Celebrating the accomplishments of IU Indianapolis’ alumni leaders

For the past decade, Nathaniel Waterfill, an alumnus of the IU Indianapolis School of Education, has dedicated his career to empowering students in Wayne Township. Through authentic relationship-building, culturally responsive teaching, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every learner, he has inspired countless young people to see themselves, their stories, and their futures reflected in the classroom.

Whether teaching English, coaching soccer, or guiding young men through the Roy Dobbs Young Men of Purpose program, Nate has consistently created spaces where students are encouraged to be their authentic selves and challenged to achieve greatness. One of the most inspiring examples of his commitment to equity and opportunity is the creation of the Giant Dreams Scholarship. Established in 2021 for undocumented immigrant students in Wayne Township, this endowed scholarship provides annual financial support to graduating high school seniors and stands as a testament to his belief that every student deserves access to opportunity. Thanks to his vision and partnership with the Wayne Township Education Foundation, this scholarship will continue making a difference for generations to come.

Ruth Elizabeth Odle was a member of the first Teacher Corps cohort at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. She earned her master's degree in Special Education in 1974 and later completed an administrative certification for both elementary and secondary education.

Liz credits the Teacher Corps experience with shaping her understanding that educating a child requires schools, families, and communities working together. That belief became the foundation of a remarkable career spanning more than five decades. From her years in special education to her leadership as principal of Washington Irving Elementary School and later as director of United Way's Bridges to Success initiative, Liz has dedicated herself to removing barriers and creating opportunities for students and families. Her work has helped thousands of young people succeed, not only in the classroom but in life.

Liz's influence extends beyond the school building—she served as an adjunct faculty member at IUPUI, becoming a mentor, alumna leader, and scholarship advocate. Liz helped establish the Art Brill Transition to Teaching Scholarship, now named the Teacher Corp Scholarship, which supports deserving graduate students pursuing careers in education. Her support and investment in future educators has brought lasting change to the IU Indianapolis School of Education community, and her commitment to service has never wavered even in retirement.

A 2019 graduate from IU Indianapolis’ Master of Public Health program, Madison Weintraut has strived to improve the health and well-being of communities across Indiana throughout her career. In her first role as a nurse epidemiologist with the Marion County Public Health Department, Madison developed various programs in Indianapolis to reduce cases of hepatitis C infections, prevent HIV transmission, and address the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, Madison continues advancing community health through her role as senior program officer with the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation while remaining an active leader and mentor in the profession.

Jessica B. Gonzalez, a Master of Public Health graduate from the class of 2014, currently serves as the health promotion and disease prevention program manager for the Veterans Affairs Valley Coastal Bend Health System. In this role, she serves over 40,000 veterans and seven community clinics in South Texas. Jessica has also made a national impact through her leadership at the NCAA through developing health promotion and prevention strategies for thousands of student athletes across the country. Through her leadership, community service, and mentorship, Jessica's commitment to improving health outcomes for all populations reflects the excellence of this award.

A 2022 graduate of the Master of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program, Bella Palazzolo made history as the first physician assistant hired in the Riley Children's Hospital emergency department. Today, she is the advanced practice provider supervisor, recruiting and mentoring emergency medicine PAs within the unit. Her leadership, as well as her dedication to mentoring students as an adjunct faculty member within the MPAS program, has made a lasting impact in advancing the PA profession.

Duane Haring has built an outstanding career in sport management and event operations through more than two decades of leadership with professional sports organizations, currently serving as the director of stadium and event operations for the Cincinnati Bengals. Beyond enhancing fan engagement and game-day operations, Duane has mentored hundreds of aspiring sport industry professionals throughout his time in the field. His career, civic engagement, and dedication reflect the excellence that defines this award.

