Inside an internship with The Chris Lytle Foundation

By Logan Handy and Lesley Neff, M.A. | March 19, 2019 

“If we were to all take and not give back, there would be nothing left”—Logan Handy

Logan is a student in Marian’s adult and online programs who took advantage of an amazing opportunity to volunteer with a local non-profit, The Chris Lytle Foundation, while earning academic credit in the process, just in time to graduate this May!

Many think internships and volunteering are opportunities only for traditional students in a face-to-face setting, but Marian’s adult and online programs found a way to highlight community service, partnerships, and internships for students.

Logan chose to volunteer with The Chris Lytle Foundation and support their mission to "Rise up against bullying." Chris is a retired UFC fighter who recently re-emerged into bare-knuckle boxing. Despite a sport some may consider violent, he is a strong advocate against bullying and domestic violence in the Indianapolis community, and his actions support his foundation’s mission. Chris wanted to give back to his community in an impactful way, as he believes, “To whom much is given, much is expected” (Lytle, 2019). He lives this quote by his actions and efforts in bettering the community around him. 

His gym, Indy Boxing and Grappling (IBG), trains professional fighters by day but is open to underprivileged children for free in the evenings. No kid pays for a membership at IBG. Every evening, they have classes for children who are interested in boxing or wrestling, in which they participate, learn, build friendships, and meet mentors. One goal of the gym is to help keep kids out of trouble and off the streets. Chis wants them to build solid work ethics, feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, and know they are supported and accepted.

As part of her volunteer experience, Logan was invited to Chris' east side gym for a video shoot. After listening to Chris being interviewed, Logan walked away feeling “a respect for him and his desire to make a difference in the community and with the kids involved. He also has a drive in him that not many people have, and it shows through his passion of fighting and dedication to his career and family.” (She also received a few boxing lessons from Lytle himself.)

The videos are often posted to social media, and if the children who go to the gym are taped or interviewed, parental consent is required. One of Logan’s projects was to research and draft social media release forms and present one to the foundation for approval. 

Logan shared, “the feeling of being connected to your community makes you feel proud to live where you live and be where you are. Making a difference in someone’s life can benefit you and make you feel good as well.” Good karma.

In a perfect world, Logan's dream job would be to provide a source from which nonprofit organizations could get started and build a strong foundation, providing any aid and assistance they would happen to need. She currently works at Harry and Izzy’s as head host and assistant manager. She plans to stay there after graduation and grow within the organization while possibly pursuing employment at Eli Lilly's Life Center, and focus on life coaching.

For more information on Marian’s adult and online programs, our partners, degrees, and curriculum, please contact the Office of Graduate and Online Admission at (317) 955-6271.