Spring 2019 #USIGrad stories

Riley Cornett '19, President's Medal recipient 

Riley Cornett knew from the second she stepped on campus that she was ready to grow her Illinois roots southeast to Indiana. Originally from Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Riley quickly connected with a USI admissions counselor who visited her high school and made her realize USI was the perfect fit for her. "When I came to USI on an open house day, the admissions counselor picked me out and addressed me by name," she says. "She remembered my name, and that was the moment I knew I didn't belong anywhere else."

Since attending her first USI orientation session, Riley, a communications studies major who is the 2019 recipient of the President's Medal, the highest honor given to a member of the graduating class, has made quite the positive impact on the University. She served as an AMIGO, as New Member Mentor for Student Ambassadors and as a radio personality for 95.7 FM The Spin. Along with her multitude of activities, Riley was also an active member of the Honors Program.

Through her involvement on campus, Riley has come to realize that a little effort and guidance goes a long way. "I have new members or people in organizations I've been involved with come up to me and say, 'I wouldn't have done this and put myself out there if it wasn't for you,'" she recalls. "I think about how I've said that to my past mentors. Hearing the same thing echoed back to you changes everything."

After graduating, Riley will attend Ball State University, where she will work towards a master's degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education. She hopes to one day be the president or dean of students of a higher-education institution. Although she is excited to transfer all the meaningful skills she's obtained from USI to Ball State, Riley knows she'll always be "the biggest USI nerd in the entire world." "My mom bought me a Ball State shirt, and I can't even put it on yet," she laughs. "I am so, so loyal to the red, white and blue, and I've absolutely adored my time here."

This #USIGrad story was written by University Communications student worker Kaylee Johnson '20.

Bradley Flittner '19, Romain College of Business Reflection Speaker

Bradley Flittner came to USI ready to take on the many leadership opportunities available. Having already had previous leadership experience as senior class president at the EVSC's New Tech Institute, Bradley hit the ground running, becoming involved with the Student Government Association at USI.

He spent three years as a student representative for the Romain College of Business before serving as SGA president his senior year. Bradley has continued to show his passion and commitment for the University during his time as president and can often be seen at various events in support of other organizations on campus.

Bradley will be graduating with a degree in business management and a marketing minor. 

This #USIGrad story was written by University Communications student worker Madison Doan '19.

Richard Weaver D'19, Graduate Studies Ceremony Reflection Speaker

Jacksonville, Florida resident Richard Weaver has been a student his whole life. It began with his learning the meaning of hard work from his mother, who worked two jobs in order to raise her children, and continued as he learned about sportsmanship from his high school football coaches. He learned about brotherhood as an Army medic, and he learned compassion as a licensed practical nurse, working at Jacksonville's University Medical Center, which serves a large homeless and indigent population. "That was hard work, you not only had a high nurse/patient ratio, but you were dealing with mental health needs, drugs and AIDS. That experience really shaped me into the nurse I am today," Weaver says.

After completing his RN, he believed he could do more for underserved populations by teaching other young nurses how to treat vulnerable patients. He looked at USI's Master of Science in Nursing program based on a recommendation from a preceptor who was enrolled. Weaver looked at the program's website and saw that the goals and strategies aligned with his. Being ranked 28th Best Online Nursing Program according to U.S. News and Word Reports convinced him USI was the perfect fit. He found mentors in Dr. Melissa Hall, chair of the Master of Science in Nursing Program, and Dr. C. Elizabeth Bonham, associate professor of nursing, and was determined to not only complete his master's but his doctorate as well. As an academic, he looks forward to working with graduate students and encouraging them to work hard and not settle for anything ordinary. "My education at USI has really been an extraordinary experience."

This #USIGrad story was written by Barbara Goodwin, senior administrative assistant for photography and multimedia

Jordin Jones '19, Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education Reflection Speaker

Jordin Jones '19 did what was necessary to earn her degree by working in USI's Financial Aid Office, tutoring middle school students and first graders, and helping USI's Biology Department set up and tear down labs for the Botany, Principles of Biology, and Plant Systematics classes, as well as taking care of the Biology Department's greenhouse. She received an associate degree at a community college and came to USI to major in biology, but changed to a teacher education major with a focus in biology. The switch expanded her career opportunities as she could seek positions in both medical and teaching fields. "USI really helped me figure out who I was and what I wanted in life," she says. "The situations and hard times I dealt with during my time at USI pushed me to my absolute limits. I know that I can handle whatever life throws at me because of this."

This #USIGrad story was written by Dana Tang '17 M'19