The IU Indianapolis Top 100 list celebrates students who are making a lasting impact on campus through leadership, service, and academic excellence. Get to know IU School of Nursing honoree—Madelyn Jorgensen, Class of 2026 BSN Honors student—as she shares her story and what this honor represents in her journey.
What does being named a Top 100 student mean to you?
Jorgensen: Being named a Top 100 student is a meaningful honor because it recognizes more than just academic achievement. I appreciate that it reflects a holistic view of a student’s experience, including leadership, involvement, service, and dedication both inside and outside the classroom. For me, it represents the effort I’ve put into balancing academics with extracurricular activities, volunteering, and growing as both a student and future nurse.
How have your extracurricular activities or leadership roles shaped your experience as a student at IU School of Nursing?
My extracurricular involvement has significantly shaped my experience. Through Jaguars Rowing, where I served as president and treasurer, I developed teamwork, communication, and leadership skills while learning accountability and working toward shared goals. Volunteering with the IU Student Outreach Clinic allowed me to connect with the Indianapolis community and understand the importance of accessible healthcare. My research experience through the Honors College strengthened my critical thinking and appreciation for evidence-based practice. Studying abroad in Germany broadened my perspective on culture and healthcare systems, reinforcing adaptability and understanding diverse patient backgrounds. These experiences have shaped me into a more well-rounded and compassionate future nurse.
Who has had the greatest influence on your nursing journey and why?
My faith in God has had the greatest influence on my nursing journey. It has shaped my desire to serve others and pursue nursing as a way to care for people during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Along the way, the nurses, mentors, family, and friends I have worked with during my journey have also played a significant role in shaping the kind of nurse I hope to become. Observing how they care for patients, advocate for families, and support one another has helped guide my own approach to patient care and professional growth.
What are your goals after graduation and how do hope to make a difference as a nurse?
After graduation, I will be starting at Riley Hospital for Children on the Burn Unit. I hope to make a difference by providing compassionate care to patients and their families during very difficult times. I also plan to stay involved in the Indianapolis community through volunteer work, such as outreach clinics, and I hope to participate in mission trips abroad in the future where I can use my nursing skills to help underserved populations.
Is there anything else about your experience at IU School of Nursing you’d like to add?
I believe the IU School of Nursing has truly set me up for success. The clinical experiences at major hospitals and the rigorous curriculum have challenged me and helped prepare me well for the NCLEX and for entering practice as a new nurse.
