Indianapolis, Indiana – The University of Indianapolis (UIndy) is proud to announce Laura Allende Castilla as the recipient of the highly esteemed 2025 Honors Student of the Year award. This prestigious distinction is given annually to an Honors student who not only excels academically but also contributes meaningfully to the university’s academic and social community. A standout student-athlete originally from Spain, Allende Castilla has demonstrated exceptional dedication to her studies while actively shaping UIndy’s campus culture through her involvement and leadership.
Arriving at UIndy as an international student, Allende Castilla set out with a clear purpose: to immerse herself fully in both the academic and extracurricular opportunities the university had to offer. Her journey to success, however, was not without its challenges. Balancing the demands of two rigorous academic majors—International Relations and Business Administration & Management—alongside her commitments to the UIndy Swim and Dive team, required not only intelligence but immense perseverance and time management skills.
“Coming to the United States as an international student-athlete was both exciting and overwhelming,” Allende Castilla shared. “From day one, I knew I wanted to not only succeed in the classroom but also contribute meaningfully to the UIndy community.”
Her determination paid off, as Allende Castilla excelled both in the pool and in the classroom, earning her a reputation as one of the university’s most hardworking and outstanding students. Over her academic career, she accumulated a series of remarkable achievements that have solidified her place among UIndy’s brightest scholars. In May, she will graduate summa cum laude, a testament to her dedication and focus. She also received multiple academic honors, including the Donald F. Carmony Award for Excellence in History and Politics and the 2025 Top Undergraduate Scholar award for the School of Business. Furthermore, she was named an Esch Scholar, adding to her extensive list of accolades.
However, it was her Honors project that truly set her apart. Allende Castilla’s research, titled The Need for Global Awareness in an Interconnected World: A Quantitative Study of the University of Indianapolis Student Body, explored the levels of global awareness among UIndy students. Through a campus-wide survey, she discovered that UIndy students’ awareness of global affairs was not only on par with national averages but also challenged prevailing stereotypes about students in the Midwest lacking a global perspective.
Her study, the first of its kind at UIndy, showed the importance of international education in preparing students to engage with the increasingly interconnected world. It is research like this that has earned Allende Castilla recognition from both her professors and peers as an exceptional student with a clear vision for making a meaningful impact.
Dr. Jyotika Saksena, professor of international relations and president of the UIndy Faculty Senate, served as Allende Castilla’s Honors advisor and has praised her scholarly rigor and intellectual curiosity. “In many ways, Laura has been an ideal student throughout her time at UIndy,” Dr. Saksena remarked. “She always keeps up with all her deadlines, her work is always well researched, and she chooses topics that are challenging and broaden her knowledge. Her Honors topic is not only academically and socially relevant but also adds to the literature on her topic. To my knowledge, no studies have been done that evaluate the global mindset of students in the Midwest, and this is the first study of its kind conducted at UIndy.”
Looking ahead, Allende Castilla plans to continue exploring global awareness as part of her graduate studies. This fall, she will begin her master’s program in international relations at UIndy, where she intends to build on her research and dive deeper into how global issues are perceived and understood within different academic communities.
“Being recognized as Honors Student of the Year means the world to me—not just as a reflection of what I’ve accomplished, but as a celebration of the journey I’ve had here and the people who made it all possible,” Allende Castilla reflected with gratitude.
Her journey at UIndy extends beyond academic achievement, as Allende Castilla’s impact on the campus community has been far-reaching. She was actively involved in the Honors Living-Learning Community, where she forged lasting connections with her peers and faculty members. Through her role in this community, she not only succeeded as a student but also contributed positively to the campus environment, fostering collaboration and intellectual exchange among students with diverse interests and backgrounds.
As she transitions into her graduate studies, Allende Castilla remains deeply reflective of the experiences that have shaped her journey thus far. From her initial days as an international student-athlete to her rise as one of UIndy’s most respected scholars, her path has been characterized by resilience, hard work, and a commitment to excellence in every facet of her life.
“The recognition as Honors Student of the Year is not only a reflection of my academic achievements but a testament to the incredible people I’ve met and the experiences that have shaped my journey at UIndy,” she said, emphasizing the importance of community and support throughout her time at the university.
In addition to her academic and athletic accomplishments, Allende Castilla’s influence has been felt across the UIndy community. She has served as an inspiration for fellow students, embodying the values of academic excellence, leadership, and global citizenship. Her willingness to take on challenges and her ability to connect with others have left a lasting impression on faculty and students alike.
Allende Castilla’s success is a clear reflection of the ideals championed by the Ron and Laura Strain Honors College at UIndy. The college prides itself on fostering an environment where students can pursue academic excellence while developing the critical thinking and leadership skills needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. Allende Castilla’s contributions to both the university and the broader community serve as an inspiration for future generations of UIndy students, proving that with dedication and a willingness to engage with the world around you, anything is possible.
As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her academic and professional journey, Allende Castilla’s future looks exceptionally bright. Her passion for international relations, combined with her dedication to fostering global awareness, positions her to make significant contributions to the world in the years to come. The University of Indianapolis is confident that her journey is just beginning, and that her legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of the institution and beyond.
Laura Allende Castilla’s recognition as the 2025 Honors Student of the Year is not only a testament to her exceptional academic accomplishments but also a reflection of the values and vision she brings to every aspect of her life. It is a fitting acknowledgment of a student who has demonstrated remarkable achievement and whose impact on the UIndy community will be felt for years to come.
