Sycamore Sunset, a new Indiana State tradition as commencement approaches

Four years have passed quickly for Sadie Herring, and on Saturday, she graduates from Indiana State University, with a double major in insurance/risk management and marketing.

The West Vigo High School graduate will be a featured speaker Saturday at the noon undergraduate ISU commencement ceremony.

“I’m super excited,” she said on campus Wednesday as ISU began a new tradition, a celebration called Sycamore Sunset. “I’m incredibly thankful for all that Indiana State has given me, and the past four years have been so rewarding to me and so much growth has happened in those four years.”

She’s accepted a full-time position with Core Specialty Insurance, where she will be a business development representative traveling in a multi-state region.

In personal news, Herring also got married April 11.

As one life chapter closes, and another begins, “I’m so excited to see where I go from here,” Herring said.

On Saturday, she hopes to encourage graduates to be willing to take chances and not let past boundaries stop them from reaching their potential.

Sycamore Sunset

Herring found time to briefly stop by for a new event at ISU called the Sycamore Sunset, an event for the Class of 2026 described as an evening of celebration, connection and preparation for what comes next.

The event, hosted by the ISU Alumni Association, took place at the Sycamore Banquet Center and featured a celebratory toast (champagne or sparkling grape juice); appetizers and a “dirty soda” bar.

Graduates had the opportunity to take photos with ISU President Mike Godard at the fountain. A cap decorating station was available, allowing students to personalize their graduation caps in preparation for Saturday.

Godard and PJ Thompson, executive director of the ISU Alumni Association, encouraged graduates to stay connected to ISU, through the friendships and relationships they have made along the way.

Godard delivered the toast.

“Here’s to you,” he told the Class of 2026. Saturday “will truly be a celebration, and a celebration of you and all of your accomplishments and what comes next as well.”

He also told them, “All of you have had your own journey to get to this point. A lot of time that journey takes a lot of perseverance, a lot of dedication, and a lot of support from others.”

Godard encouraged the Class of 2026 to thank those who have supported them along the way.

Ready for the next chapter

Among those attending Sycamore Sunset were Annisa Adams and Jonnishae Bennett, both from Chicago.

Adams majored in architectural engineering and has a job lined up in Indianapolis as an architectural drafter.

As her four years at ISU draws to a close, she said, “It’s a relief — very exciting. I’m glad to be done.”

She added, “There have been a lot of ups and downs, but for the most part, it’s been pretty good. I’ve had a lot of good opportunities. “

Jonnishae Bennett, a graduate student, will receive her master’s in student affairs and higher education Saturday. She also received her bachelor’s degree from ISU.

Bennett has spent six years at ISU and has mixed emotions as the big day draws near. “The beginning of my adulthood has been here at ISU,” she said. “I’ve learned so much about myself, about community and independence.”

She’s a twin and learned how to make it on her own at ISU. “I’ve met amazing people here,” she said.

Bennett has a career lined up at Syracuse University, where she will be a programmer for student leadership training and development.

Alan Austin, a marketing management major from Cambridge City, said, “It’s crazy to think that four years flew by so quick.”

Graduation is both exciting and bittersweet, he said. “I have a ton of friends here and I’ve gotten pretty involved.”

He was active with the Student Government Association, fraternity Delta Sigma Phi, Sycamore Leadership Coalition and he studied abroad.

Austin is optimistic about his career opportunities after graduation.

Commencement day

Saturday will feature three separate ceremonies:

• Graduate ceremony: 9 a.m.

• Undergraduate ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences and the Scott College of Business: Noon

• Undergraduate ceremony for the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology, the Bayh College of Education, and the College of Health and Human Services: 3 p.m.

At the graduate level, a total of 386 students will receive their degrees, including 306 master’s degrees, 10 education specialist (Ed.S) degrees, and 70 doctoral degrees.

Of the 306 master’s degrees, 177 are from the state of Indiana, 82 are from 30 other states, and 47 students from 16 countries outside of the United States. All of the 10 education specialist graduates are from Indiana.

Of the 70 doctoral graduates, 39 are from Indiana, 25 are from 12 states outside of Indiana, and six are from countries outside of the United States.

A total of 1,145 Sycamore undergraduate students will receive their diplomas.

Of the 1,145 undergraduate students, 802 are from Indiana, 316 are from 34 states other than Indiana and there are 27 international students representing 18 countries outside of the United States.

The commencement speaker for the graduate ceremony is Jamie Lynn Ashcraft, a construction management professional and graduate student in ISU’s Master of Business Administration program.

The speaker for the noon undergraduate ceremony is Herring.

For the 3 p.m. undergraduate ceremony, the speaker is Kayleigh Fosnow, principal of New Palestine Elementary School and a nationally recognized educational leader.

During the graduate ceremony, ISU will confer a posthumous Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership to the family of Rex Kendall, honoring his lasting contributions to the institution and the profound impact of his leadership.

“Kendall, who served as chief of staff and dedicated decades of service to the university in a variety of roles, leaves a legacy defined by commitment to students, colleagues and the broader campus community,” the university stated.

This recognition “reflects the university’s deep appreciation for his service and ensures his influence will continue to be remembered as part of Indiana State’s enduring story.”

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