The university celebrated its 150th anniversary and looked to the future with a number of events—from the sesquicentennial kickoff carnival in August to Chalk the Walk and Spring Commencement in May. Check out a photo gallery that chronicles this year of celebration.
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, more than a thousand May and August graduates were recognized during three commencement ceremonies in the Kovalchick Complex. See scenes of these students marking the start of the next phase of their lives.
As assistant director of Academic and Career Success, Jeremy Risinger guides students through the transition to college life, helping them navigate academic challenges and career planning to ensure a successful journey at IUP.
IUP student Alistair Horton is bridging the gap between theory and the classroom at Indiana Junior High School. Guided by IUP alumnus Zack Karcher, Alistair is discovering the power of the vast IUP music education network. This collaborative mentorship highlights how IUP prepares future educators with the essential tools and a lifelong professional community, ensuring success from student teaching to a rewarding music career.
Megan Seaman came to IUP unsure of her path. Once she got here, she found her voice, and her passion, in computer science. In the summer of 2025, she participated in the U-SOAR program, where she did research on using artificial intelligence to detect breast cancer.
Students from IUP, along with partners from regional universities, took part in a Pittsburgh FAM tour to explore major hospitality and event venues and connect with industry professionals. Coordinated with Visit Pittsburgh, the experience provided hands-on learning and career insight within the region’s vibrant hospitality sector.
Meet Erin Conlin, a historian who views the past as a collection of diverse, relevant stories. Discover why she believes historical understanding is vital for our future and learn about her epic 711-mile trek across the Canadian tundra.
Impact 150, the largest campaign in IUP history, has reached an important milestone—more than $100 million raised in support of our students, university, and community. The campaign’s next phase builds on this momentum. See students at work in classrooms, labs, sports venues, and more to get inspired to reach the campaign finish line.
In just five weeks, students and faculty mounted last month’s premiere of “By the Time We Got to Woodstock.” Selected from 430 submissions, this theatrical production challenged the cast to shape original characters during intense rehearsals—leading to both creative growth and professional-level artistry. Get a backstage look in this multimedia story.
As manager of IUP’s Information Desk, Trish Boring ensures no student question goes unanswered. From campus logistics to finding a “special place” in the library, Boring and her team are dedicated to helping students melt away stress.
When she came to IUP, Jessica Cochran was unsure of her path, but she found guidance, opportunity, and clarity through supportive faculty, athletic and academic scholarships, and a unique blend of business and science coursework. After graduating with a bachelor’s in marketing and a minor in biomedical science and later earning an MBA, she built a career as a medical device manager in Pittsburgh. Looking back, she says she is grateful for her IUP experience: “I got the world out of it.”
Christine Clewell says music is a cultural force that connects people across time, borders, and emotions. She’s drawn to its power to communicate and to build community between performers and listeners. Learn more about her in this installment of Meet Our Faculty.
Experience the excitement of IUP Spring Sports 2026 through our latest photo gallery. See the Crimson Hawks in action across baseball, tennis, and more.
Bill Chadwick’s passion for anthropology began with a childhood fascination with archaeology and evolved through hands-on fieldwork and scientific study of landscapes. Learn more about him in this installment of Meet Our Faculty.
As director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at IUP, Betsy Sarneso guides students in 25 Greek organizations, building leadership, inclusivity, and community. She also organizes the Homecoming parade and Crimson Court. Learn more about her in this Q&A.
Belinda Nuth Sloboda, assistant professor of interior design, brings decades of experience—from residential design to creating spaces for special needs—to the classroom. She inspires students to explore diverse career paths while sharing her expertise and industry connections.
