Growing up on Evansville’s west side, Lily Durcholz learned early the importance of service, community involvement and helping those in need. Those values were instilled by her family and reinforced during her time as a student at Signature School. Just as importantly, she discovered a love for connecting with people and a confidence in building relationships, strengths that have shaped both her personal and professional life.
Lily’s interest in communications began unexpectedly in elementary school when she read In Their Shoes: Extraordinary Women Describe Their Amazing Careers. One chapter, featuring a publicist, immediately captured her attention.
“I remember thinking, ‘This is so cool. This sounds like something I would like to do,’” she says.
That moment sparked an interest in public-facing work that eventually led her to the University of Southern Indiana, where she earned degrees in Public Relations and German with a minor in Marketing. Together, those disciplines provided a foundation that continues to serve her career today. While Public Relations and Marketing naturally complemented one another, studying German challenged her to think differently and broadened her perspective.
USI felt like home long before she became a student. Her mother attended the University, and Lily participated in several campus summer camps while growing up. Those experiences made the transition to college feel natural and welcoming. Receiving a Presidential Scholarship further strengthened her connection to USI and opened doors that might not otherwise have been possible.
“The scholarship genuinely changed my life,” she says. “I’m so grateful to the fund founders who enabled me to graduate debt-free.”
Outside the classroom, Lily immersed herself in campus leadership opportunities. As a Student Ambassador and later President of the Student Ambassador Program, she developed communication, leadership and interpersonal skills while representing a university she loved. The experience also provided valuable exposure to a professional office environment through her work with the Admissions Office and countless interactions with prospective students and families.
Many of the skills she developed at USI remain part of her daily work. Whether creating marketing campaigns, building websites or designing graphics, she consistently finds herself drawing on lessons learned as a student.
Her professional journey began before graduation. While interning with the Economic Development Coalition during her junior year, she reconnected with Signature School. That relationship led to a part-time position during her senior year at USI and ultimately the start of her career with the organization.
One of the most memorable and transformative experiences of her college years came during her sophomore year when she participated in the Disney College Program in Orlando, Florida. As a character performer, she portrayed beloved characters including Belle, Pluto and Eeyore. While the role appeared glamorous from the outside, it demanded resilience, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills.
“It was physically exhausting, sometimes emotionally draining, and I had to master the art of deflection,” she recalls.
Despite the challenges, the experience was immensely rewarding. Working alongside people from around the world broadened her perspective, and interactions with guests often left a lasting impact. She particularly remembers women sharing how Belle inspired their love of reading and learning.
Today, Lily credits much of her success to the mentors and relationships that have guided her along the way. Her advice to current USI students is simple: seek opportunities to learn from those who inspire you.
“Connections are everything,” she says. “Never be afraid to introduce yourself, ask questions or learn from someone who is a few steps ahead of you. You never know where one conversation might lead.”
Through her career and community involvement, Lily continues to embody the values that first shaped her journey: service, connection and a commitment to helping others succeed.
