Get ready to feel the buzz. Meet the IU Indy Street Team—a dynamic squad of students igniting excitement for our future as IU Indianapolis.
As members of the street team, Kaitlyn Dibble, Connor Phutawon, Ivan Santos and Kaelynn Stallard are helping usher in a new era of unmistakable Indiana University presence in the heart of the Hoosier state capital.
Kaitlyn Dibble
Tourism, Conventions and Events
Kaitlyn joined the Indy Street Team because she loves IU Indianapolis and wants to share her knowledge and enthusiasm about the university with other students. On campus, she is a campus ambassador and an information specialist for the Undergraduate Admissions office. Kaitlyn’s go-to order at Caribou Coffee is a turtle mocha.
Question: What originally drew you to the university?
Answer: The proximity to downtown Indianapolis drove me to choose IU Indianapolis. I’m provided with great internship and job opportunities with Fortune 500 companies, local businesses and travel organizations. The city also has lots of fun places to hang out with my friends; I never feel bored being in Indianapolis. There’s always a restaurant to try, a game to attend, a concert to sing at and much more.
Q: What’s a tip for students looking to get more involved?
A: "If you want to get on campus, then do it! It’s scary to put yourself out there, but it’s so much more fun being in college when you’re involved and making friends. The CUBE is a great place to check out if you don’t know where to get involved."
Connor Phutawon
Pre-med studying Biology and Theatre and Performance
Connor is an OTEAM member, where he helps transition first-year students into college life, a member of James Marrs’ research laboratory group and a student leader for Regatta. He joined the IU Indy Street Team because he enjoys sparking a sense of pride and belonging in students. When he’s not on campus, Connor works at Old National Centre as a merchandise specialist. Fun fact: Connor has been to Thailand six times to visit his family.
Q: Tell us about one of your favorite college memories.
A: "My favorite college memory is definitely my first Regatta freshman year. I volunteered at the event and had a blast! I loved seeing how the event brought together not just students, faculty, and staff, but the entire Indianapolis community as a whole. It’s what inspired me to be a part of the planning committee for it."
Q: What originally drew you to the university?
A: "Because I’m a pre-medical student, I was drawn to the university due to the plentiful opportunities available through living in an urban environment. We’re surrounded by a lot of hospitals, clinics and all sorts of health locations, which makes it great for different shadowing, observation, internships and other experiences."
Ivan Santos
Political Science
Ivan is a resident assistant at North Hall and vice president of the Latino Student Association and La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda. He’s excited about his role on the IU Indy Street Team and looks forward to strengthening his public relations skills as an ambassador for IU Indianapolis. Outside of campus, he’s a paralegal at a law firm. Fun fact: Ivan won free McDonald’s breakfast for a year in high school!
Q: What’s a tip for students looking to get more involved?
A: "My tip would be to put yourself out there. I know at times it can be uncomfortable, but you get to meet many students by going to events or stopping at tabling. The best way I would say is to attend events and check out The Spot."
Q: Tell us about one of your favorite college memories.
A: "One of my favorite college memories is working move-in at North Hall. I was able to meet a lot of residents and their families. I was also excited to start the year and be a first-year RA."
Kaelynn Stallard
Public Policy with a minor in Art
Kaelynn works at the Campus Center Info Desk, serves as the sisterhood chair of Sigma Kappa sorority and is a Bonner Scholar recipient, where she volunteers through the IU Center for Global Health Equity. Kaelynn joined the IU Indy Street Team because she wants students to know and feel that IU Indianapolis is the place for them. Her go-to Caribou Coffee order is a latte with almond milk.
Q: What originally drew you to the university?
A: "I originally started off as a social work major, so I was drawn to this campus because of the strength of that program. But, when I switched my major, I was equally as happy with the strength of the program and the opportunities that being an O’Neill student in Indianapolis has."
Q: What is something you’re looking forward to this school year?
A: "I am so excited to be involved in Fraternity and Sorority Life on campus. There are so many unique and fun events that the different sororities and fraternities host, and I really enjoy going to them."
Be on the lookout for our IU Indy Street Team on social media and at IUI events as we prepare to become IU Indianapolis on July 1. Plus, don't miss your chance to meet the team and get IU Indianapolis swag and apparel at these upcoming tabling events in the Campus Center:
