Shontrai Irving begins term as chair of IU Alumni Association Board of Managers

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Shontrai Irving, BA’97, JD/MA’03, began his term as chair of the Indiana University Alumni Association Board of Managers on July 1. The IUAA represents the nation’s largest living alumni network, with more than 805,000 alumni worldwide.

“I want to make sure people see us as the most powerful and influential alumni base, as well,” said Irving. “IU is stronger because of its alumni. Every Hoosier has something to contribute.”

A practicing attorney and clinical professor of business law at Purdue University Northwest, Irving is from Gary, Ind. He holds three degrees from IU Bloomington, where he was part of the Groups Scholars program, which provides academic, financial, and social support to first-generation college students and those facing socioeconomic barriers. Irving calls his time as an IU student one of the most transformative experiences of his life.

“IU gave me the tools to turn my aspiration into reality,” Irving said. “It provided an outstanding education, but also skills that have been critical throughout my career. IU also reinforced the importance of service.”

Irving tries to live out the values he developed at IU by giving back to his community and alma mater. Since joining the IUAA Board of Managers in 2018, Irving has served in a variety of leadership roles, including at-large member, secretary, vice-chair, and chair elect. He has also held leadership positions across multiple IU alumni organizations, including the Neal-Marshall Alumni Club, the Groups Alumni Association, the Maurer School of Law Alumni Board, and the Maurer Black Alumni Advisory Board.

IU has recognized Irving for his service with the IUAA Volunteer Leadership Award, Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Arts and Sciences, Distinguished Service Award from the Maurer School of Law, Dr. Charlie Nelms Alumni Award, IU Bicentennial Medal, Hudson Holland Service Award, and Thomas J. Hennessy Alumni Award.

“It has been said that ‘service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.’ Shontrai’s story of impact is a reminder that leadership is measured not only by personal success, but by the lives we inspire and influence along the way,” said Paul Clifford, IU’s Chief Alumni Officer. “As a leader in his community, profession, and in service to Indiana University, Shontrai exemplifies the very best of our alumni community.”

Irving is also an active member of the Gary community, serving on boards for the Gary Community School Corporation, Sojourner Truth House, and Lake County Bar Association. As a foster parent, he’s provided foster care and other services to nearly 60 Indiana children. Former Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb recognized Irving for his service to the state with Indiana’s highest civilian honor in 2022, the Sagamore of the Wabash.

As Board of Managers chair, Irving will remain fueled by that same spirit of giving back. The theme “Hoosiers in service” will be central to his leadership.

“Too often people think once you graduate your experience ends—I think the most fulfilling part is seeing the impact alumni can have on each other and students,” he said. “Whether we are mentoring students, supporting literacy, volunteering in our communities, or helping the next generation of Hoosiers succeed, service is one of the most powerful ways we can honor the university that has given us so much.”

Irving succeeds Yung Nguyen, BS’89, MD’95, as chair. The following alumni leaders will also serve on the Board of Managers for the 2026-27 fiscal year:

• Chair-Elect: Mary Susan Buhner, BA’94
• Vice Chair: Kyle King, BS’07, OD’11
• Treasurer: Mike Wargo, BGS’82
• Secretary: Leslie Kidwell, MA’13
• Manager at Large: Shishir Deshpande, LLM’06
• Manager at Large: Cheryl Sullivan, MS’86, PhD’20
• Manager at Large: John A. Brown, BA’84, JD’87
• Manager at Large: Jason Gerdom, BS’97
• Manager at Large: Jeannie Infante, MA’03
• Manager at Large: Stacie Richter, BA’06
• Student Representative: Graham Pave
• Chief Alumni Officer: Paul Clifford