors, including the Quaker Friends Scholarship, Leslie House Scholarship, and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Indiana State Organization Undergraduate Scholarship. 

Initiated into the Delta Epsilon Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in Spring 2022, Ayzera has held numerous leadership roles, including Parliamentarian of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, as well as Parliamentarian, First Vice President, and President of her chapter. She has also served as President of the Women of Color Leadership Institute and was nominated to the 2024 IU Homecoming Court. In addition, Ayzera co-founded and serves as Vice President of the G.L.I.S.S. Chapter of the National Association of Colored Women Clubs, promoting diversity, service, and philanthropy for vulnerable populations. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to advocacy, community health, and empowering women of color. 

Acknowledgements: “I thank my family, sisters, friends, and mentors who have always been there as a lifeline for me to call on and have encouraged me to continue my efforts despite adversity, self-doubt, and weariness experienced. Ultimately, I thank God for His everlasting grace and guidance that has directed me to use my gifts towards serving those throughout the Bloomington community and elsewhere.” 

Allison Smith 

Allison Smith is a ballet major at the Jacobs School of Music with an outside field in Arts Management. She received the Hudson and Holland Scholarship and the Premier Young Artists Scholarship, and is a Dean’s List honoree. In Spring 2024, she studied in Scotland as part of the inaugural O’Neill in Scotland program led by Dr. Ursula Kuhar. 

Allison has served as a teaching assistant at the Jacobs Academy of Ballet, where she has helped guide and inspire the next generation of young dancers. As a performer, she danced a soloist role in the World Premiere of A Star on the Rise… La Bayadere Reimagined, choreographed by Phil Chan and Doug Fullington. Through her dedication to mentorship and performance, Allison has shared her love for dance while contributing meaningfully to the Jacobs community. 

Acknowledgements: “I want to pour out a heartfelt thank you to the professors who have opened my eyes to so many new ideas, my friends who have inspired me, and most importantly, my parents who have supported and guided me to this point. Thank you for being such important pillars in my life whom I can always lean on.”  

Dane Spencer 

Dane Spencer is pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a specialization in Software Engineering and a minor in Virtual Reality and Informatics at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. He is a recipient of the Heisler Computer Sciences Scholarship, the Della J. Evans Scholarship, and has been named to the Dean’s List throughout his academic career. 

Dane has been actively involved in the Student Planning and Resource Corp., the Luddy Living-Learning Community, and the Luddy Ambassadors. Across these organizations, he has been committed to supporting student success through every phase of the college experience—from recruitment and the first-year transition to academic planning and mentorship. As a leader, he focuses on helping others grow while leading by example. His passion for innovation has also taken him beyond campus, with experiences in San Francisco, Athens, Georgia, and Chicago, where he conducted research and interned with technology and AI-focused organizations. 

Acknowledgements: “Thank you to everyone who has given me the opportunity to learn and grow from you throughout college. I appreciate all the time and energy you put into my development over these four years.”