Undergraduate Student News

Undergraduate Perspective: Ashley Detzner

Have you ever been in the midst of an experience and had a defining moment in which you knew you were exactly where you were meant to be? As a Spanish and Biology major who plans to become a doctor, I can say studying abroad has been one of these momentous experiences that is still shaping my future.

Because I plan to incorporate Spanish into my daily interactions as a physician, I had been eager for many years to study abroad, expanding my cultural horizons and improving my Spanish. The IU Spanish Department’s summer program in Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic was perfect for my academic needs, as well as my personal interests in Spanish and the culture, especially among the people of a third world country.

I am so grateful for the Ashley Crouse Memorial Scholarship, which made it financially possible for me to study abroad and gain courage and confidence in speaking that I did not possess previously. My time in the Dominican Republic reaffirmed my love of language and culture and my desire to remain a part of the international community.

Studying abroad has fueled a multicultural flame that guides me toward a multitude of opportunities, such as the Peace Corps or Doctors Without Borders, which will allow me to incorporate Spanish into my personal activities and professional work for the rest of my life.

Undergraduate Perspective: Molly Zweig

With the funds I received from the Rachel DiPietro James Scholarship, I was able to support the first half of my year abroad in Buenos Aires. During the fall semester, I studied at the Catholic University of Argentina, where I took courses in a program exclusively offered to exchange students and had the opportunity to participate in a film critique internship.

My writing in Spanish improved immensely; one of the pieces I wrote was accepted for publication, and I am now more knowledgeable about Argentine film than I ever could have been without this immersion opportunity.

I am truly grateful for the financial support of the DiPietro-James family. With their help and guidance, I decided to extend my stay from one semester to a full year. As a triple major in International Studies, Spanish, and Portuguese, I believe it will benefit me greatly to spend as much time in South America as possible.

My Spanish has improved tremendously, and I do not think my language abilities would be the same if I had only spent time in the classroom. I am greatly looking forward to the challenges and discoveries I will make in the second part of my time in Buenos Aires.

Undergraduate Student Honors and Awards

Scholarships and Awards

Kaitlyn Blansett received the 2014 Pedro Díaz Seijas Memorial Scholarship in support of future educational and career goals.

Laura Bond earned a College of Arts and Sciences/Campus Writing Program Intensive Writing Essay Prize.

Ashley Detzner earned the 2013 Ashley Crouse Memorial Scholarship in support of her summer overseas study in the Dominican Republic.

Bailey Harmon was awarded the 2013 Theodore Dorf Scholarship toward her summer study in the Dominican Republic.

Claire Houterman received a Kate Hevner Mueller Outstanding Senior Award in recognition of her student leadership and service to Indiana University.

Andrew Johns was awarded the 2013 Provost’s Award for Research and Creative Activity for his research paper “Pragmatic Variation in Request Production in Dakar French.” Professor César Félix-Brasdefer was recognized for his work as a mentor on this project.

Megan Kelly was awarded the 2014 Rachel DiPietro James Scholarship toward her participation in the CIEE-sponsored study abroad program in Argentina.

Catherine Krege received the School of Globel and International Studies David E. Albright Memorial Scholarship.

Kelly Kreutz received the 2013 Pedro Díaz-Seijas Scholarship, awarded by the department in support of her academic and career pursuits.

Rebeca Parker earned the 2014 Ashley Crouse Memorial Scholarship in support of her summer study program in Alcala, Mexico. She also received the Jeanice Bartling Lewis Memorial Scholarship from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Janaki Patel earned the Z.G. and Ethel Starr Clevenger Scholarship from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Andjela Radmilovic received the 2014 Theodore Dorf Scholarship in support of her summer abroad in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

Christine White was named a 2014 Truman Scholar. This prestigious national scholarship is given to highly promising students hoping to improve the way government agencies, nonprofit organizations or educational institutions serve the public. Christine is majoring in Spanish, Political Science and Economics.

Sasha Zawadsky-Weist received a Kate Hevner Mueller Outstanding Senior Award in recognition of her student leadership and service to Indiana University.

Molly Zweig received the 2013 Rachel DiPietro-James Scholarship toward her participation in the CIEE-sponsored study abroad program in Argentina, and in 2014 was awarded the College of Arts and Sciences Abel Scholarship.

Graduated with Department Honors

• Leyre Bastyr, advisor Steven Wagschal
• Mattie Brokaw, advisor Kimberly L. Geeslin
• Lisa Fink, advisor César Félix-Brasdefer
• Claire Houterman, advisor Patrick Dove
• Alexis Howard, advisor Patrick Dove
• Hannah Kurowski, advisor Deborah Cohn
• Kristin Sayler, advisor Erik Willis
• Abigail Yates, advisor Erik Willis
• Allison Yates, advisor César Félix-Brasdefer

Phi Beta Kappa Inductees

• Sarah Babb
• Holly Epple
• Trey Hansen
• Kelly Hartman
• Stephanie Iden
• Kelsey Marks
• Meredith McCabe
• Carly Smith