Catherine L. Cunningham has two lifelong passions: art and supporting young people. Since graduating from the Herron School of Art and Design in 1984 with a degree in art education, she has melded these passions by teaching and encouraging youth, and by donating a great number of her artworks to charity auctions in support of youth programs. Kathy has also generously contributed her time, talent, and treasure to the Herron School, the Herron Alumni Association, and the Indiana University Alumni Association. Her support of the Herron School has focused principally on the Saturday School community-learning program and on undergraduate programs. A staunch supporter of Herron, she uses youth art venues to encourage young people to pursue their education at IUPUI. She has served on the Herron Alumni Board since 2002 in numerous positions—president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer—and has chaired or served on several board committees.

Rex Hoffman, MD, MBA’18, is a nationally recognized radiation oncologist, healthcare executive, author, and educator who has led transformative improvements in healthcare quality, operational excellence, and physician leadership development. He currently serves as hospital chief medical officer for Providence in Mission Hills, California.

Before earning his Kelley MBA, Dr. Hoffman led major initiatives within Providence’s Cancer Institute, including a multi-state modernization effort that generated more than $10 million in savings. After graduating in 2018, he advanced into influential executive leadership roles, including chair of Providence Health System’s Cancer Institute and chief medical officer. He spearheaded system-wide efforts to strengthen physician leadership, streamline more than 1,000 medical directorships, and improve organizational effectiveness.

Beyond his executive roles, Dr. Hoffman has made significant contributions to physician leadership education. He has authored and co-authored several resources for current and aspiring healthcare leaders, including I Want to Be a Chief Medical Officer: Now What? and Difficult Dilemmas for Chief Medical Officers. His expertise has also been featured through national leadership and healthcare platforms. Dr. Hoffman’s impact extends across healthcare delivery, physician development, and organizational excellence, and his sustained record of leadership, innovation, and service exemplifies the values of the Anthony D. Cox Leadership and Impact Award.

Charles “Chuck” Dunlap graduated cum laude from the IU Indianapolis McKinney School of Law in 1996. Today, he is the president and CEO of the Indiana Bar Foundation in Indianapolis, a position he’s retained since 2001. In this role, Chuck is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and programs of the foundation, which include administration of several civic education programs and Indiana’s civil legal aid delivery system operations.

Chuck also serves as adjunct faculty member at the Indiana University O’Neill School of Public & Environmental Affairs, lecturer at Purdue University, president of the FBI Indianapolis Citizens Academy Alumni Association, and is an active volunteer with the American Red Cross serving on the Greater Indianapolis Board of Directors.

Chuck was formerly president of the National Association of IOLTA Programs, treasurer of the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, councilmember of the Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs Distinguished Alumni Council, deputy director of the Indiana University McKinney School of Law’s Military Commission Observation Project at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and board member of the National Conference of Bar Foundations.

Jennett M. Hill has served as president of Lilly Endowment Inc. since 2022 and as a member of the endowment’s board of directors since 2015. Before joining the endowment, Jennett served as senior vice president and general counsel for Citizens Energy Group, where she oversaw legal affairs, environmental stewardship, human resources, internal audit, and regulatory affairs. She previously was a partner at Faegre Baker Daniels, now Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, advising nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations on corporate formation, tax exemption, governance, IRS compliance, tax regulations, and other nonprofit-related matters, as well as intellectual property, internet, and privacy issues. The daughter of a U.S. Army officer, Jennett also led the firm’s effort to establish Indiana Lawyers for Soldiers, a pro bono program serving deployed Indiana National Guard members and their families.

Jennett began her legal career working with former Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan Jr.. She also spent more than a decade at IBM in technical and leadership roles, including systems engineer, systems design consultant, and regional manager. A graduate of DePauw University and the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Jennett has shared her leadership and expertise with numerous civic and charitable organizations across Indiana, including Arthur Jordan Foundation, Center for Leadership Development, Eskenazi Health Center, Indiana Energy Association, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, and Riley Children’s Foundation. She is a member of The American Law Institute, the nation’s leading independent organization dedicated to clarifying, modernizing, and improving the law.

