Congratulations to Kalyn Rudow on being named one of Indy’s Best and Brightest, a prestigious Junior Achievement of Central Indiana honor, recognizing her remarkable leadership and commitment to student success in Central Indiana. As Executive Director of 21st Century Scholars and Inclusive Leadership at Marian University, Kalyn has secured multiple grants to support student achievement and expand access to higher education. Through her tireless advocacy, Marian increased its full-tuition scholarships for 21st Century Scholars from 25 to 100, making college dreams a reality for many more students. Under her guidance, the program has seen impressive growth: the percentage of 21st Century Scholars in the incoming class rose from 14.2% in 2018 to 21.9% in 2024, a testament to her vision and dedication.
Rudow’s impact goes beyond access-she has also driven significant improvements in student retention. Nearly 85% of full tuition 21st Century Scholars were retained in the 2023 cohort, surpassing the rates for all scholars and the general student body. This success is closely tied to Kalyn’s innovative requirement that full-tuition scholars participate in mentoring, career development, and cultural and community engagement activities each semester, fostering a supportive and enriching environment. Her leadership has also been recognized with the 2023 Indiana Commission for Higher Education Stan Jones Student Success Award for her Launch Your Future Summer Camp Initiative. Kalyn’s unwavering commitment continues to inspire students and colleagues, making her a deserving recipient as one of Indy’s Best and Brightest. Congratulations to our Shining Star!