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Commencement Speakers

Graduate Alumni Speaker | Dr. Gregory D. Bierly

Greg Bierly was born and raised in the tiny town of Elizabeth in southeastern Indiana near the Ohio River. He graduated from South Central High School and went on to study physical geography and climatology in the Geography and Geology Department at Indiana State University. There he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree and a Master’s of Arts degree under the direction of Dr. John Harrington. He then earned his PhD from Michigan State University, where he was a research assistant in synoptic meteorology and mid-latitude cyclone climatology with Dr. Julie Winkler. 
 
He joined the faculty of Indiana State University in 1995, where he directed the climatology laboratory and taught environmental science, weather and climate, and synoptic meteorology to thousands of students in the Department of Earth and Environmental Systems. He became the director of the University Honors Program in 2006, and guided its growth and development to become Indiana State’s first Honors College; he now serves as dean to a college of over 1,000 honors students. During his time at ISU, he has also served as a faculty senator, a fellow for Community Engagement, and Chief Research Officer. He was presented the President’s Medal for Exemplary Teaching and Scholarship in 2012, and the William Albert Jones medal in 2017. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra.
 

Graduate Student Speaker | Ms. Kimberly Collins

Kimmie Collins, a lifelong Sycamore from Terre Haute, Indiana, is graduating with a Master of Arts in Communication. She is Vice President of Lambda Pi Eta, the Honor Society for the National Communication Association. Her research project, "May I have the Definition of Culture? Co-Constructing Camaraderie and Competition at the Scripps National Spelling Bee," explores how Scripps National Spelling Bee participants create a collaborative organizational culture amidst fierce competition.

Through the McKee Fellowship, Kimmie fulfilled her dream of writing and publishing a children’s book about Sycamore Sam entitled Sam Becomes a Sycamore. She and Sycamore Sam read the book at local schools, providing each second grader a book to foster their love of reading and Indiana State. Kimmie’s book is available through the ISU Bookstore and Amazon. She is eager to continue writing children’s books.  

During her studies, Kimmie was a graduate assistant in Rose-Hulman's Office of Communications and Marketing, where she wrote feature stories and created social media content. Kimmie also returns to the Scripps National Spelling Bee's social media team each year. 

Appointed by the governor, Kimmie served as Student Trustee on Indiana State University's Board of Trustees from 2021 to 2023. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Marketing with a Minor in Entrepreneurship from Indiana State in 2022.

Passionate about education, Kimmie hopes to spend her career telling people’s stories to make a difference in students’ lives. 

Undergraduate Alumni Speaker | Mr. Rondrell Moore

Rondrell Moore graduated from Indiana State University Suma Cum Laude in 2008, with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a minor in Spanish. While at school he was news director for WISU and an anchor for Sycamore Video (then Sycamore Beat.) He was both a Lilly Endowment and Richard G. Lugar scholar. Thanks to a 4.0 GPA, Rondrell was the 2008 recipient of the Hines Memorial Medal. He was also named Communications Student of the Year. 

Shortly after graduation, Rondrell began his career at WTHI-TV and has been there for 16 years. He has worked as an internet content producer, producer, reporter, weekend anchor, and morning/midday anchor. He is currently the evening anchor for News 10 at 6 and News 10 Nightwatch and the current Director of Talent Development. 

As a reporter, Rondrell has received two Ohio Valley Regional Emmy nominations. One was for his piece, ‘Face the Truth’ which showed the dangers of unmonitored Internet usage for children. The other was for his piece, ‘Cell Block’ which chronicled the issues of cell phones in prison. He’s also won an award from the Associated Press for his piece ‘While You Were Sleeping’ where he followed the Terre Haute Police Department’s overnight shift. He’s also received recognition from the Indiana Broadcaster’s Association and the Society of Profession Journalists. 

Rondrell’s investigation into fungus found in Capri Sun drinks gained national attention. The story caught the eye of biologists, who used it to inspire the company to make a national packaging change. 

Rondrell has worked to impact the Terre Haute community, serving for more than a year on the Wabash Valley Community Foundation Distribution Committee. He’s done work with the United Way’s African American Board Leadership Institute. He’s worked for several years with the League of Women Voters moderating political forums. He continues working with Indiana State University, hosting several events for the ISU foundation.  In 2016 he was the recipient of the 12 under 40 Award from the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. In 2019 he received the Polaris Award for Terre Haute North Alumnae. He’s emceed various community fundraisers and events. He also enjoys sharing inspirational messages with school students in the area.  

Rondrell has a passion for theater and has performed in several productions in the area. He is an ordained Elder in the Church of God in Christ, where he works with younger people. He is also the minister of music at Saints Home Church of God in Christ. Rondrell loves spending time with family and friends. He’s an avid tennis player. He’s most excited to start his new chapter as a husband later this year when he marries his fiancé Kara.    

Undergraduate Student Speaker at Noon | Julio Rosales

Julio Rosales is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in legal studies and a language studies certificate. He was born in Van Nuys, California, and raised in Pacoima, California until his family moved to Jasper, Indiana, where he graduated from Jasper High School in 2020. He is the son of Rosy Rivas and Jose Rosales, with three siblings: Jesse, Rosy, and Isela.
 
Julio's passion for law, politics, and immigration grew from his immigrant parents. Throughout high school, and his time at ISU, Julio engaged in an abundance of organizations and professional activities to prepare himself for his future. During his time at Indiana State University, he was actively involved with Delta Sigma Phi, where he served as Vice-President of Operations and the Director of Marketing; Student Government Association where he served as a Senator, Senate Speaker, and Director of Leadership; Phi Alpha Delta, serving as the Vice-President of Social, and a member of Residence Hall Association, Sycamore Leadership Coalition, Student Philanthropy Organization, and Hispanic Latino Alliance. Additionally, Julio interned at Jasper City Hall, as well as the Immigrant Welcome Center, which exposed him to both public and nonprofit sectors.
 
Julio's commitment to academic excellence and community service has been remarkable. Upon graduation, he plans to obtain his Master’s in Public Administration at Indiana State University. Julio's hope is to inspire future students of similar backgrounds to continue striving for more. 
 

Undergraduate Student Speaker at 3 p.m. | M. Ahsan Khan

Beginning his academic journey at ISU in 2021 as a Pakistani American, Ahsan Khan enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to immerse himself in diverse cultures while pursuing his education. Throughout his time at ISU, Khan actively engaged in various roles, including working closely with the Office of the President and Provost as a student employee. Khan’s dedication and hard work were recognized when he was honored with the 2024 Student Employee of the Year Award. Additionally, his involvement in the Student Government Association allowed him to hone his leadership and collaborative skills while significantly contributing to campus life.
 
Currently employed as a software engineer at NASA, Khan plays a crucial role in spacecraft exploration and development, reflecting his passion for pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration. As he approaches graduation, Khan eagerly anticipates continuing his impactful contributions to space exploration and beyond.
 
Ahsan Khan's journey exemplifies a steadfast commitment to integrating cultural insights with personal growth within the ISU community and broader professional endeavors. His dedication and achievements are a testament to his unwavering pursuit of excellence and innovation, making a lasting impact in both academic and professional arenas.
 
Khan will graduate Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Computing Science concentration.