Jennett is married to Alan P. Hill, a longtime college administrator whose decades of service in admissions, financial aid, and student affairs have helped advance the success of many students. Throughout their 40 years of marriage, Jennett and Alan have enjoyed time with family, active involvement in their church, travel, and sporting events. They are the proud parents of two adult children, Courtney and Preston, and are delighted to welcome their daughter-in-law, Emma, into their family.

Michael “Mike” Dunlap has been a partner with Church Church Hittle + Antrim (CCHA Law) since 1977, just two years following his admission to the Indiana bar in 1975. Throughout his career, Mike’s practice has focused on personal injury and litigation matters, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, real estate and eminent domain, and general civil litigation.

Mike earned his B.S. with distinction from Indiana University in 1972 and a J.D., cum laude, from Indiana University Indianapolis School of Law, now the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, in 1975. While in law school, he served as an editor of the Indiana Law Review. Throughout his career, Mike has been actively involved in the legal profession and his community. He is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association and serves as an emeritus director of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association Board of Directors. He is also a former president of both the Hamilton County Bar Association and the Indianapolis Law Club, and he previously served as chairman of the Brain Injury Association of Indiana Board of Directors.

Mike has received an AV Preeminent peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell and was recognized as an Indiana Super Lawyer from 2004 through 2021. He has written numerous articles on traumatic brain injury and has been invited to speak to lawyers, physicians, neuropsychologists, therapists, and other professionals on related topics. Mike currently serves on the Westfield Parks Board and the Board of Visitors of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as playing golf.

A graduate of IU Indianapolis’ Religious Studies program (in addition to Purdue’s Biology program) and Indiana University School of Medicine, Dr. Mohamad Z. Saltagi now serves as a head and neck oncologic, endocrine, and reconstructive surgeon at IU Health. His dedication to treating patients like family reflects the humanistic values that have distinguished him throughout his education and medical career.

Beyond the hospital, Dr. Saltagi has generously welcomed students to visit his mosque, creating meaningful opportunities to learn about Islam, engage with the Muslim community, and develop greater understanding and respect for different faith traditions. His leadership in medicine and community engagement exemplifies the transformative impact of a liberal arts education.

Since 2017, Marissa Gagnon has built a strong reputation in Indianapolis's tourism and hospitality industry for the creativity, collaboration, and thoughtful problem-solving she brings to every experience she creates. Marissa has stayed closely connected to IU Indianapolis by serving as a classroom panel interviewer, participating in COMM Day, delivering a keynote address for the Office of Student Employment, mentoring students as they explore internships and career paths, and supporting student leadership as a recruitment advisor for Alpha Sigma Alpha. Her work rests on a belief that strong relationships and meaningful experiences have a lasting impact, whether she's guiding a complex event from idea to execution or helping a student figure out what comes next. Through the career she has built and her generous investment in the next generation, Marissa shows what a liberal arts graduate can achieve. Outside of work, you'll likely find her figure skating, enjoying all-you-can-eat sushi, or walking her two dogs with her college sweetheart, Andrew.

Edward “Ed” Clere is recognized for his longstanding partnership with the Indiana University School of Nursing through the school’s legislative fellowship. Since 2014, he has provided nursing students with direct exposure to legislative sessions, committee hearings, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and professional mentorship. Ed’s support has helped the school establish a lasting experiential-learning opportunity that prepares nurses to bring clinical knowledge, research evidence, and patient perspectives into health-policy discussions and public decision-making.

Dr. Wanda D. Thruston is recognized for a distinguished four-decade career advancing community health, nursing education, workforce development, policy, mentorship, and equitable access to nursing education and care. She founded the Future Promises Program, which served more than 2,500 pregnant and parenting adolescents, and has extended her impact nationally through nursing workforce development, educational-access initiatives, and technical assistance to nursing programs. Dr. Thruston’s career reflects sustained leadership and a deep commitment to preparing future nurses and improving health outcomes for underserved communities.

