Groups Scholars student, faculty, earn IU recognition
Transitioning from home school to college was a daunting challenge for Grace Casey.
Participating in Indiana University Kokomo’s Groups Scholars program gave her the tools for a successful launch, and to continue working to earn her degree.
Her productive first year earned her recognition as one of IU’s six Groups Scholars of the Year, representing the Kokomo campus. The award recognizes a first year Groups Scholar, with a minimum GPA of 2.5, who demonstrates promising leadership skills through their involvement in campus activities, student groups, and community service. Award winners are celebrated for establishing themselves as role models on campus and will continue to make an impact in years to come.
Casey, from Indianapolis, appreciated the recognition.
“I was just surprised,” she said. “I didn’t expect that type of recognition on that level. It means a lot to me.”
She is one of about 250 IU students on the five regional campuses participating in Groups Scholars, which provides academic, financial, and social support to help them through their college journey, resulting in higher retention rates and average GPAs.
At IU Kokomo, it includes a six-week summer session with a three-credit class in either sociology or environmental chemistry. They also take a one-credit student success seminar, which helps them learn the ropes of going to college, finding campus resources, financial planning, and wellness. It includes field trips to locations such as the Indianapolis Zoo, downtown Kokomo restaurants and historical sites, and the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.
During the school year, Groups offered regular meetings and social activities, along with mentoring support from a faculty member.
“It helped me knowing people on campus on the first day and having someone to say hi to when walking to class,” she said. “It also allowed us to connect more with the professors who teach this program. It helped me make connections and feel more comfortable and eased me into my freshman year. I’m excited to start my second year.”
Faculty described Casey as “a star example of what being a Groups Scholar means and represents,” with a positive attitude and commitment to her studies that set an example for her peers. She earned dean’s list honors while going to IU Kokomo full time and working full time as an assistant manager at a Kokomo Taco Bell.
She attended as many field trips, KEY trips, outings, and events as she could, and met her mentor monthly. Casey also spoke on behalf of the program at a Well House Society luncheon, sharing how the program personally impacted her life and success, and had a one-on-one meeting with Chancellor Mark Canada to recognize her achievements.
Brandi Keith, adjunct faculty member in sociology, was also honored. She received the Groups Scholars Service Award, which recognizes a faculty or staff member who performs above and beyond the expectations of their role to help or support Groups Scholars and/or the Groups Scholars summer or year-round program.
Keith has been instrumental in fostering community and providing consistent support within the Groups Scholars program at IU Kokomo. Since the program’s inception, she has played a pivotal role as an instructor for the Student Success summer course, guiding students as they navigate the campus, engage with the local community, and develop essential skills for a successful transition to college life.
Her leadership is evident in her thoughtful programming and active recruitment efforts. Notable examples include her coordination of the annual “Groupsgiving” fall celebration and her initiative in recruiting an IUK alumna to join the Groups Scholars instructional team. Her commitment to expanding college access and success has grown even further this year through her new role as campus visit coordinator in the Office of Admissions.
This summer, Keith led the “Ignite Your Future” summer camp, a program designed to introduce seventh and eighth grade students to the transformative possibilities of a college education. Her passion, leadership, and dedication continue to elevate the Groups Scholars program and the broader IU Kokomo community.
Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.