Each year, IUPUI honors 100 outstanding undergraduate students who demonstrate excellence in three categories—academic excellence, campus leadership, and community engagement. These Top 100 Jags represent everything that makes IUPUI exceptional.
Abby Henderson, a Traditional BSN Honors student who will graduate in May 2024, has been chosen as one of IUPUI's Top 100 students for 2024. Below, learn more about Abby's journey at the IU School of Nursing at IUPUI and the organizations and groups she's chosen to volunteer with during her time at IUPUI.
Why did you choose to pursue your degree at the IU School of Nursing at IUPUI?
The IU School of Nursing provides students with opportunities to succeed both clinically and academically. I liked how the nursing program provides a well-rounded experience and exposes students to a variety of clinical environments. IUPUI’s urban environment is also close to clinical sites that provide some of the best and most innovative care in the state.
Who has inspired you during your educational journey?
My mom has inspired me throughout nursing school for sure. She has been my cheerleader and my biggest supporter throughout the program and inspires me to be the best person I can be. My mom is an IU School of Nursing graduate as well, and I’m honored to follow in her footsteps by entering the nursing profession.
What has been your favorite or most memorable class/educational opportunity while studying at IUPUI, and why?
My most memorable educational opportunity was going to the IU Student Outreach Clinic as part of my current clinical rotation. The clinic has a significant impact on the local community, and it was an incredible experience to care for our community members. Spending my time at the student outreach clinic served as a reminder of the importance of the nursing profession and the impact they have on patients across the healthcare continuum. There is no greater fulfillment than being able to use the skills I’ve gained to help others.
What activities or organizations are you involved in, and why did you choose to become involved or volunteer with these groups?
I am primarily involved in an organization called VIDA Health Partnerships, an on-campus organization that promotes local and global health equity initiatives. I currently serve on the executive board in the service division.
I also direct a program called GOAL University that provides nutrition and health education to K-5 students across Indianapolis. The program reaches 200-300 students each semester, and our efforts are concentrated on communities with barriers to accessing care. The program is currently being updated by myself and my co-director along with a small committee to align with current public health promotion initiatives.
I also regularly volunteer at Paws’ Pantry and served as a lead volunteer during my sophomore and junior years. Reducing food insecurity is a cause that I’m very passionate about, and I’m very privileged to be able to offer my time to this program.
I am a member of Student Nurses Association, Academics for Civic Engagement, and Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma honors societies as well. I also do research through the School of Nursing with a small group of students and my mentor, Dr. Chen Chen, studying menstrual health mobile applications. I interned for the honors college working with the Bepko Scholars and Fellows Program during my sophomore and junior year and then accepted student nurse positions at Eskenazi and Ascension St. Vincent at the end of my junior year.
I chose to become involved with these organizations because they contribute to improving the local Indianapolis community. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to spend my time contributing to these organizations.
Why was it important to you to take on extra activities or leadership roles while studying at IUPUI?
When I began volunteering as a freshman, it was important for me to get involved and make an impact on the community by working with a variety of organizations. I didn’t plan to hold leadership positions, however, I naturally fell into directing the GOAL University program when the previous director graduated at the end of my freshman year. From there, I added on being a lead volunteer at Paws’ Pantry and being part of the service division of Alpha Lambda Delta. It was a natural progression with my involvement, and I was able to balance my course load and other responsibilities.
What are your plans following the completion of your Bachelor of Science in Nursing studies?
I recently accepted a position at Ascension St. Vincent, and I will be a registered nurse in the Trauma Neuro Surgical Intensive Care Unit. I am very excited to begin my nursing career there!
What does the recognition of being a Top 100 Outstanding Student mean to you?
Top 100 to me is a recognition of students who have contributed to the IU Indianapolis community through their academic work, co-curricular involvements, and civic engagement. It’s an honor to be nominated and selected as a Top 100 Student.