Laura A. Blazier is recognized for significant contributions to neonatal clinical practice, patient safety, and nursing education. As a clinical nurse specialist in the Level IV neonatal intensive care unit at Riley Hospital for Children, she has led evidence-based quality-improvement initiatives addressing infection prevention, neuroprotection, unplanned extubations, sedation, and pressure-injury prevention. She also develops nationally used clinical procedures and mentors nurses and graduate students, extending her impact from the bedside to nursing practice and education.

Kimberly Merritt, a 1995 graduate of the School of Science at IUPUI, is being honored for more than 30 years of extraordinary service, leadership, and commitment to IU Indianapolis and the School of Science. Kim earned her B.A. in psychology from the School of Science and earned a certificate and M.A. in philanthropic studies from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Throughout her career at IU Indianapolis and with the IU Alumni Association, Kim has been a driving force in building and strengthening alumni engagement. She has served in numerous leadership roles, continually stepping forward to embrace new opportunities, and finds innovative ways to connect alumni with one another and with the university. Her thoughtful, relationship-centered approach has helped shape alumni programming, volunteer leadership, recognition, and philanthropic engagement for not only the School of Science but the entire Indianapolis campus and beyond.

Kim’s contributions to the School of Science have been particularly meaningful—she was instrumental in establishing and supporting the school’s Alumni Board of Directors and the School of Science Alumni Association Academic Achievement Scholarship. These initiatives have created new opportunities for alumni to serve, give back, and support future generations of science students. Her partnership, institutional knowledge, and unwavering commitment have strengthened the school’s alumni community in ways that will continue well beyond her own tenure.

Through more than three decades of tremendous growth and change at IUPUI and now IU Indianapolis, Kim has remained a steadfast champion for the School of Science, our Indianapolis campus, its alumni, and its future. She has risen to every opportunity her career has presented while never losing sight of what is at the heart of alumni engagement: relationships, belonging, and a desire to give back. Kim is an IUPUI and IU Indianapolis alumni star through and through, and her career exemplifies the lifelong connection, service, and impact we hope to inspire in every School of Science graduate.

A 1989 graduate of the IU School of Social Work, George Goehl is one of the nation's most influential community organizers and has spent his career advancing economic and racial justice. From helping establish an affordable housing fund in Bloomington as a student to leading national campaigns that influenced financial reform and consumer protections, his work has improved the lives of countless individuals and families. As the founder of Addition and a leader in grassroots organizing, George has trained thousands of organizers and community leaders while ensuring that low-income and rural communities have a voice in shaping public policy. He continues to support the IU School of Social Work as a member of the Dean's Advisory Board and a frequent speaker and mentor.

A nationally recognized social work educator, scholar, historian, and advocate for civil and human rights, Dr. Maurice Daniels has dedicated more than four decades to advancing social justice, strengthening communities, and preparing future generations of social workers. As the first African American dean of the University of Georgia School of Social Work, he led transformative initiatives that expanded interdisciplinary education, elevated the school's national profile, and created new opportunities for students and faculty. An accomplished author, researcher, and public scholar, Dr. Daniels has preserved and shared important civil rights history while championing equity, opportunity, and inclusion through his leadership and service. He is also a proud Indiana University alumnus, having earned both his Master of Social Work and doctoral degrees from IU. Throughout his extraordinary career, Dr. Daniels has exemplified the values of the social work profession and brought great distinction to Indiana University.

Jennifer is a proud alumna of the Indiana University School of Social Work and has dedicated her career to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families. As a licensed clinical social worker, Jennifer has served in leadership roles across child welfare, behavioral health, and human services. Today, she serves as director of Indiana's Department of Child Services, where she leads the state's efforts to protect children and strengthen families. Throughout her career, she has also helped prepare the next generation of social workers as an instructor in the IU School of Social Work's graduate program.