Your 2023 Kate Hevner Mueller Award Winners (S-W)

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 has selected 27 outstanding recipients for the Kate Hevner Mueller Outstanding Senior Award. In this article, we congratulate Kyle Seibert, Sankalp Mohan Sharma, Arianna Smith, Autumn Stringer, and Chutavion Walker 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.

Kyle Seibert
Sankalp Mohan Sharma
Arianna Smith
Autumn Stringer
Chutavion Walker

 Kyle Seibert

Kyle Seibert is graduating from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs with a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs degree in Policy Analysis. Kyle served as Student Body President of the IU Student Government for the 2022-2023 school year. Additionally, he was a member of the Civic Leaders Center, where he developed service learning opportunities for his cohort and led the charge on his cohort’s legacy project, and as a Resident Assistant in Walnut Grove. 

Acknowledgments

When reflecting on those that have impacted him most during his time at IU, Kyle said:

First and foremost, I would like to thank my family and friends for always being there to support me, no matter what crazy endeavors I decide to pursue. I would also be remise if I did not thank the many folks who have helped make my term as Student Body President a success, especially our wonderful Cabinet, advisors, the Division of Student Affairs, and other campus leadership – thank you for your support!   

 Sankalp Mohan Sharma

Sankalp Mohan Sharma is graduating from the Kelley School of Business with Bachelor of Science in Business degrees in Management,  Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation. He founded and served as President of People of Indiana University, an organization that has conducted over 150 interviews within the campus community to share their stories. He raised funds through grants and donations to have a coffee table book featuring these stories printed this year. Sankalp has also served as a member of the Board of Aeons, on the Kelley Student Government, within the Global Sales Workshop, as an International Student Ambassador, and as a Resident Assistant. 

Acknowledgments

When reflecting on those that have impacted him most during his time at IU, Sankalp said:

When any one individual is successful, they always have an army of people behind them who guide, help, and support them throughout their journey. I am very lucky to have an army of people behind myself, including my family (my mother, my father and my sister), my friends, professors, mentors, and so many more selfless individuals that have always celebrated my successes and, more importantly, had my back when I was down. Thank you all so so much for always being there for me, for cheering me on, and for guiding me. This recognition is dedicated to you all! 

 Arianna Smith

Arianna Smith is graduating from the School of Public Health with a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health. She served as an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Kenneth Mackie’s Neuroscience Lab and served as the Founder and President of The Mask Project at IU, an organization that helped make and distribute handmade masks alongside the Bloomington Mask Drive. She is the Director of Programming for the Hutton Honors College Association and serves as an executive member on the Medical Humanities Conference Committee. Off-campus, Arianna volunteers as a “Big” with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central Indiana. 

Acknowledgments

When reflecting on those that have impacted her most during her time at IU, Arianna said:

Thank you to my Mom, who has believed in me and shown me encouragement through every journey I have embarked on. Thank you to my mentors, who invested in my academic and professional growth over these past four years. I am so grateful for the amazing people I have been able to grow and learn from at IU; I would not be where I am today without them. 

 Autumn Stringer

Autumn Stringer is graduating from the School of Public Health with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation degree in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management. Autumn has been involved with the Indiana Memorial Union Board all four years, becoming Director of Spirits and Traditions and later serving as Vice President of Internal Affairs. She has also served as a Board of Aeons member and a CommUNITY Educator at Foster Quad. Autumn advocated for social justice, intellectual engagement, and community building in all her roles across campus. 

Acknowledgments

When reflecting on those that have impacted her most during her time at IU, Autumn said:

I would like to thank my mom, Jennifer, for always showing compassion, love, and guidance. I would also like to thank my friends, MC, Sonia, Tiera, and my mentors Mimi Attenoukon and Shannon Rene. 

 Chutavion Walker

Chutavion Walker is graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Biology. Chutavion has served as Co-President for the Minority Association of Premedical Students, as a Senior Peer Coordinator for the FASE Mentoring Program, as an Ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences for the Office of Admissions, and as a student representative on the Dean’s Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  

Acknowledgments

When reflecting on those that have impacted him most during his time at IU, Chutavion said:

Thank you to my family and friends back home for encouraging me and uplifting me during my college experience. In addition, I want to give a big thanks with the utmost gratitude to all my new friends and the community I have established here. Lastly, I wanted to thank all the faculty and staff here at IU; I would not be the student that I am today without all of their support through the ups-and-downs, so thank you for always being there for me.