Volunteer USI celebrates 2026 volunteer community members
Volunteer USI celebrated its 2026 award recipients and dedicated volunteer community during the annual Volunteer USI Recognition Dinner on Thursday, April 9. This year, more than 820 volunteers were invited to celebrate their involvement.
Volunteer USI recognizes three award recipients each year who’ve contributed outstanding service to USI and/or the community. The award categories recognized are: Volunteer of the Year, Mentor of the Year and Student Volunteer of the Year.
Volunteer of the Year – Peter Whiting M’10
Peter Whiting was recognized as the 2026 Volunteer of the Year. He serves as the Scholarly Communication Librarian in David L. Rice Library at USI, where he has been employed since 1999.
Whiting holds an exemplary record of service at USI. He has served in various roles on Faculty Senate since 2013, including as Faculty Senate Chair from 2017–18, the first time a librarian held this position. He has also served on the Institutional Review Board since 2013, including its Bylaws Task Force in 2016, and is currently Co-Chair of the Ethical and Responsible Conduct Committee as part of the University’s multi-year reaffirmation of accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission.
Whiting was a longtime member of the Volunteer USI Advisory Council, serving three terms as Council President, most recently in 2018, and contributed to the Celebration of Teaching & Learning Symposium Planning Committee from 2017–25 and the Solar Eclipse Planning Committee from 2022–24.
A dedicated supporter of USI Athletics, Whiting has volunteered at events such as the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship Tournaments and the Division II Championship Tournaments and has been a member of the USI Varsity Club since 2011. He has also served as a Team Captain for USI Spruce-Up, supporting campus beautification ahead of Commencement each spring, and frequently volunteers for Welcome Week, Late Night Breakfast before final exams and Constitution Day.
Beyond campus, Whiting has an outstanding record of community service. He has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Alexandrian Public Library in Mount Vernon, Indiana, since 2005, serving as Treasurer since 2021, and a member of the Friends of the Willard Library in Evansville, Indiana, since 2003, serving as Treasurer since 2024. He has also served as a judge for the Richard A. Schlottman Memorial Scholarship at Old National Bank since 2015.
Whiting earned a Master of Public Administration degree from USI in 2010 and also holds degrees from Triton College, Dominican University and the University of Central Missouri.
His nominator, Marna Hostetler, Dean of David L. Rice Library, writes, “Peter’s service record is deep and varied. He is involved in the life of USI and is known across campus because of his service, going well beyond his job duties. He has amassed an impressive body of contributions to the University and community, with many commitments lasting multiple years, if not more than a decade. He is most deserving of this recognition.”
Mentor of the Year –Jay Sollman ’22
Jay Sollman was recognized as the 2026 Mentor of the Year. He is currently a student at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, where he is pursuing a Doctor of Law degree and is set to graduate this May.
Over the past year, he has assisted in coaching the USI Mock Trial Team, helping students learn the various components of a trial, including witness testimony and examination, opening statements, closing arguments and rules of evidence. The team provides opportunities for USI students to develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, public speaking and effective teamwork.
Sollman has demonstrated a strong commitment to the team, traveling from Bloomington, Indiana, to campus on Fridays to attend practices in person, while also providing feedback to students remotely. In February, he accompanied the team to St. Louis, Missouri, for the regional round of competition. In just their second year competing, the team has shown tremendous improvement with his support.
His sharp mind, legal training and enthusiasm for mock trial make him a uniquely impactful mentor, and he quickly established strong rapport with students.
Sollman earned a degree in political science from USI in 2022.
His nominator, Dr. Nick LaRowe, Associate Professor of Political Science and Pre-Law Coordinator, writes, “I believe Jay is one of USI's most helpful and active alumni. He has consistently attended alumni-in-law events and expressed a willingness to become involved. When that opportunity came, he backed his words up with action. He is one of the best students at a top law school and remains active with USI. He's a rare find, and I am grateful for his help.”
Student Volunteer of the Year – Isaac Nickelson
Isaac Nickelson, a junior biology major from Marengo, Indiana, was recognized as the 2026 Student Volunteer of the Year.
Nickelson dedicates his afternoons and summers to serving as an Orientation Leader and mentor, helping new students navigate the transition to college and build connections within the campus community. He also mentors fellow Orientation Leaders, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to better support incoming students. He returns to campus early each year to volunteer as a Welcome Week Leader, helping freshmen feel more comfortable and excited about starting college.
In addition to his leadership roles, Nickelson serves as a Supplemental Instructor for chemistry and works as a peer tutor in the Academic Success Center. In both roles, he consistently goes beyond expectations, volunteering additional time outside of scheduled sessions to ensure students have the support they need to succeed and build confidence in their academic abilities.
Beyond campus, Nickelson volunteers with Habitat for Humanity on weekends and serves his local community in meaningful ways. He spent Easter Sunday at a nursing home in his hometown as the Easter Bunny, handing out candy and taking photos with residents, many of whom did not have family visiting them for the holiday. He also volunteers with Blue River Services, supporting individuals with disabilities as they work toward greater independence and personal growth.
Nickelson is currently preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) while balancing a full course load and working at the campus climbing center in the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center. Despite these commitments, he continues to dedicate significant time to volunteer service and mentorship.
Nickelson’s nominator, Natalie Stroud, writes, “Isaac aspires to become a physician, and the compassion, service and dedication he demonstrates today are the same qualities that will allow him to care for his future patients with empathy and integrity. His consistent efforts to support and uplift those around him make it clear that serving others is not simply something he does, but it is a core part of who he is.”
Volunteer USI began nearly 30 years ago when USI’s second President H. Ray Hoops saw a need for a formal program to record the dedication and accomplishments of those who give back to the University and surrounding community. Since its inception, thousands of volunteers have donated time through serving on councils, assisting with beautification efforts and a variety of other notable achievements.
For more information on Volunteer USI, visit USI.edu/volunteer.